Thomas Lea Buckingham, MD, DDS, (1816-1883)

Miller, farmer, mechanic, dry goods merchant, dentist, author, physician, teacher, inventor, and fourteenth president of the American Dental Association, take your pick, for Thomas Lea Buckingham without feigning, embraced that menu to the brim--the verge beyond which, only a pittance of dentists might succeed. Nevertheless, the facts lie untouched--a testament to one of dentistry's most brilliant, unassuming, and dedicated disciples. Loved by his students and respected by his peers, Thomas Lea Buckingham reached new heights in garnishing respect from his colleagues. Sharing his knowledge, Dr. Buckingham profusely wrote about his findings, being affirmed by at least 25 dental periodicals (many with multiple contributions), over a period of thirty-four years, from 1850 to 1884. His principal writings appeared in Dental Cosmos, Johnston's Dental Miscellany, New York Odontologic Society Transcripts, Odontologic Society of Pennsylvania, American Dental Association Transactions, Dental Items of Interest, Pennsylvania Journal of Dental Science, Dental News, Dental Jairus, Missouri Dental Journal, Dental Registrar, New England Journal of Dentistry, and the British Journal of Dental Science. Upon Buckingham's death, noted dentists of his era spoke with love and respect of this exceptional dentist. This paper highlights the maturation of a minimally educated miller, who, with determination and purpose, rose to the pinnacle of his selected professions and garnered the love and respect of his fellow men.