Gardner P.H. Foley: colorful dean of dental historians

Gardner P. H. Foley, A.B., A.M, D.Sc. (1902-1997) served 41 years as professor of dental literature and history at the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, Dental School University of Maryland. As "dean of dental historians," Dr. Foley had an illustrious career that spanned 70 years. During his lengthy tenure at Maryland, Foley, who was not a dentist, taught over 3,000 dental students. Foley's Irish background, New England drawl and his early childhood memories and experiences in the charming seaside village, Gloucester, Massachusetts, influenced him throughout his life. Throughout his career, Dr. Foley was motivated to investigate aspects of literature and recorded history pertaining to teeth and dentistry. His extensive research, prodigious memory and numerous published columns, books and articles, have helped establish the important role that dentists have played in historic events throughout the ages. As a founding member of the American Academy of the History of Dentistry, Gardner Foley prepared the first draft of a constitution for the Academy. Dr. Foley left a legacy of accomplishment in the literature and the history of dentistry, which remains a source of pride to all those associated with this profession.