Orthodontic program celebrates 50th anniversary

Dr. Sam Weinstein, left, founding chair of the orthodontic program at the College of Dentistry, with current chairman, Dr. Peter Spalding. Photo by Peggy Cain.

Nearly 100 people recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of the UNMC College of Dentistry Orthodontic Program. Alumni from every decade were represented at the Oct. 15 gathering, as were current residents, faculty and staff members.

During the luncheon, glasses were raised in a toast to Dr. Sam Weinstein, founding chair, who was surrounded by family. Dr. Weinstein spoke of the vision of then-Dean Bert Hooper in establishing a graduate program at a time when most dental schools were only teaching orthodontia at a fundamental level.

Dr. Ken Holland, who chaired the undergraduate program from 1952 to 1963 and continues to teach part-time, also attended the celebration. A watercolor print of the College of Dentistry was presented to each of the former chairmen.

Drs. Ken Holland, left, and Les Erickson tour the newly renovated orthodontia clinic at the College of Dentistry in Lincoln. Photo by Peggy Cain.

Dr. Peter Spalding thanked everyone for their commitment to the program and recent financial support which allowed a major upgrade to the clinic. Many of the luncheon guests toured the renovated clinic featuring state-of-the-art patient care areas and chair-side computers.

In the early 20th century, orthodontic treatment was unavailable in most countries and considered a luxury in the United States. However, a growing appreciation of its value to emotional and physical health created a greater need for orthodontic specialists.

By 1950, there were only about a dozen graduate orthodontic training programs in North America. The University of Nebraska College of Dentistry faculty recognized the need for an academic research program to train orthodontists and enhance general dental education. As a result, Dean Bert Hooper formed a search committee composed of Dr. Ralph Ireland, chairman of the department of pedodontics, and Dr. Holland, acting chairman of the department of orthodontics, to select a director for the new graduate orthodontic program.

Dr. Weinstein, who practiced in Omaha, was one of two orthodontists in the state at that time with a master’s degree in orthodontics. A 1941 Creighton School of Dentistry graduate, Dr. Weinstein served in the United States Navy as a Lt. Commander in the Dental Corps from 1942 to 1946. Following his military service he earned his graduate orthodontic degree from Northwestern University Dental College in 1948. He accepted the dental colleg position and began developing the curriculum in 1953, admitting the first graduate class in 1954.

The College of Dentistry’s graduate program is one of nearly 70 orthodontic programs in North America.