John Smith (dentist)

John Smith (1825-1910) was the founder of the Edinburgh school of dentistry. He was born in Scotland, the son of a dentist, and took over the practice in 1851. Recognising the need for improved training, he founded the Edinburgh Dental Dispensary in 1860 and wrote the Handbook of Dental Anatomy and Surgery (1864). The Dispensary grew into the Edinburgh Dental Hospital and School by 1879. Smith was also a moderately successful playwright.