U.S. Army Dentistry Monument

The Army Dentistry Monument, which is located at the U.S. Army Medical Department Museum at Joint Base San Antonio – Fort Sam Houston, Texas, is sponsored by the Association of Army Dentistry. The monument is a tribute to the Army Dental Care System – a system that ensures dental readiness and supports soldiers whether they are in garrison or are deployed in a combat environment. The monument was dedicated March 24, 2023.

The monument comprises a central statue and multiple individual monoliths.

The sculpture depicts how military dentistry is provided in a combat environment. An Army dental officer and dental specialist care for a patient who is seated in a field dental chair. These three figures represent Army Dentistry’s mission at its core – dental caregivers ensuring soldier readiness.

  • The figure of the dentist honors Captain John Marshall, the first commissioned dental officer and acknowledged father of Army Dentistry; Captain Ben Salomon, a World War II Medal of Honor recipient; and all Army dentists – past, present and future.
  • The figure of the dental specialist honors Dr. Leonie von Zesch, the first female dentist to work for the U.S. Army, and all the enlisted Soldiers who work side-by-side with our dentists to preserve the fighting force.
  • The figure of the patient honors Dr. William A. Birch, one of the first African-American dentist to serve in the U.S. Army, and the Soldiers Army Dentistry has served since 1872 – and will continue to serve in the years to come.

Four monoliths along the walkway leading to the statue focus on the Army Dentistry Monument, Army Dental Corps Senior Leaders, the History of the Dental Corps and Army Dentistry Leadership. Surrounding the sculpture are monoliths, each representing an integral part of the Army Dental Care System:

  • Civilian dentists, dental assistants, hygienists and administrative personnel
  • Enlisted Soldiers and Noncommissioned Officers
  • Dental Laboratory System
  • Red Cross volunteers, and the spouses of our officers, noncommissioned officers and enlisted Soldiers
  • Army Dental Research
  • Education and Training

The Association of Army Dentistry thanks all the generous donors who brought the monument to life. Without their support, this tribute would not have been possible.

View the Army Dentistry Monument Dedication
View a Photo Gallery of the Dedication
ADM

Did You Know?

It takes a team to provide Soldiers with quality dental care.

Learn more about the contributions of these individuals and programs by viewing short videos that are part of the experience of visiting the Army Dentistry Monument at the AMEDD Museum.