Esther M. Wilkins, BS, RDH, DMD (1916-2016)
Industry Icon
The recipient of the Industry Icon award credits the fortitude her hardworking mother and mentor sister gave her to accomplish what she needed to do with her life. She devised a program of study and created mimeographed handouts that evolved into an up-to-date textbook for the profession of dental hygiene. The textbook has been used around the world and translated into several languages. Today, when not working on its 12th edition, Dr. Wilkins shares knowledge amassed throughout a legendary career with students at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where she graduated in 1949.
Specialty: Periodontics, dental education
