Gillette Hayden
Gillette Hayden was a pioneering dentist and periodontist in the early 20th century. She was a founder of the American Academy of Periodontology and served as the first female President of the organization in 1916.
Early life and education
Gillette Hayden was born on March 2, 1880, in Greenville, Florida. Her family later relocated to Columbus, Ohio where she graduated valedictorian from East High School.Hayden graduated from the Ohio Medical University, which later became the Ohio State University College of Dentistry, in 1902. She was the third woman to graduate from the Ohio Medical University.
Career
After graduating in 1902, she took graduate work at Northwestern University through 1903, which led to her specialization in periodontology. After practicing in Columbus for a time, she then went to Dresden, Germany as assistant court dentist. She was there for two years of study and practice, introducing methods and treatment of periodontal diseases. Returning in 1908, Dr. Hayden began exclusively practicing periodontology with the philosophy that care and treatment of gums is as important as caring for teeth. Her office was located at 289 East State Street which was designed by her sister Florence Kenyon Hayden Rector.Leadership of dental associations
In 1914, she cofounded the American Academy of Periodontology with Dr. Grace Rogers Spalding to help educate dentists about periodontal diseases and their treatment. In 1916, she became president of the association and served almost continuously on the executive council until her death.Dr. Hayden served as the third President of the American Association of Women Dentists. The AAWD has established the Gillette Hayden Memorial Fund to aid promising women dental students. She also served as the President of the Federation of American Women Dentists in 1924.