Excited for the Olympics? Learn about dentistry’s role in sports through new ADA exhibit

First US patent for wooden golf tee awarded to dentist in 1899

As the world’s best athletes compete in the Summer Olympics in Paris, dentists can check out the ADA Library & Archives’ latest digital exhibit, which details the important role dentistry plays in sports.

“Dentistry and sports have long been linked,” said Alisun DeKock, ADA Library & Archives digital archivist and publishing librarian. “More than 100 years ago, Dr. George F. Grant received a patent for the first wooden golf tee, advancing a sport quite popular in his profession. Today’s dentists continue to positively impact the world of sport, from philanthropic and outreach work providing health care to athletes to advancing the science helping protect patients while on the field. Featuring items from the ADA’s archives as well as ADA tripartite member publications, we are excited to share this new exhibit in time for the 2024 Paris Olympics.”

“Going for the Gold: the Interplay of Sports & Dentistry” features four sections:

• Play Ball! Dental Professionals On and Off the Field, which includes items that profile oral health professionals' participation in a variety of professional sports, including baseball, hockey and football. A special section explores dentistry's unique impact on golf, showcasing the invention of the golf tee and the origins of a legendary player.

• Team Work Makes the Dream Work: Sports stars and dental philanthropy, which demonstrates the ways sports stars have participated in dental philanthropy. It showcases the collaboration between dental organizations and both professional and semi-professional athletes, from educational campaigns to community outreach programs.

• Stick the Landing: Oral safety for athletes, which highlights the extensive efforts of dental professionals and oral health organizations to help athletes better protect their teeth. These collaborative endeavors have played a crucial role in promoting a culture of safety and prevention in the sports community.

• The Best Offense is a Good Dentist: Taking care of athletes, which includes materials that highlight how dentists provide specialized care to athletes, from youth sports to professional leagues. Items include articles on dental health professionals traveling to Olympic villages to support athletes and contributing to research to advance the treatment of sports-related injuries.

The ADA Library & Archives provides ADA members with access to dental and oral health resources and research, as well as records and publications from the ADA’s archives. Part of that research is available through ADA Commons, an open digital repository that collects, preserves and disseminates state and local dental association publications and research.

“Going for the Gold: the Interplay of Sports & Dentistry” is ADA Commons’ second digital exhibit, following the June launch of “From Willow Leaf to Pain Relief: Aspirin & Pain Management in Dentistry,” which traces the progression of orofacial pain management throughout history.