Andrew I Spielman in collaboration with colleagues marked at each section (*).
According to the Oxford dictionary, an eponym is defined as a person after whom something—such as a disease, condition, or discovery—is named or believed to be named. It comes from the Greek word epōnymos, which means, “named after”. In science and medicine, eponyms represent one of the highest forms of recognition—a lasting tribute that ensures professional immortality. Dentistry is no exception; numerous eponyms exist across its major specialties, including prosthodontics, endodontics, and orthodontics. For this section, we have expanded the scope to include all anatomical, cellular, physiological, and pathological structures, conditions, and features with oral or craniofacial significance.
The table below lists each eponym as it is commonly recognized by practitioners, students, or the public. It is followed by the name of the 261 individual associated with the eponym, birth and death years and country of origin, when available. Additional biographical details will be published in the Journal of the History of Dentistry, as part of a forthcoming Special Issue scheduled for publication in 2026.
Eponyms in Dentistry – Anatomy, Histology, and Physiology*
* in collaboration with Drs. Arthi Kumar and Ross Kerr from NYU College of Dentistry.
Eponyms in Dentistry – Oral Medicine and Oral Pathology*
* in collaboration with Drs. Arthi Kumar and Ross Kerr from NYU College of Dentistry.
Eponyms in Dentistry – Endodontics
* in collaboration with Dr. James Gutmann from Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas.
Eponyms in Dentistry – Oral Surgery*
* in collaboration with Dr. Robert Glickman from NYU College of Dentistry.
Eponyms in Dentistry – Periodontics-Microbiology
Eponyms in Dentistry – Prosthodontics*
* in collaboration with Dr. Leila Jahangiri from NYU College of Dentistry.
Eponyms in Dentistry – Orthodontics*
* in collaboration with Drs. Robert D. Spielman, and Jeanne M. Nervina, CTOR Academy, Hoboken, NJ.
Eponyms in Dentistry – Restorative Dentistry*
* in collaboration with Dr. Kenneth Allen from NYU College of Dentistry.
