Jeanne Sinkford

Jeanne Sinkford is an influential African-American dentist who was ahead of her time, leaving a large impact in the history of dentistry. Born on January 30, 1933 in Washington D.C., Sinkford quickly became a top student and ended up enrolling at Howard University at the young age of 16. She graduated top of her class in 1958 with degrees in psychology and chemistry, and stayed there to complete dental school.

After Sinkford graduated, she got a part time job as a dentist in prosthodontics. At the same time, she attended Northwestern University and earned her PhD in physiology. Eventually, Sinkford became the dean of Howard University’s College of Dentistry, becoming the first ever female dean at a U.S. dental school. Later, Sinkford would become the associate executive director of the American Dental Education Association.

For her work, Sinkford received various awards such as the Candace Award from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women and the Distinguished Service Award from the American Dental Association. Currently Sinkford serves as Dean Emerita for the College of Dentistry at Howard University.