John Miller Hyson, Jr. |
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 John Hyson, photograph from Baltimore Sun |
| Born | October 17, 1927
Baltimore, Maryland |
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| Died | September 26, 2009 (2009-09-27) (aged 81)
Towson, Maryland |
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| Occupation | Dentist, dental historian, writer, museum curator |
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| Nationality | American |
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| Subject | Dental history |
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| Spouse | Elayne (Rhein) Hyson |
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| Children | John M. Hyson III and Gerald M. Hyson |
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John Miller Hyson, Jr. (October 17, 1927 – September 26, 2009) was the former curator, director of curatorial services, and director of archives and history at the National Museum of Dentistry, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution located in Baltimore, Maryland. He was also the author of many articles and books on the history of dentistry and was a practicing dentist for nearly 50 years.
Early years
Hyson was born in Baltimore, Maryland, the son of a dentist.[1] He graduated from the University of Maryland Dental School in 1950.[1] He also received a master's degree in oral surgery from the school in 1959.[2]
Dental practice
From 1950 to 1953, he served in the U.S. Air Force as a dental officer at Eglin Air Force Base in Okaloosa County, Florida.[1] He attained the rank of captain and was discharged from the military in 1953.[2]
From 1953 to 1999, he conducted a general dental practice in Idlewylde, Maryland and later in Towson, Maryland. He was also a member of the visiting dental staff at the University of Maryland Medical Center and taught oral surgery and operative dentistry at the University of Maryland Dental School during the 1950s.[2]
Dental historian and writer
Hyson wrote numerous articles about the history of dentistry, including articles on the history of the toothbrush, George Washington's dental health and wooden dentures, women dentists, African-American contract dental surgeons in the Spanish–American War, Dr. James Baxter Bean and the establishment of first military maxillofacial hospital and the founding of the West Point Dental Service.[1][2] Hyson's articles were published in journals, including Journal of the History of Dentistry, Military Medicine, and the Bulletin of the History of Dentistry.[2]
In 1994, he published an article titled "Did You Know A Dentist Embalmed President Lincoln?" in the Bulletin of the History of Dentistry.[2]
Hyson also wrote two books on dental history: "History of the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery: The World's First Dental School," and "A History of Dentistry in the U.S. Army to World War II."[2]
Dental archivist and collector
Hyson was also affiliated with the National Museum of Dentistry as curator (1992–1996), director of curatorial services (1996–2002), and director of archives and history (2002–2003). In 1999, he received a master's degree in museum studies from the University of Delaware.[2]
Hyson was also collector of historic dental memorabilia, including instruments, dental office furniture, U.S. Army Dental Corps uniforms and a folding dental chair from a World War I field hospital.[2]
Family and death
Hyson was a resident of Timonium, Maryland. In September 2009, Hyson died of a stroke. Hyson was survived by his wife of 59 years, the former Elayne Rhein, and two sons, John M. Hyson III and Gerald M. Hyson.[2]
