Who was the first dental hygienist?

The first dental hygienist was Irene Newman, who was instrumental in establishing the profession in the early 20th century. She graduated from dental hygiene school in 1913 and became the first person to hold the title of dental hygienist. Newman's pioneering work set the stage for the dental hygiene profession, which focused on preventative care, education, and the promotion of oral health. She worked closely with her mentor, Dr. Alfred Fones, who is often credited with founding the dental hygiene profession. Her contributions have had a lasting impact on oral health practices, and she is recognized for helping to define the role of dental hygienists in patient care and preventive dentistry.