Was Paul Revere a Dentist? Yes, and Here’s What He Did

Did you know that Paul Revere did more than just warn towns about British soldiers? It’s true—America’s famous midnight rider once worked as a dentist! This article takes you back to the 1700s to show you the surprising side of Paul Revere’s life. You’ll find out about his dental skills, how he made fake teeth, and how he even helped solve an early American mystery. If you’ve ever wondered how a silversmith ended up taking care of teeth, or what dental care was really like back then, you’re in the right spot.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Why Care If Paul Revere Was a Dentist?

Imagine having a really bad toothache and not being able to get any help at all. In the 1700s, that’s what life was like for a lot of people. Dental care was rough, hurt a lot, and was often done by people who weren’t even “real” dentists.

This is where Paul Revere comes in. You probably know him as the guy who warned “The British are coming!” But before the American Revolution, he was already busy helping people in his town. One way he did this was by using his silversmith skills to fix teeth, make fake ones, and help people smile and eat again. When tooth pain could stop you from eating or even talking with friends, Paul became a helper for way more than just his famous ride.

2. What Jobs Did Paul Revere Have?

Paul Revere did more than one job in Boston:

• Silversmith — Making cups, spoons, and all kinds of things from silver.
• Engraver — He drew and carved pictures for newspapers and signs.
• Patriot — He was part of the Sons of Liberty and stood up to the British.
• Dentist — For several years, he fixed teeth, made fake teeth, and more.

People in colonial America often had to do lots of jobs just to make a living or help their neighbors.

Connection Between Metalwork and Dentistry

Because Paul was so good at working with metal, he was able to shape wires and make small things like clasps for teeth. In a time before special dental tools, his skills with silver and other metals worked great for making dental stuff.

3. How Did Paul Revere Learn Dentistry?

You might ask, “Did Paul Revere go to dental school?” But there were no dental schools back then!

Paul learned from a British dentist named Dr. John Baker, who came to Boston around 1768. Dr. Baker was one of the first people to advertise dental help in the colonies. Paul learned by watching him, asking questions, and practicing on real people.

Most learning back then happened by doing, not in a classroom. Paul didn’t get any paper diploma, but he got a good bit of practice and became known in Boston for his skill.

4. What Dental Services Did Paul Revere Offer?

Let’s see what Paul Revere could do for someone with a tooth problem. His dental practice, while simple compared to today, helped with a lot of needs:

• Tooth pulling: When a tooth hurt too much, out it came.
• Teeth cleaning: He did his best to clean teeth, even though brushes and paste were very basic back then.
• Fake teeth: Paul used ivory, animal bone, or even real teeth from other people to fill in the gaps.
• Dentures: He made sets of false teeth to help people chew and speak.

These are some of the first steps towards what a china dental lab does today, even though now everything is more comfy and modern.

Table: Dental Materials Used by Paul Revere

5. Did Paul Revere Really Make False Teeth and Dentures?

Yes, he really did! Paul made fake teeth for people who lost most or all of their real ones. This was common, since most folks ate tough bread and didn’t have toothpaste—so teeth rotted fast.

Making dentures was tricky. The mouth had to fit, the materials had to be strong but not hurtful, and the person needed to talk and eat. Paul often mixed pieces of ivory teeth and silver wire to hold things together. Sometimes, he even used teeth that people sold or gave away.

Today’s dental ceramics labs can make fake teeth that look and feel much better. If you wore the dentures Paul made, you’d be glad for the upgrade! But back then, they were a big step forward.

6. How Did He Advertise His Dental Practice?

Paul was a real go-getter. He wanted Boston to know he could work on teeth too.

He put ads in old newspapers like the “Boston Gazette and Country Journal.” The ads said he could clean and pull teeth and that he could fasten new ones in with silver wire. He even claimed he could “fix artificial teeth as well as any dentist from London.”

For someone who spent most days making spoons and cups, trying out dental work and getting the word out took lots of guts and energy!

7. Did Paul Revere Make George Washington’s Dentures?

Let’s clear up a story: Paul Revere did NOT make George Washington’s famous false teeth! Those were made by another dentist, Dr. John Greenwood.

Paul did make a small wire for one of Washington’s teeth. But the wooden or ivory false teeth you may have heard about were not done by Revere. Today, special removable denture labs make dentures that work and look a lot better than anything early presidents had.

8. The Mystery of Dr. Joseph Warren’s Teeth: America’s First Forensic Dentist?

This is a cool part of the story. In 1775, Dr. Joseph Warren, a friend of Paul’s and an American hero, died in battle. When it was time to find and bury his body, nobody could tell which body was his.

Paul remembered he had made Dr. Warren a special piece—a dental bridge held in place with silver wire. Looking at the bodies, Paul found the one with his own work on it.

This became one of the first times in America that someone used tooth work to help solve a real mystery. Today, this is called forensic dentistry—using teeth to tell people apart or help in cases.

9. What Was Dentistry Like in Colonial America?

Being a dentist back then was not at all fun. There were no shots to block pain, no comfy chairs, and no cute tooth cartoons on the door. Most dental help happened at home or by people like barbers or blacksmiths willing to give it a try.

Problems people had included:

• Rotten teeth
• Tooth pain
• Broken or missing teeth
• Sore or sick gums

With no toothbrushes, toothpaste, or checkups, teeth fell out fast. People with money might pay someone like Paul for help, but most just suffered through.

It wasn’t until a long time later, in the late 1700s and early 1800s, that dentistry started looking like a real job. Now, labs like digital dental lab can use computers to get teeth just right—something Revere could never dream of!

10. Why Is Paul Revere’s Dental Work Important Today?

Looking at Paul Revere as a dentist shows us a few big ideas:

• People had real problems. Tooth pain was just as serious as big political problems!
• Skills can be used in new ways. Metalworking skills helped with dental work.
• Trying new things matters. Paul wasn’t scared to try something different, even if others thought it was weird.
• Forensic work started early. His tooth work helped solve a big mystery.

If you want to know how old-style tooth care got started, or how someone could be both a hero and a hands-on helper, look at Paul Revere’s story!

11. FAQ

Q: Did Paul Revere have an official dental license?

A: No. There were no dental schools or licenses back then. Paul learned by working with Dr. John Baker.

Q: Were his dental treatments safe?

A: At the time, they were about as safe as you could get—but nothing like now. Some materials like lead and animal teeth are not used today.

Q: How long did Paul Revere work as a dentist?

A: Mainly from about 1770 to 1775, before the war took up all his time.

Q: Did other famous people come to him for dental work?

A: Not many stories are written down. His most famous “patient” was Dr. Joseph Warren.

Q: What kind of fake teeth did people wear back then?

A: Dentures made from ivory, animal teeth, or even teeth bought from other people, held together with wire.

12. Quick Facts and Summary

• Paul Revere was both a silversmith and a dentist.
• He learned to work on teeth from Dr. John Baker, a British dentist.
• He put ads in newspapers and made fake teeth, cleaned teeth, and pulled them when he had to.
• He did NOT make George Washington’s dentures.
• He helped find Dr. Joseph Warren by spotting a dental piece he made, making him America’s first forensic dentist.
• Dentistry in the 1700s was tough, but people like Revere made a big difference for their towns.
• Modern dental labs use technology Paul never had, making dental work easier for everyone.

Helping others was just as important to Paul Revere as his late-night horseback ride. Whether it was fixing a tooth or giving an important warning, Paul teaches us that the best heroes are the ones who see a problem, work hard to fix it, and aren’t scared to try something new.

Reviewed for accuracy by Dr. Joe Dental, DDS

References:

• Massachusetts Historical Society: Paul Revere’s Dental Practice
• Dr. John Baker’s Role in Colonial Dentistry, Boston Gazette Archives
• American Dental Association, History of Dentistry in the United States
• National Museum of American History: “Revere and the Warren Forensics” Exhibit

Most Important Things to Remember

• Paul Revere really worked as a dentist!
• He learned from another dentist and used his skill with metal on teeth.
• He helped find a lost hero with his dental work—a first for forensics in America.
• His work shows the value of problem-solving and learning new things.
• Dentistry has changed a lot, but it all started with people willing to help their neighbors.