Lilian Lindsay

Born in 1871 in London, Lilian was the first woman to qualify as a dentist in the UK.

 

Lilian was admitted to Edinburgh Dental School after having been refused admission to the National Dental Hospital in London. The dean there conducted her interview on the street, afraid that she would distract the male students. Despite the prejudice she faced as the only woman in her classes, Lilian excelled at Edinburgh, winning various medals. She graduated in 1895.

 

As well as practising in both London and Edinburgh, Lilian was a committed member of the British Dental Association (BDA), and the first woman admitted. She became the BDA’s honorary librarian and founded the collection with her own books. Today, it’s considered one of the best dental libraries in the world.