[8][9] In 1910, Russell W. Bunting, later dean of the school, began his research into the causes and prevention of dental caries (cavities).

Kellogg Foundation began to develop plans for a new, purpose-built dental school building.

[2] In 1938, the School of Dentistry developed the first graduate program in dental public health in the United States under the leadership of Professor Kenneth A.

[2] In 1945, the School worked with city officials in Grand Rapids, Michigan to establish a water fluoridation program, one of the first in the United States.

[2] Construction began in 1966 on the project; at the time, the building contract of $17.3 million was the largest in university history.

[2] In 1972, the school established its summer dental community outreach clinics in Adrian and Stockbridge, Michigan; the program expanded to the Traverse City area in the following year.

[2] In 1975, Jessica Rickert became the first female American Indian dentist in America upon graduating from the school.

She was a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, and a direct descendant of the Indian chief Wahbememe (Whitepigeon).

In 2000, the school became the first in the nation to host the "Scientific Frontiers in Clinical Dentistry" program, with more than 1,500 dentists from across the country attending.

The same year, the school announced five new community partnerships to provide oral health care services to the underserved across Michigan.