When Dr. Claude R. Williams, BCD’s first African-American professor, received his certificate in orthodontics in 1968 and started practicing on Forest Avenue (now known as MLK Blvd.) in South Dallas, he was one of two black orthodontists between Atlanta and Los Angeles. Patients traveled from all over the country for treatment.

Williams became a clinical assistant professor in the BCD Department of Orthodontics in 1971 and was named the college’s first director of minority affairs in 1991. He is currently director of community outreach services.

Baylor College of Dentistry has established a scholarship in Williams name that will benefit students from financially and/or economically disadvantaged backgrounds who have excelled academically and demonstrated a commitment to community service in a socio-economically deprived area.

The dental school hopes to raise more than $250,000 for the fund.

For more information or to contribute, call 214-828-8214 or email
centennial@bcd.tamhsc.edu.