Dr. Edward (E.B.) Call

Pioneer – in Health Care Dr. Edward (E.B.) Call

Dr. Edward Brandon (E.B.) Call (1831-1896) was a nationally known pioneer in the field of dentistry – specifically in dental devices. Dr. Call invented and patented the seamless gold crown and other dental bridgework. Reputedly, it is believed that Call also invented the pump-up dental chair (although no patent exists for that) and is also known to have established the first “dental lab” in the country. work career as an apprentice to a harness-maker. But, a move to soon closed that work chapter for Call. A chance encounter with a travelling dentist sparked Call’s interest in dentistry. By the time the family moved to Knox County, IL in 1860, Dr. Call had a flourishing practice, and in 1871, when a senior dentist in Peoria was looking for a successor, Call became the perfect fit.

Best known for his desire to save teeth as opposed to extracting them, Call worked to create devices that would do so. Thus, came Call’s seamless gold crown which Dr. Call introduced to the Chicago College of Dental Surgery and for which Call was awarded a degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery. Call became well known in the Mid-west and was frequently asked to present at conferences. He presented his technique for making gold crowns at the Ninth International Medical Congress, Dental and Oral Surgery Section in Washington, D.C. in 1887.

Dr. Call’s innovations were beneficial to many at all levels – city-wide, state-wide, nationally and globally. Dr. E.B. Call’s innovations undoubtedly saved many smiles!

Unknown Artist

Portrait of Dr. E. B. Call

Drawing

Courtesy of Hoffer Family