L.D. Pankey and Dr. Hand
The Pankey Institute and Dr. Hand
L. D. Pankey came to Coral Gables in 1926 determined to practice dentistry without pulling another tooth. Those were the days when half the adult population had lost all their teeth and dentures was the main source of dental treatment. Through years of study and persistence he established one of the most successful dental practices in the country.
As he shared his thoughts and technical skills, he began to teach a "Philosophy of Dentistry". The belief that "you did the very best for each patient" attracted students from all over America and foreign countries. When he retired, a group of his students, determined to continue his teachings, founded the first independent postgraduate dental school in the country. This has become the premier dental teaching experience in the world.
Tom Hand was raised in
Coral Gables and as a child was a patient in Dr. Pankey's office. When applying
to Emory School of Dentistry, Dr. Pankey wrote Dr. Hand's letter of recommendation and
followed his progress closely.
During his early years in practice, Dr Hand completed all the philosophy and oral rehabilitation courses taught by Dr. Pankey. When the idea arose to found the Pankey Institute, in order to continue his teachings, Dr. Hand was invited to participate. Dr. Hand completed the full six-year continuum of courses and served as a director and then a trustee of the Institute. He was elected President of its International Alumni Association. This association exposed him to leaders in American dentistry and provided a valuable learning experience.
The mission of the Institute is still as Dr. Pankey envisioned. Teach a philosophy based on care, skill, judgment and the most current scientific knowledge. This, rendered to each patient, helps participating dentists lead a balanced and productive life. Now after thirty years and housed in a seven million dollar state of the art facility in Key Biscayne, Florida, it has had over 25,000 visits from dentists from all over the world. It is now recognized as the premier postgraduate educational program in the world.
In
this way Dr. Pankey has had on a profound effect on his profession and the
patients we serve.