Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
CONZETT, John V.
CONZETT, John V. (Dubuque, IA, July 2, 1866--Dubuque, IA, Nov. 14, 1944). Conzett, first president of the American College of Dentists founded in Boston in 1920, always took an active role in his profession. Issued a license to practice dentistry in 1877, Conzett organized the Wedelstaedt Study Club for dentists in the Dubuqueland area in 1902 and served many years as a lecturer and president of the group. He appeared on the program of the 1904 World Dental Congress. In 1905 Conzett was chosen president of the Iowa State Dental Society. (1)
Conzett was president of the American Dental Association from 1919 to 1920 and was chairman of the board of dental examiners for many years. With four other dentists, he organized the American Dental Association's research commission. Conzett served twenty-five years on the dental education council and three years as the council's president. Through the efforts of this council, the Department of the Army recognized dentistry as a profession and organized the dental corps of the Army. (2)
Conzett authored many articles appearing in dental journals. He also wrote part of the American Textbook of Operative Dentistry. Peers considered his two greatest contributions to be making the Black method of cavity filling accepted and his interest in establishing uniform standards in the dental profession. (3)
Conzett received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from the UNIVERSITY OF DUBUQUE in 1919 and an honorary Doctor of Dental Science degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1920. He was the honorary vice-president of the Panama Pacific World Congress in 1915. (4)
Locally Conzett was instrumental in the organization of the YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION (Y.M.C.A.) and served as its first president. He held the record for the longest continuous service on the board of directors of the Y.M.C.A. and was chairman of the board of the Federal Building Company. (5)
Conzett was one of the charter members of the Dubuque Boy Scout Council when it was first chartered in January of 1917. In November, 1922, he was one of 16 individuals awarded a 5-year Veteran badge by the Dubuque Council for his continuous service on the Boy Scout Executive Board since the Council originated. Conzett, along with Judge Daniel E. Maguire and Superintendent of Schools James E. Harris, formed the 3-person Court of Honor for the Dubuque Area Council that approved all awards for local Boy Scouts during the first years of the Scout Council's existence. (6)
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Source:
1. "Dr. Conzett, 78, Victim of Long Illness," Telegraph-Herald, November 14, 1944, p. 1
2. Ibid.
3. Ibid.
4. Ibid.
5. Ibid.
6. "16 Scouts Eligible for Veteran Rank," Telegraph Herald, November 7, 1922, p. 2 and Paul Lewis
"16 Scouts Eligible for Veteran Rank," Telegraph Herald, November 7, 1922, p. 2