Who Was Basil G. Bibby?
Basil G. Bibby, D.M.D., Ph.D., was the second director of the Eastman Dental Center, serving in this position from 1947-1970. After retiring, he continued to dedicate his time to dental research. Dr. Bibby passed away in 1998 at the age of 93.
Dr. Bibby is best known for his research into the cariogenicity of food and the role of pellicle plaque and oral bacteria. In addition, Dr. Bibby was the first to demonstrate the role of fluoride in the prevention of dental caries. In 1988, Dr. Bibby received the American Dental Association's prestigious Gold Medal Award.
As director of the Eastman Dental Center, one of Dr. Bibby's first initiatives was to establish a library to support the research and educational activities of the faculty and residents. In 1978, a donation was made to build and furnish a library at the Eastman Dental Center, to be named in honor of Dr. Bibby. On learning he would be so honored, Dr. Bibby said, "I am surprised and obviously gratified. A library is certainly my first choice as a memorial."
Dr. Bibby also took delight in collecting books and journals related to the history of dentistry. This extensive collection is now housed in the Rare Books and Manuscripts Department of the University of Rochester's Edward G. Miner Library.
Today, the resources of the Basil G. Bibby Library and the Rare Book Collection in Dentistry and Oral surgery are used by faculty, staff, students, and the dental community.