Career and Achievements
- Renfroe taught at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry from 1933 through the 1980s.
- He was acknowledged as one of the best hands-on clinical orthodontics instructors in the world.
- Renfroe wrote a seminal article on preventive and interceptive orthodontics in 1957.
- He is considered one of the fathers of orthodontics in Brazil.
- Renfroe became certified as an orthodontic specialist in 1948.
- Renfroe's textbook, 'Technique Training in Orthodontics,' was published in 1960.
- He received recognition for his innovative techniques.
- Renfroe was respected for his expertise and professionalism.
Military Service and Leadership
- Renfroe served as the chief dental officer in Fort Huachuca, Arizona during World War II.
- He retired as a colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves in 1968.
- Renfroe was awarded the rank of general in 1984.
- He joined the Illinois National Guard in 1932.
- Renfroe was the president of the Chicago Association of Orthodontics.
Breaking Barriers for African Americans
- Renfroe was the first African American to lead a department at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry.
- He opened the first African American orthodontist office in Chicago's downtown Loop area.
- Renfroe was the first African American in Illinois to be licensed as a commercial aviator.
- He ended the practice of racial segregation in dental care at the university.
- Renfroe was honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award by the UIC Dental Alumni Association.
International Impact
- Renfroe traveled abroad to lecture on orthodontics and taught in nine countries.
- He is considered one of the fathers of orthodontics in Brazil.
- Renfroe learned Portuguese to teach his courses in Brazil.
- He lectured frequently in Argentina and taught a technical course there.
- Renfroe made 30 trips to Barbados, where a dental facility is named after him.
Scholarly Works and Honors
- Renfroe published articles on orthodontics in various journals.
- He co-authored an article on preventive and interceptive orthodontics in 1957.
- Renfroe was named a fellow of the American College of Dentistry in 1963.
- He received the Chicago Senior Citizens Hall of Fame induction in 1990.
- Dr. Earl Renfroe Sr. left a lasting impact on the field of orthodontics.
- His innovative techniques continue to influence the practice.
- Renfroe's dedication to community service inspired others.
- He is remembered for his professionalism and expertise.
- Dr. Renfroe's contributions continue to be recognized in the dental community.
Earl Wiley Renfroe (January 9, 1907 – November 14, 2000) was and African-American dentist known as an innovator in the field of orthodontics and for breaking down the barriers of racism.
Renfroe taught at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry from 1933 through the 1980s. For many years, he was acknowledged as one of the best hands-on clinical orthodontics instructors in the world.
In 1957, with fellow faculty member Dr. Thomas K. Barber, Renfroe wrote a seminal article on the concepts of preventive and interceptive orthodontics. Renfroe is also considered one of the "fathers of orthodontics" in Brazil.
Dr. Earl Wiley Renfroe | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 9, 1907 |
| Died | November 14, 2000 (aged 93) |
| Burial place | Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA |
| Occupation | Dentist |
| Spouse | Hilda Forte |
| Children | 3 |
| Honours | Distinguished Alumnus Award, UIC Dental Alumni Association in 1988 Chicago Senior Citizens Hall of Fame in 1990 |
