from the start:

John Baker

(c1732-1796)

'Baker is considered to have made a notable contribution to the

development of dentistry in America.' from a guide to Colonial Williamsburg

John Baker was probably born in England, and was possibly a member of the Society of

Friends, worked in Ireland, France and Holland before coming to Jamaica, and then in

the 1760s moved on to the colonies in N America.

Boston Post-Boy  June 30, 1766.
(advertisement)

    John Baker,
    Operator for the Teeth, &c.
    Begs Leaves to acquaint the Gentry, that he is now in Boston, at Mr. Joshua Brackett’s in S[c]hool Street, and will wait on them, on receiving their Commands.

    He cures the Scurvey in the Gums, first cleanes and scales the Teeth, from that Corrosive, Tartarous, Gritty Substance which hinders the Gums from Growing, infects the Breath, and is one of the principal Causes of the Scurvey, and by degrees (if not timely prevented) eats away the Gums, so that many Peoples Teeth fall out Fresh.

    He fills up with Lead or Gold those that are hollow (so as to render them useful) and prevents the Air getting into them, which aggravates the Pain.

    He makes and fixes Artificial Teeth, with the greatest Exactness and Nicety, so that they may eat, drink, and sleep with them in their Mouths as natural ones, from which it cannot be discovered by the sharpest Eye.

    He having given sufficient Proof of his Superior Judgment in this Art, to the principal Nobility, Gentry and others, of Great-Britain, France & Ireland, and other principal Places in Europe.

    His Dentifrice, which is free from any corrosive Preparation will restore the Gums to their pristine State, will preserve the Teeth, and render them perfectly white, will fasten those that are loose, and prevent them from further decay.

    N.B. His Dentifrice may be had at his Lodgings at ONE DOLLAR each Pot, with proper Directions.

If John Baker was in fact in Jamaica before arriving in N America, he presumably

offered similar services here, but may have felt he could find a larger clientele

elsewhere. Now the task is to try to identify other 'operators for the teeth' who may have

been in Jamaica in the 18th century. 

Much more about John Baker in America can be found on the following excellent blog pages:

http://boston1775.blogspot.com/2007/03/john-baker-operator-for-teeth.html

http://boston1775.blogspot.com/2007/03/john-baker-surgeon-dentist-moves-south.html

http://boston1775.blogspot.com/2007/03/who-took-over-dr-bakers-dental-practice.html

http://boston1775.blogspot.com/2007_03_01_archive.html

Unfortunately there is nothing about his time in Jamaica.

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