The History of Drs. Boyd.
Drs. Boyd P.C. is more than your average dental office. It is a practice steeped in history. Our doctors have continued a long tradition of dentistry that began four generations ago in 1896. Since then, the practice has been owned and operated by the Boyd family, who continue to serve our community through trusted and compassionate care.
The Beginning — First Generation
Dr. Leon Ellis Boyd — In 1896, Dr. Leon graduated from the Ohio College of Dental Surgery, which was affiliated with the University of Cincinnati. At the time it was considered the leading pioneer of dentistry in the West and was the second college of dentistry in the world. The college welcomed its first students in 1845 and played a key role in the development of dentistry from an untrained trade performed by blacksmiths to the robust, multi-specialty field it is today. They were the first to graduate a female dentist in 1865.
Dr. Leon’s three-year dental program cost $150 per year and included laboratory and clinical courses. Following graduation, Dr. Leon opened his first dental office in Cincinnati, where he met his wife and started a family. As was customary for the time, he treated patients in a parlor of his home. After a number of years, the family moved, and Dr. Leon opened a dental office in the suburbs of early Brooklyn — establishing the future Boyd family of dentists in New York City.
Following After — Second Generation
Dr. Norman Wingate Boyd Sr. was the son of Dr. Leon. He too was attracted to the dental profession. He would tell his four young children — including Norman Wingate Boyd Jr., DDS, and Alvin Taplin Boyd, DMD — of the dental smells he remembered coming from the home’s parlor room. Dr. Leon passed away when Dr. Norman Sr. was just 15. He lived at home while he attended and graduated from the newly renamed Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in 1930. He earned the college’s prestigious Ella Marie Ewell Medal for Proficiency in Dentistry. In fact, Dr. Andrew, his grandson, received the same Ella Marie Ewell Medal from Columbia University 81 years later.
Upon graduation, Dr. Norman Sr. opened his first dental office in Pleasantville, New York. A few years later, he began practicing in Manhattan — just blocks away from where the Drs. Boyd P.C. dental offices are today. He and a partner would set the precedent of being the preeminent dentists for New York City and the surrounding region’s prominent families and shipping magnates. Rambunctious young brothers President John F. Kennedy and brother U.S. Attorney General Robert “Bobby” Kennedy were patients in their early years. In fact, the dental office has cared for the families of four former U.S. Presidents. To this day, patients come from around the world via word of mouth for the Drs. Boyd NYC’s-Top-Rated-Dentist-since-1930 quality. Their privacy is respected, and the treatment they receive unmatched.
In Their Footsteps — Third Generation
In the ‘60s, third generation Boyd brothers, Dr. Norman Jr. and Dr. Alvin, each decided to follow in Dr. Norman Sr.’s shoes. They share heartwarming stories of their dad’s enthusiasm and love of dentistry. Dr. Boyd senior even turned their basement into an additional weekend orthodontic practice area. He would explain complex cases and talk of his patients’ successes. Yet, both agree that their father never pressured them to pursue dentistry. As a teenager, Dr. Norman asked his father if he was a good dentist. After a pause, he answered, “There may be some that equal, but none excels.”
Dr. Norman W. Boyd, Jr. graduated from Lafayette College in 1964 with a degree in physics. He then attended Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, where he received his DDS degree in 1968. He served as a captain in the U.S. Air Force Dental Corps, and he went on to receive his advanced specialty training in prosthodontics at NYU College of Dentistry.
Dr. Alvin T. Boyd graduated from Lafayette College in 1967 with a degree in biology. He then attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, where he received his DMD degree in 1971. He completed a mixed dental internship in general dentistry, general anesthesia and oral surgery at Philadelphia General Hospital.
After finishing their commitments, the brothers joined their father in the 1970s. The three doctors moved into the dental office’s current location at 515 Madison Avenue. Some would say, it was apropos that they replaced The Coca Cola Company — fixing the teeth damaged with the sugary cola.
The dental office was incorporated as the Drs. Boyd P.C. in 1974.
Continuing the Legacy — Fourth Generation
Dr. Justin Shepard Boyd, son of Dr. Alvin, joined the dental office in 2001. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Dartmouth College in 1996. Before dental school, he spent a year working as a dental laboratory technician for the dental office. He went on to graduate from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, where he received his DDS degree. After dental school, he completed a one-year General Practice Residency at the Manhattan Veteran Affairs Hospital.
Dr. Norman “Ned” Wingate Boyd III, son of Dr. Norman Jr., joined the dental office in 2001. He graduated from Harvard University in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts concentration in Latin. He went on to teach Latin at Trinity High School for one year. He graduated from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, where he received his DDS degree. Dr. Ned completed his advanced specialty training in prosthodontics at NYU College of Dentistry in 2004.
Dr. Andrew Wingate Boyd, son of Dr. Alvin, joined the dental office in 2012. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology. He graduated from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine with his DDS degree. After dental school, Dr. Andrew completed a one-year General Practice Residency and a three-year advanced specialty training in prosthodontics at the Manhattan VA Hospital, which is affiliated with NYU College of Dentistry.
Looking Towards the Future
As the fourth generation of the Boyd family strives for the same competence and success as the generations before them, we look towards the future of the practice with excitement and the hope that we will see yet another generation of brilliant, kind-hearted dentists continue gifting smiles to our patients and the community in New York. Call today at 212-755-9055 to schedule an appointment with our dentists in New York, New York.