Esther M. Wilkins, RDH, DMD

World renowned Dental Hygienist and Author

  Esther M. Wilkins Gallagher, RDH, DMD, 100, formerly of Tyngsborough, Massachusetts, died Monday, December 12th at Laurel Place of Fairview Healthcare in Hudson, New Hampshire. She was the beloved wife of the late James B. Gallagher, Jr., DMD. Esther was also the sister of the late Ruth Wilkins Colby. Dr. Wilkins is survived by a niece Elisabeth C. Tyrol of Pelham, NH; and many grandnieces, grandnephews, great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews.
  Born in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, December 9, 1916, the daughter of the late Ernest and the late Edith (Packard) Wilkins, she attended Tyngsboro schools and was a graduate of Lowell High School in the Class of 1934. Eager to further her education, she then went on to graduate from Simmons College in Boston with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1938. She then continued on to graduate from Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene in 1939 and then earn a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Tufts School of Dental Medicine in 1949. In 1966 she earned a certificate in periodontology from Tufts as well.
She was a Dental Educator and Professor Emeritus at Tufts School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Wilkins was known to have dedicated her life to her work. She traveled extensively and internationally mentoring and lecturing. She wrote and had published “Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist” which was printed in 12 editions. It is known as the bible and roadmap to Dental Hygienists all over the world and was translated into six different languages.
In keeping in accordance with her wishes, there will be no calling hours and Committal Services will be held privately. A Memorial Service will be held in Boston at a later date. E-condolences/directions at www.pelhamfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in her memory to Tufts University School of Dental Medicine Dr. James B. Gallagher, Jr. Scholarship Fund and Dr. Esther M. Wilkins Scholarship Fund at Elizabeth.kearney@tufts.edu or MCPHS Esther M. Wilkins Restricted Scholarship Fund to Lonny Townley at Lonny.townley@mcphs.edu or Simmons College Esther M. Wilkins ’38 Endowed Scholarship Fund, 300 The Fenway, Boston, MA 02115 sfs@simmons.edu. Arrangements by Funeral Director James F. O’Donnell, Jr. (603) 635-3333.