This image (below) shows a fundraising poster for the Ivory Cross National Dental Aid Fund which inspired the cover of this issue of the BDJ.

The plight of the 'Tommys' teeth' moved Ada Fletcher to set up the Soldiers and Sailors Dental Aid Fund in 1914 with a small committee of likeminded individuals, despite being warned of the lack of success of similar funds. Ada was involved in organising and administering a variety of charitable efforts and became aware of the need for a dental fund whilst working at the Women's Emergency Corps.

Dentists from across the country were recruited to provide the treatment and were paid a nominal fee (Table 1). It was recommended that any treatment be as conservative as possible.

Table 1 Schedule of Professional Fees for the Ivory Cross, October 1916
Full size table

Harley Street dentist Alfred Templar Barritt was the first dentist to sign up to the roll of honour. By 1922 there were 2,000 dentists signed up. There was no shortage of applicants for treatment and by May 1916 the fund had provided treatment for 15,000 soldiers and sailors rendering them fit for service. Two thousand sets of dentures were supplied for a total bill of £6,000.

As the War Office took on responsibility for providing dental services for the forces the fund re-organised and became the Ivory Cross National Dental Aid Fund in October 1916. Its purpose was to provide skilled dental treatment to discharged servicemen, home army, mercantile marine and necessitous poor (including mothers and children). There was also a provision to educate the public in good oral hygiene. Ada Fletcher was proud that the office expenses of the fund were so low that of every £1 subscribed 18s and 6d was spent on dental treatment. The fund appointed a Dental Committee which consisted of leading dentists including the BDA President W. Dolomore and BDA Metropolitan Branch President W. Francis Mellersh.

The fund enjoyed generous support from well-respected members of the profession, society and royalty, and lavish dinners and entertainments were organised for such purposes. Dental manufacturing companies were keen to support the fund too.

The Ivory Cross on a rayed star was chosen to be the emblem and this badge was worn by dentists on the roll of honour on payment of half a crown. It was designed by John Seymour Lucas RA.

In January 1919 Ada Fletcher set up the Ivory Cross Journal to continue to spread the word about the fund. The fund continued to provide valuable treatment throughout the Second World War and finally wound up in 1948 at the start of the NHS having treated 77,000 patients.

With thanks to Rachel Bairsto, BDA Head of Museum Services.