M. Evangeline Jordan was born in 1865 and graduated from the University of California Dental School in 1898. Jordan originally worked as a dental assistant while training to become a dentist before she opened her own practice in Los Angeles. In 1909, she shifted her general practice to a pediatric office, which was the first of its kind. Later, Jordan presented to the California State Dental Association the benefits that a balanced diet provided for children's oral health. She played a large role in educating others on pediatric dentistry by publishing a textbook, teaching as an associate professor, and founding two dental societies.
