Grace Rogers Spalding graduated from the University of Michigan Dental School in 1904. Spalding opened a practice with a fellow dentist in Detroit, and later the two married. Their practice focused on oral prophylaxis (preventative dentistry) and in 1914 Spalding was a founder of the American Academy of Periodontology, later serving as it's president in 1916. Spalding's emphasis on the importance of gum care had a major impact on Detroit's local oral health. Later, Spalding worked as an editor of the Journal for periodontology for 20 years, which was some of her most influential work.