In addition to researching and writing about the history of dentistry, Dr. Hyson served as curator of the National Museum of Dentistry from 1992 to 1996, when he was promoted to director of curatorial services, a position he held for three years until being named director of curatorial affairs.
Dr. Hyson was director of archives and history at the museum from 2002 until 2003, when he stepped down.
He was the author of two books, "History of the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery: The World's First Dental School;" and "A History of Dentistry in the U.S. Army to World War II."
"He worked on the dental history of the Army for 20 years and did it in the evening," said a son, Dr. John M. Hyson III, also a dentist, who lives in Baldwin.
"He was a major historian and wrote the history of the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, which was founded in 1840 and was the first dental school in the world," said Dr. Christian Stohler, who has been dean of the school since 2003.
"Its history had never been written until John put it together, and it's an absolute stellar job. It succeeded in putting us back on the map because dental education didn't start in Europe, it started in Baltimore," he said.
Dr. Stohler recalled that his friend had a great ability in looking and studying archival material and putting it together in an informative and historic narrative.
"He was quiet, meticulous and precise. His passion was for getting it right and capturing the history and spirit of the school," he said. "He loved the dental school and took great pride in it and the chance to give back. The dental school really was John's life."
Dr. David A. Denisch, a Towson dentist, is a longtime friend.
"John was the world's foremost dental historian. There's no question about that," Dr. Denisch said. "His research was impeccable, well-documented and referenced. You can't help but appreciate someone like John, who has included a good bibliography and notes."
Dr. Hyson also was an avid collector of historic dental memorabilia dating back to the 19th century, including instruments, dental office furniture, books, U.S. Army Dental Corps uniforms and even a World War I-era folding dental chair that would have been used in a field hospital.
Part of Dr. Hyson's collection was purchased recently by the Army Medical Department Museum Foundation in San Antonio, Texas.
Dr. Hyson was a longtime communicant of Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, Baltimore and Ware avenues, Towson, where a memorial Mass will be offered at 10 a.m. Oct. 10.
Also surviving are his wife of 59 years, the former Elayne Rhein; another son, Gerald M. Hyson of Timonium; and three grandchildren.
