American Indian Dentist Dr. George Blue Spruce Jr. Passes Away at 94
June 13, 2025
On Friday, June 6, 2025, the Society of American Indian Dentists (SAID) announced the passing of Dr. George Blue Spruce Jr., DDS, MPH—a groundbreaking figure in Native American health care. Of Laguna and Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo heritage, Dr. Blue Spruce made history in 1956 as the first American Indian dentist. He passed away on Monday evening at the age of 94.
Dr Blue Spruce was also a member of the Association of American Indian Physicians.
“As we approach our 35th anniversary next week, SAID members and students honor the enduring legacy established by Dr. Blue Spruce. We are deeply appreciative of his contributions, which include founding the organization in 1990, and leading initiatives such as scholarship, networking, and mentorship opportunities for future American Indian dental students,” the SAID stated in a statement.
A high school valedictorian, Dr. Blue Spruce went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, followed by a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the University of California, Berkeley. His career began with the Indian Health Service (IHS), where he witnessed firsthand the lack of dental care available to Native communities. In a past interview with Winds of Change, he described how dental services were often tucked away in remote corners of medical facilities and rarely prioritized.
For 19 years, Dr. Blue Spruce remained the sole Native American dentist in the country, until 1975, when Dr. Jessica A. Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) became the second—and the first Native American woman—to enter the profession.
“As the first and second American Indian dentists, Dr. George Blue Spruce and I faced dreadful challenges,” Dr. Rickert said. “As a consummate professional, his intelligence always impressed. Yet, Dr. Blue Spruce’s quick wit, humor and perfect timing brought us all together.”
Throughout his life, Dr. Blue Spruce remained a passionate advocate for Indigenous representation in health professions. His enduring legacy lives on through generations of Native health care professionals and the ongoing mission of the SAID.
Today, thanks in part to Dr. Blue Spruce’s tireless advocacy and mentorship, there are approximately 450 American Indian dentists, according to the SAID.
