By Carmin Chambers
When Dr. Lovelace Preston Gipson II walked through the doors of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry in 1971, he was stepping into history. As one of the first African American students to enter the dental program, his enrollment marked a turning point not only for the college but for the Memphis community he would later serve.
A proud member of the Class of 1973, Dr. Gipson quickly distinguished himself through determination and purpose. Starting as just a devoted student dentist, his passion would extend beyond the walls of a dental clinic.
“For Gipson, failure was not an option. He focused on where the greatest need was, and he realized that the need was with children, specifically African American children.”
–Joe Greer, College of Dentistry Class of 1971 and friend of Dr. Gipson
After graduation, Dr. Gipson turned that determination into action. In 1974, he founded the Firestone Dental Group, one of the first African American–owned dental practices serving the North Memphis community. Recognizing the barriers that prevented many children from accessing dental care, he later launched the Nellie’s Kids Dental Outreach Program. Long before national initiatives emphasized oral health equity, Dr. Gipson recognized and acknowledged the struggles families faced and brought preventive and restorative services directly to underserved youth across Memphis.
“Gipson had an innovative way of doing things.” Shared Joe Greer. “He realized there was a lot to be done in terms of seeing the most children. That’s when he began his Nellie’s transportation services, one of the first services where transportation was provided to and from the dental clinic for children in the community.”
Through his decades of practice, mentorship, and leadership, Dr. Gipson embodied the College of Dentistry’s mission to improve oral health through education, research, and community service.
Dr. Gipson passed away in September of 2025, leaving behind his wife, their children, and a legacy of compassion that continues to influence Memphis dentistry today. His life’s work remains a testament to the power of education, vision, and service.
