Family History of Dr. David McGuire, D.D.S.

The family history dates back to James Zachary who practiced dentistry out of the Civil War in 1865.

James second child was Daisy--born in 1880.  She apprenticed to be a dentist, but when North Carolina State Dental Board was founded, she had to go to dental school.

In 1908, Daisy McGuire was the first woman licensed to practice dentistry in North Carolina.

During this period, she married Wayne McGuire of the Norton Community in Jackson County, NC.

Finding more dentistry to do, in the community of Sylva than she could handle, she sent Wayne to dental school. He graduated in 1911.

The couple raised three daughters: Noracella, Patsy, and Kitty Dean. All three became dentists.

Noracella returned to Sylva and married Tom Wilson who became a dental technician. Patsy sat next to Harold McGuire in dental school, soon, they married (1937). Therefore the name continued.  When Harold and Patsy graduated they were # 1 & 3 respectively in their classes. The couple returned to Sylva to work in the office with Daisy, Wayne, & Noracella. Having Tom as their technician.  Kitty Dean met Bob Gamewell in dental school and married. Their practice was in Murfreesboro, TN.  They are both retired now and living in that community.

Dr. Daisy retired in 1977 at the age of 97. She was the nation’soldest practicing dentist.

The building where Dr. David has his dental practice was built in 1987. It is on a site just one block above Main Street in Sylva.  Practicing in the same building is his brother Patrick McGuire.

The office holds many historical items of dentistry and of the community.

Daisy at Graduation

Group Shot: Click above to enlarge

Harold

Patsy