Scott, Dr. John R., Jr. AT&T Miami-Dade County African-American History Calendar, 1995. | The Black Archives History & Research Foundation of South FL, Inc.
Dr. John R. Scott, Jr. was the first African-American dentist to practice in Dade County. Scott was born in Jacksonville, Florida in 1886 and attended public school there. He later attended Florida Agricultural and Mechanical College (later known as FAMU) in Tallahassee. After graduating with honors, he entered Meharry Dental College.
While in college, Scott was not only an outstanding scholar, he was an exceptional athlete as well, especially on the gridiron. He was known as “Pig Iron” on the varsity football team.
Dr. Scott established his practice in the Overtown section of Miami in 1906. He married the former Sadie Warren and they had a son and a daughter.
Dr. Scott practiced in two locations in Miami. He allowed up-an-coming African-American dentists to serve their apprenticeships in his office.
Dr. Scott was a shrewd investor in real estate and also served in numerous social, civic and church organizations. This trailblazing dentist died in 1935.