Ernest B. Nuttall

The Baltimore Sun

Ernest Brodey Nuttall, a dentist and instructor at the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery for 40 years, died Monday at his Towson home. He was 99.

Dr. Nuttall was born in Ware Neck, Va. When he was 8 years old, his family moved to Sharptown by loading their possessions -- including a piano -- onto a topsail schooner and sailing to their new town.

After he graduated from high school, Dr. Nuttall and one of his brothers got a job shoveling coal on a steamer ship to England. The two enjoyed several months in the United Kingdom before returning home, where Dr. Nuttall attended Western Maryland College, now McDaniel College, for two years.

He transferred to the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery and graduated in 1931.

That year, he married the former Essie Mae Auld, whom he met at a family gathering, and they raised two children. They were married 64 years before she died in 1995.

Dr. Nuttall had a private practice on Charles Street for 10 years and also taught at the college of dental surgery. At the beginning of World War II, he joined the Navy Reserve and was assigned to continue teaching dentistry.

He taught at the Baltimore college until 1970, focusing on crowns, bridges and other fixed dental appliances.

"He was a perfectionist," said his son, William E. Nuttall of Phoenix, Baltimore County. "He was serious [about his work]. It had to be right."

Mr. Nuttall recalled a 50th college reunion where a woman told his father she was wearing the bridge he made her in 1957.

Dr. Nuttall also developed several dental instruments and made a number of trips to teach in Brazil.

He was a member of the American Dental Association and the Maryland State Dental Association, and served on the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners, which grants licenses to practice.

He also served as a consultant for the Veterans Administration.

He lived in a house on Georgia Court in Towson for 50 years before moving to a nearby condominium about three years ago.

He enjoyed gardening and golf, and belonged to the Baltimore Country Club for many years.

He also used his skill with small tools to make jewelry, including casting settings for stones he brought back from his trips to Brazil.

A memorial service will be held at noon Tuesday at Towson Presbyterian Church, 400 W. Chesapeake Ave., Towson.

In addition to his son, Dr. Nuttall is survived by a daughter, Joyce E. Nuttall of Towson; four grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

sandy.alexander@baltsun.com

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