AUGUSTA, Ga. — A long-time Athens dentist was honored for being one of the first African-American graduates from Augusta University's Dental College of Georgia.
Dr. Matthew McRae was honored Friday afternoon by the college with a portrait unveiling. McRae and another dentist, Dr. James L. Orrington, were honored for being the first African Americans to graduate from the college.
McRae graduated in 1973 and decided to practice in Athens. Just a year prior, he was informed that the city only had one Black medical doctor and did not have a Black dentist, according to a release.
His first practice was opened at the Alps Shopping Center, but he relocated after building an office space at 995 Baxter Street. McRae would go on to create two more practices, one office is at Epps Bridge and the other at Trail Creek, the release said.
McRae has gone on to serve the Athens community for more than three decades, according to his website. On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, he offers free dental services, helps facilitate food drives and provides other services to those in need, the release added.
