In 1856 Dr John Smith gave a course on "physiology and diseases of the teeth" at Surgeon's Hall. The first special treatment of dental disease was carried out at the Royal Public Dispensary. The Edinburgh Dental Dispensary opened in 1860. In 1878 the Dispensary and the Scottish Dental Education Committee co-operated to found the Dental Hospital and School, which was incorporated in 1892. After occupying several sites, it settled permanently in Chambers Street, where a new building opened in 1927. In 1948 the Dental Hospital became part of the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and Associated Hospitals under the South Eastern Regional Hospital Board. In 1974 it came under the South Lothian District of Lothian Health Board. The Dental Hospital became part of the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and Associated Hospitals Unit in 1984. The School separated form the Hospital in 1948 and it finally closed in 1994.