Dr. Hart Long graduated from Furman University in 1941. Then, in July of that same year, he visited the draft board with thoughts of entering the service. During his visit it was decided that Dr. Long would go to dental school at that time. He is very pleased that he chose to attend the Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry. Thirty dentists graduated in his class in 1944, and he feels that he received a good clinical education. He enlisted in the United States Navy, commissioned as an Ensign, after graduation from dental school. Dr. Long spent one year in Jacksonville before traveling to San Francisco and San Diego. The Navy then sent him overseas to Japan where he served in a hospital ship. Finally, before he was discharged, he was on duty in Riverside, CA in the Air Force.

Approximately fifteen years after receiving his dental degree, Dr. Long read, with interest, the American Dental Association minutes regarding the American Board of Prosthodontics examination. These minutes stated that dentists with experience in fixed prosthodontics and no formal training would be allowed to participate in the examination process for a 4 year interim period. Dr. Long applied to the Board, and completed the examination successfully in Washington in 1960. He prepared for the examination almost entirely by reading material from the American Dental Association Library.

Dr. Long manages to balance a very busy life filled with dentistry, family, church, and civic activities. Dr. Long is a Life Member of the American and Florida Dental Associations. His Life Fellowships include our Academy, and also the American College of Prosthodontists and the American College of Dentists. Dr. Long is a member of the American Prosthodontic Society, and is a charter Member and past President of the Florida Prosthodontic Association. He has also published nine articles in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry.

Apart from his active professional life, Dr. Long served as the City Commissioner of Daytona Beach, Florida, from 1951 to 1958; and, from 1957 to 1958, he was also the Mayor of that city. Dr. Long has received numerous awards for his civic leadership. These include: the Junior Chamber of Commerce, Outstanding Young Man of the Year Award, 1953; the Daytona Beach News-Journal, Award for Civic Leadership, 1956; and, The J. Saxton Lloyd Distinguished Community Service Award, 1992. Dr. Long’s church leadership role has included serving as the President of the Young Men’s Christian Association in 1960 and 1961. He has also been an Elder and adult Sunday school teacher at the First Presbyterian Church of Daytona Beach since 1952.

Dr. Long and his wife Virginia live on 44 acres of land, surrounded by 160 acres of beautiful state owned land, where they enjoy riding horses. Of course, he has been an experienced pilot for over 50 years, and has appreciated being able to fly himself and Virginia to most of the Academy meetings. The Longs have three children (a son and two daughters).