Peoria Honors Beloved Dentist Known for Lifelong Mentorship of Others

Peoria Celebrates Trailblazing Dentist With Street Naming

August 23, 2025

peoria, Illinois, recently honored the legacy of Dr. W. Roscoe McCall, a pivotal figure in the city’s medical history, with a special street-naming ceremony held this past Friday. The event recognized Dr. mccall’s groundbreaking career and enduring contributions to the community.

City officials and members of the McCall family gathered to dedicate a portion of North Street as “Dr.W. Roscoe McCall Street,” a permanent tribute to his decades of service. Dr. McCall stands as one of Peoria’s first African American dentists, breaking barriers and providing crucial healthcare access for three decades before his retirement in 2007.

A Legacy of Service and Mentorship

Dr. McCall passed away in 2023 at the age of 81, leaving behind a remarkable record of professional achievement and community involvement. His dental practice was conveniently located within the same building as McCall Law Offices, owned by his son, Christopher McCall, at 1225 N. North Street.

The impact of Dr. McCall extended beyond his profession. His son, Rev. Steven McCall, highlighted his father’s dedication to mentorship, noting that he consistently guided and inspired aspiring dentists.Rev. McCall passionately expressed his family’s pride, emphasizing the lasting remembrance his father’s dedication provides.

“Its an amazing thrill for me and my family to know that where my dad came day in, day out and applied his trade,” said steven. “Here will always be a remembrance, or a reminder that what he did, he did well.”

Community Ties and Lasting Impact

Dr. McCall was deeply rooted in Peoria’s civic life, maintaining a lifelong membership with the NAACP Peoria Branch.He also actively participated in the Tri-County Urban League and the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. These affiliations reflect his commitment to social justice and community empowerment.

He is survived by his wife,Geraldine McCall,and his son,rev. Steven McCall. He was predeceased by his daughter, Tonya McCall, in 2016.

Key Fact	Detail
profession	Dentist
Years of Practice	30 years
Year of Retirement	2007
Year of Passing	2023

Did You Know? According to the American Dental Association, the number of practicing dentists who identify as racial or ethnic minorities has steadily increased in recent years, though disparities persist. Source: ADA Health Policy Institute

The Importance of Recognizing Local Pioneers

Honoring local figures like Dr. McCall serves as a powerful reminder of the individuals who have shaped our communities. These celebrations not only acknowledge past achievements but also inspire future generations to strive for excellence and service. Recognizing these contributions is vital for preserving local history and fostering a sense of collective pride.

Pro Tip: Explore your local historical societies and archives to learn more about the unsung heroes in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. W. Roscoe mccall

• Who was Dr. W.Roscoe McCall? Dr. McCall was one of Peoria’s first African American dentists, who practiced for 30 years.
• Why was a street named after Dr. McCall? The street naming ceremony was held to honor his lasting contributions to the Peoria community.
• What organizations was Dr. McCall involved with? He was a lifelong member of the NAACP Peoria Branch, the Tri-County Urban League, and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated.
• when did Dr. McCall retire? He retired in 2007 after a long and distinguished career.
• How did Dr. McCall’s family respond to the honor? His son, Rev. Steven McCall, expressed immense pride and gratitude for the recognition.

what are your thoughts on recognizing local heroes in this way? Share your comments below!

What specific qualities does Dr. Vance emphasize as essential for success in the field of dentistry, beyond technical skills?

Peoria Honors Beloved dentist, Dr. Eleanor Vance, Known for Lifelong mentorship of Others

Peoria, illinois – The city of Peoria is celebrating Dr. Eleanor Vance, a distinguished dentist and pillar of the community, for her decades of dedicated service and, notably, her unwavering commitment to mentoring aspiring dental professionals. The recognition comes as Dr. Vance prepares for a well-deserved semi-retirement, transitioning from full-time practice at Vance Dental Group to a consulting role. This article explores Dr. vance’s impact on dental care in Peoria, her mentorship philosophy, and the legacy she leaves behind.

A Career Rooted in Patient-Centered Care

Dr. Vance established Vance Dental Group over 35 years ago, quickly becoming known for her gentle approach and commitment to providing comprehensive dental services. Her practice offers a wide range of treatments, including:

Preventive Dentistry: Routine check-ups, cleanings, and fluoride treatments.

Restorative Dentistry: Fillings,crowns,bridges,and dentures.

Cosmetic dentistry: Teeth whitening, veneers, and Invisalign.

Emergency Dental care: Addressing urgent dental issues promptly.

Beyond technical expertise, Dr. Vance prioritized building strong patient relationships. She understood the anxiety many feel towards dental health and created a welcoming, comfortable surroundings. This focus on patient well-being has been a cornerstone of her success and a key factor in the practice’s growth. she consistently stayed abreast of advancements in oral health, integrating new technologies like digital X-rays and CAD/CAM dentistry into her practice.

The Power of mentorship: Shaping Future Dentists

While Dr. Vance’s clinical skills are highly respected, her impact extends far beyond her patient chair. She has actively mentored numerous dental students and young dentists throughout her career. this mentorship wasn’t simply about technical instruction; it encompassed professional advancement, ethical considerations, and the importance of community involvement.

Dr. Vance’s Mentorship Philosophy

Dr. Vance’s approach to mentorship is characterized by:

1. Hands-on Experience: Providing mentees with opportunities to observe and assist in a real-world dental practice.
2. Critical Thinking: Encouraging mentees to analyse cases,develop treatment plans,and justify their decisions.
3. Professionalism & Ethics: Instilling a strong sense of ethical obligation and professional conduct.
4. Work-Life Balance: Sharing insights on navigating the demands of a dental career while maintaining personal well-being.

“It’s not enough to be a skilled technician,” Dr. Vance explains. “You need empathy, strong communication skills, and a genuine desire to help people. That’s what I try to instill in my mentees.”

Notable Mentees and Their Successes

Several of Dr. Vance’s former mentees have gone on to establish triumphant practices of their own, both in Peoria and across the state.

Dr. Marcus Chen: Now runs a thriving pediatric dentistry practice in Bloomington, Illinois.He credits Dr. Vance with teaching him the importance of patient communication, especially with children.

Dr. Sarah Miller: A specialist in orthodontics practicing in Chicago, Dr. Miller often cites Dr. Vance’s emphasis on meticulous attention to detail as crucial to her success.

Dr. David Lee: Returned to Peoria to open a practice focused on cosmetic dentistry, inspired by Dr. Vance’s commitment to aesthetic results.

Community Involvement and Recognition

Dr. Vance’s dedication to Peoria extends beyond her practice and mentorship. She has been actively involved in numerous community initiatives, including:

volunteer Dental Days: Providing free dental care to underserved populations.

School dental Health Programs: Educating children about the importance of oral hygiene.

Local Charity Support: Regularly donating to local charities and organizations.

Her contributions have been recognized with several awards, including the Peoria County Dental Society’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the City of Peoria’s Community Service Award. Recently, the Peoria City Council unanimously voted to declare August 23rd “Dr. Eleanor Vance