Wallace David Armstrong was born on July 8, 1905 in Hunt County, Texas. He earned his B.A. degree from the University of Texas in 1926, his M.S. from New York University in 1928, his Ph.D. in physiological chemistry in 1932 and his M.D. in 1937 from the University of Minnesota. Dr. Armstrong joined the faculty as a graduate assistant in physiological chemistry in 1929. Dr. Armstrong was appointed as an instructor in the School of Dentistry in 1934 and professor of dentistry and physiology, director of the dental research laboratory and professor of biochemistry in 1943. Dr. Armstrong became head of the biochemistry department in the Medical School in 1946 and he held this position until he retired as regents' professor emeritus in 1974.
Dr. Armstrong was an authority on calcium metabolism and bone biochemistry. His research led to the fluoridation of the nation's public water supply to combat tooth decay and dental problems. He was often asked to present at conferences and confer with international governments regarding fluoride, and its role in dental health. Wallace Armstrong died on June 7, 1984.
From the guide to the Wallace D. Armstrong papers, 1960s-1970s, (University of Minnesota Libraries. University Archives [uarc])
