María Narcisa Isacia Agramonte Jiménez, first woman dentist in Lajas, Cienfuegos

Abstract

Introduction: Numerous women have contributed to the development of stomatology in Cuba and in Cienfuegos. However, in this sense, few local sources broach the lives of these women.

Objective: To deepen in the life and work of Dr. María Narcisa Isacia Agramonte Jiménez, so that elements of the historical evolution of Cienfuegos stomatology can be rescued.

Methods: A historical-biographical research was carried out from October 2016 to December 2020. Memoirs were used as a way of reviewing the history. The methods used were analytical-synthetic and deductive-inductive; and the sub-methods employed were chronological, numismatic, diplomatic and iconographic. Historical research techniques were used to collect data: documentary review and interviews. As primary sources of the research, historical-legal documents were consulted at the Civil Status Registry (2), and at the University of Havana (1), as well as oral interviews (13), with testimonies of key informants. A bibliographic search was carried out, with four references of articles and books.

Results: María Narcisa Isacia Agramonte Jiménez was the first middle class female dentist from Lajas -also black-, graduated in 1944. She had an active revolutionary presence, after 1959. The donation of all her dental equipment to the “Manuel Piti Fajardo” polyclinic in Cruces, of which she was the founding dentist, stands out.

Conclusions: The vocation of the first dentist from La Paz for pedagogy and her commitment to the revolutionary cause were elements of vital importance in the development of stomatology in Cruces.