alfred civilion fones (1869 – march 15, 1938) was an american dentist from bridgeport, connecticut, who has been called the founder of the profession of dental hygiene, starting in 1906. fones created the name "dental hygienist" and in 1913 established the first school of dental hygiene. fone's father was also a practicing dentist, and the first "dental commissioner" for the city of bridgeport. alfred fones graduated from the new york college of dentistry in 1890.