The foundation of the Dental Library's rare books collection was laid in 1897 when the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario purchased the personal library of the late Dr. George W. Beers of Montreal. Another significant contribution occurred in 1919, when Walter E. Willmott donated the collection of his father, Dr. James Branston Willmott, first Dean of the Dental College.

In 1980, the Dental Library transferred over 250 of its rare books to the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library, where they now form part of the Hannah Collection on the history of medicine.

The Dental Library's remaining collection of early dentistry books is kept in locked cabinets in the Reading Room. If you would like to use a rare book, please ask at the public service desk. Rare books do not circulate.

There is a 1978 printed catalogue which lists the Dental Library's rare books collection (both those which remain in the Dental Library and those which were subsequently transferred to the Rare Books Library). Please inquire at the desk if you would like to see this catalogue.

The rare books are listed in the card catalogue. However, they are not included in the online catalogue, with the exception of those books which have been transferred to the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library.