Because this year (1995) is the 100th anniversary of the discovery of radiography, it is appropriate that we again describe the events surrounding one of the most exciting times in our early dental x-ray history--the discovery of radiography by Roentgen and the application of radiography to the diagnosis and treatment of dental disease. Biographic sketches of some of the more prominent early pioneers in oral and maxillofacial radiology are presented, such as those of Walkhoff, Morton, Kells, Rollins, and Raper, along with a discussion of their contributions to the field.