Looking at all the advanced technology in the medical field, you might think “how did they do it all in the past”. Some procedures might seem downright barbaric, but ours might seem so to those 50 years in the future. We’re going to venture back to when dentistry was first looked upon as a medical profession and where it’s been since!
Timeline on Dentistry
7000 BC – Before the time of agricultural societies, tooth decay was sparse. After farming became more steady and solid, cavities came into existence. Historians believe that this is around the time that the dentistry profession was born. Skeletal remains show evidence of using tooth drilling tools between the years of 7000 BC and 5000 BC. Studies are still revealing more evidence and new evidence everyday though!
5000 BC – We have first descriptions of the tooth decay in Greece by Aristotle and Hippocrates around In that time Sumerians believed tooth worms where the cause. That was taught as truth until the 1700s!
4480 BC – The earliest dental filings made of beeswax were discovered in Slovenia.
2600 BC – An Egyptian scribe, Hesy-Re, is recognized as the first dental practitioner.
700 BC – Some research points to the first use of bridges, a fixed dental restoration for replacing missing teeth with artificial teeth between other teeth (filling the gap).
Not much going on until…
1530 AD – The first book was written and published on dentistry, The Little Medicinal Book for All Kinds of Diseases and Infirmities of the Teeth.
Not so Long Ago…
Middle Ages – During this time, though dentistry wasn’t thought of as a profession, it was performed. Extractions where used to treat illnesses by general physicians and barbers! How about a haircut and a tooth pulling!
1700’s – Dentistry became more defined as a profession. In 1723 Pierre Fauchard, the Father of Modern Dentistry, published The Surgeon Dentist, A Teatise on Teeth. This was the first time there was a comprehensive system laid out for treating and caring for teeth. He also introduced the idea of dental fillings, tooth decay from sugar acids, dental braces and dental prosthesis.
1760’s – Paul Revere (“the British are coming”) studied under a dental surgeon named John Baker, who taught him how to insert early made dentures.
1840 – Baltimore College of Dental Surgery opened. It was the first dental college.
1841 –The state of Alabama enacted the first dental practice act. It assigned a dentist to the state’s medical board in order to grant licenses to practicing dentists. Though it was hardly followed, it was a start!
1846 – W.T.G Morton began experimenting and initially founded the first use of anesthetic! HUZZAH! We owe him so much! His story is harrowing though. For extended reading on this interesting story click here.
1859 – The American Dental Association was founded. Today there are more than 161,000 members!
1867 – Harvard University Dental School, the first university-affiliated dental institution.
1869 – The first African American earned a dental degree.
1873 – Colgate mass produced the first toothpaste. Toothbrushes where mass produced a few years to follow.
1885 – The first female dental assistant was employed.
1896 – The first dental X-ray was used!
1901 – Edward H. Angle started the first school of orthodontics. He created a classification for crooked teeth that is still used today.
1945 – Most American’s did not have great dental care until soldiers came back from WWII, bringing the concept of good oral health.
Today in Dentistry
Aren’t you glad times have changed, especially in dentistry?! Imagine not being able to be numb or visiting your local barber for a tooth extraction! Yikes! Looking back on this history makes us smile, as we boldly proceed onward into the profession that is dentistry. We hope this interesting timeline made you smile as well!
Need a dentist? Miami Valley Smiles promises to use all the facets that modern dentistry allows!
At Miami Valley Smiles in Mason, Ohio, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. If it’s been a while since your last dental check-up, or if you’re due for a cleaning, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us. Your oral health is our top priority, and we’re here to provide you with the best care possible. For more information or to book an appointment, contact call us directly.
