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The History of Dentistry

Brushing your teeth after every meal, visiting the dentist for cleanings, and having a relatively painless mouth is not just desired but expected in the year 2012. However, that was not always the case. Dentistry has come a long way since its inception and is often overlooked for other scientific advancements.

The earliest history of treating tooth related problems goes all the way back to 7000 BC, where the Indus Valley Civilization shows evidence of treating the mouth for tooth decay. The first method of treatment was bow drills, which were ancient primitive tools used for woodworking and treating tooth problems.

Moving forward into 5000 BC, the Sumerians blamed…

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Articles of Interest

A Millennium of Dentistry: A Look Into the Past, Present and Future of Dentistry

Oral disease has been a problem for humans since the beginning of time. Skulls of the Cro-Magnon people, who inhabited the earth 25,000 years ago, show evidence of tooth decay. The earliest recorded reference to oral disease is from a Sumerian text (circa 5,000 B.C.) that describes "tooth worms" as a cause of dental decay. No one can deny that dentistry has made tremendous strides over the years.

History of Dentistry

It is believed that the oldest civilization that knew something of dentistry was Egypt. The earliest indication of such knowledge is found in the Edwin Smith Surgical Papyrus.

The Birth and Rise of Dentistry

When in Europe chemists and physicians started their investigations on the presence of fluoride in bones and teeth and speculated about any possible implications of this find, the dental profession, which later took advantage of this work, was still not organized as we know it today.

The History of Dental Advances

Many of the most common dental tools were used as early as the Stone Age. Thankfully, technology and continuing education have made going to the dentist a much more pleasant — and painless — experience. Here is a look at the history of dentistry's most common tools, and how they came to be vital components of our oral health care needs.

Resources

L'Art Dentare

La profession dentaire possède un patrimoine historique exceptionnel, et particulièrement en France : documents, livres, petite instrumentation, meubles, équipements, etc.

National Museum of Dentistry

The Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry, operated by the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, is a lively national center where visitors learn the importance of a healthy smile and the rich history of dentistry.

American Academy of the History of Dentistry

The American Academy of the History of Dentistry, a distinguished group of enthusiastic individuals representing nearly every state and many foreign countries, is a unique organization founded in 1951 to stimulate interest, study and research in the little known record of the dental profession.

Bainbridge Dental Museum

Dr. John Harris, a medical doctor from Cincinnati, settled in Bainbridge in the mid-1820's. In the fall of 1827, he began teaching classes for those who wished to study "preparatory" to entering a medical college. The following spring, his advertisements emphasized his interest in dentistry, a specialty he favored in both practice and instruction.

Lindsay Society the History of Dentistry

The Lindsay Society the History of Dentistry, established in 1962, is a dynamic organisation dedicated to promoting research into the history of dentistry. The society is named after Lilian Lindsay (1871-1960), the first woman to qualify as a dentist in the UK and a leading dental historian. She became the BDA’s first female president in 1946.

Yorkshire Medical and Dental History Society

The Yorkshire Medical and Dental History Society was set up in Autumn 1991 "to encourage the advancement of knowledge of the history of medicine and dentistry within its membership and the community."