How Long Has Dentistry Been Around?

Dentistry is one of the oldest medical professions; it is also called dental medicine and oral medicine. It is a profession concerned with the prevention and treatment of oral disease that consists of the studying, prevention, diagnostics, and treatment of disorders and conditions of the oral cavity, oral mucosa, and the linked structures and tissues especially in the jaw and facial area.

History of Dentistry

The history of dentistry is just about as ancient as the history of humanity and civilization with reference to the earliest evidence dating back to 7000 B.C and 5500 B.C of the Indus Valley Civilization.

In 2600 BC, Hesy-Re, an Egyptian scribe, was recognized as the first dental practitioner. The inscription 

on his tomb includes the title “the greatest of those who deal with teeth, and of physicians.”

Fun Facts about the Early Dentistry

• During 7000 B.C a Sumerian text described tooth worms as the cause of dental decay, that wasn’t proven false until the 1700s.
• The earliest dental filling made up of beeswax which was discovered in Slovenia and dates from 6500 years ago.
• The first dental X-ray was used in 1896.
• The first power drill invented by George Washington’s dentist was powered by feet.
• In the middle ages, barbers used to pull teeth and they were called “barber-surgeons.”

Modern Dentistry

In 1723, Pierre Fauchard, a French physician acknowledged as the Father of Modern Dentistry published his influential book, “The Surgeon Dentist” for caring for and treating teeth.  Modern dentistry includes not only the treatment of the oral cavity but the overall health and wellness of our entire body as it relates to our mouth.

Now dentists use the latest technological advancements, modern dental practices and have jumped light years ahead in the areas of dental hygiene, cavity detection, treatment of diseased teeth and gums, and other advanced oral care services.