We are so happy to say that dental care is miles away from what it used to be when it first started being practiced. You’re probably happy too that the tools and techniques used long ago aren’t the standard anymore. It’s fun to take a trip through time to see just how far our profession has come. Here’s a whirlwind look at the evolution of dental care:
Ancient Times
It may be hard to believe but dental care dates all the way back to ancient times. Sumerian and Egyptian texts referred to different dental diseases. In fact, an Egyptian scribe known as Hesy-Re has been referred to as the first “dentist” since the inscription on his tomb reads “the greatest of those who deal with teeth, and of physicians.” Then, a little bit later on, both Hippocrates and Aristotle wrote about various topics in dentistry like treating tooth decay and extracting teeth.
Middle Ages
Jumping forward in time to the Middle Ages, dentistry was being practiced by people known as lay barbers or barber-surgeons. Not only did they extract teeth, but they also provided services like shaving and leeching.
It’s worth noting that a couple of significant texts on dentistry were published during this period: one being a German book called The Little Medicinal Book for All Kinds of Diseases and Infirmities of the Teeth by Artzney Buchlein and the other being a French work called Complete Works by the surgeon Ambrose Pare. Both of these provided information on dental topics from oral hygiene to tooth extraction.
18th Century
The 18th century marks the real beginning of modern dentistry with French surgeon Pierre Fauchard’s book The Surgeon Dentist: A Treatise on Teeth. This comprehensive work laid out the basics of oral anatomy and a system of dental practices that would serve as a foundation for future dental professionals. Today, he’s actually known as the “Father of Modern Dentistry.”
Modern Times
Throughout the 19th century and into modern times, the years have been peppered with dental advancements. For example, 1832 brought about the invention of the reclining dental chair, in 1859 the American Dental Association was formed, tube toothpaste was introduced in 1886, the first electric toothbrush came out in 1927, and in 1930 the world’s first dental specialty board came to life with the American Board of Orthodontics.
Consult with Our Expert Team!
These facts are just snippets of the many stepping stones in our industry that got us to where we are today. Interested in learning more about dentistry? Or maybe you’re just excited to have modern dental care and are ready to book an appointment. Either way, we’d love to chat with you. Contact Laulani Dental Care today to set up your next visit.
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