Dentistry
An infected tooth from Italy, partially cleaned with flint tools between 13,820 and 14,160 years ago, represents the oldest known dentistry. This discovery predates the Neolithic site of Mehrgarh in Pakistan's Balochistan province by thousands of years. Evidence from that Neolithic site shows bow drills operated by skilled bead-crafters curing tooth-related disorders. A reconstruction of this ancient form revealed methods were reliable and effective. In Slovenia, a dental filling made of beeswax dates back 6500 years. Prehistoric Malta yielded a skull with an abscess lanced from the root around 2500 BC. Ancient Egyptians bound replacement teeth together with gold wire. The Phoenicians crafted dentures during the 6th to 4th century BC using gold wire and ivory teeth. Etruscans in northern Italy applied bridges and dentures as early as 700 BC. Roman medical writer Cornelius Celsus wrote extensively on oral diseases and treatments like narcotic-containing emollients. The earliest dental amalgams appeared in Germany in 1528 after being documented in a Tang dynasty text by Su Kung in 659.
John M. Harris started the world's first dental school in Bainbridge, Ohio, opening on the 21st of February 1828. The Baltimore College of Dental Surgery opened in Maryland in 1840. The Ohio College of Dental Surgery followed in Cincinnati in 1845. The Philadelphia College of Dental Surgery arrived in 1852. Temple University accepted a bid to incorporate the school in 1907. In the United Kingdom, the London School of Dental Surgery and Metropolitan School of Dental Science both opened in 1859. The British Dentists Act of 1878 limited the title dentist to qualified practitioners. The 1879 register became known as the Dental Register. Practice became fully regulated with the 1921 Dentists Act requiring registration for anyone practicing. The British Dental Association formed in 1880 with Sir John Tomes as president. Most dentists complete between five and eight years of post-secondary education before practicing. Degrees include Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine in North America. Bachelor of Dental Surgery degrees exist in the UK and Commonwealth countries. Many dentists choose to complete an internship or residency after receiving their degree.
Dental treatments focus on preventing or treating dental caries and periodontal disease. Common procedures involve restoration of teeth through fillings, crowns, and bridges. Extraction or surgical removal of teeth remains a standard intervention. Scaling and root planing address gum issues while endodontic root canal treatment saves infected teeth. Cosmetic dentistry improves the appearance of the mouth and smile. General dentists perform examinations, radiographs, and diagnosis without specialization. They prescribe medications like antibiotics and sedatives for patient management. Some require additional training to perform sedation or place dental implants. Dentists encourage prevention through proper hygiene and twice-yearly checkups. Oral infections may affect overall health and indicate systemic diseases like diabetes or cancer. Studies show gum disease links to increased risks of heart disease and preterm birth. The concept that oral health affects systemic health is called oral-systemic health. Radiology inspects tooth deformity while haematology avoids bleeding complications during surgery. Cardiology addresses severe complications arising from dental surgery with patients having heart disease.
Some dentists undertake further training to specialize in distinct subjects recognized by registration bodies. Anesthesiology deals with advanced use of general anesthesia and pain management. Endodontics focuses on root canal therapy and diseases of the dental pulp. Orthodontics straightens teeth and modifies midface growth using wires and braces. Periodontology studies and treats diseases of the periodontium including non-surgical and surgical options. Prosthodontics handles dentures, bridges, and restoration of implants. Oral and maxillofacial surgery covers extractions, implants, and jaw surgery. In some countries both medical and dental degrees are required for this specialty. Forensic odontology gathers dental evidence for law enforcement purposes. Geriatric dentistry delivers care to older adults as part of an interdisciplinary team. Pediatric dentistry serves children specifically. Sports dentistry prevents and treats injuries associated with exercise. Veterinary dentistry applies these principles to animal care. Special needs dentistry serves those with developmental and acquired disabilities. Maxillofacial prosthodontists return function to patients with congenital defects or trauma from war.
Long-term occupational noise exposure contributes to permanent hearing loss known as noise-induced hearing loss. Sound levels above 90 dBA can damage delicate structures of the inner ear. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration sets permissible limits at 90 dBA. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health sets limits at 85 dBA. Dentists use piezoelectric and sonic scalers that may exceed safe thresholds over many years. Chemical hazards include allergens from compounds like mercury, methacrylate, and nickel. Disinfectants introduce risks through inhalation or physical contact with agents like glutaraldehyde. Research shows around 10.9% of dental professionals test positive for allergic reactions to glutaraldehyde. Mercury makes up approximately 50% of conventional dental amalgam used for fillings. Prolonged exposure to mercury vapor has been linked to adverse effects on the nervous system. Methyl methacrylate is an acrylic resin used in restorative procedures causing respiratory irritation. Nickel-containing alloys release levels typically less harmful but cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Wearing full personal protective equipment reduces symptoms like burning eyes and dry cough.
A movement exists to place greater emphasis on high-quality scientific evidence in decision-making. Evidence-based dentistry uses current research to guide decisions regarding patient oral health. It requires application and examination of relevant data related to medical and oral conditions. A new paradigm for medical education was developed by Gordon Guyatt and the Evidence-Based Medicine Working Group at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada during the 1990s. Digital transformation influences processes changing effectiveness and accuracy of treatment. Computer-aided design systems combine with computer-aided manufacturing and 3D printing technologies. Artificial intelligence integrates into electronic health records and clinical workflows. Larger dental centers adopt digital solutions more rapidly than smaller practices. Younger dentists show higher willingness to implement new technologies. Financial constraints and lack of comprehensive training represent major barriers to implementation. Accreditation of dental schools enhances quality and professionalism of education. The field continues evolving through systematic review of population oral health and tooth morphology.
Common questions
What is the oldest known dentistry and where was it found?
An infected tooth from Italy partially cleaned with flint tools between 13,820 and 14,160 years ago represents the oldest known dentistry. This discovery predates the Neolithic site of Mehrgarh in Pakistan's Balochistan province by thousands of years.
When did John M. Harris open the world's first dental school?
John M. Harris started the world's first dental school in Bainbridge Ohio opening on the 21st of February 1828. The Baltimore College of Dental Surgery opened in Maryland in 1840 followed by the Ohio College of Dental Surgery in Cincinnati in 1845.
Which countries developed early dental techniques using gold wire and ivory?
Ancient Egyptians bound replacement teeth together with gold wire while Phoenicians crafted dentures during the 6th to 4th century BC using gold wire and ivory teeth. Etruscans in northern Italy applied bridges and dentures as early as 700 BC.
How many years of post-secondary education do most dentists complete before practicing?
Most dentists complete between five and eight years of post-secondary education before practicing. Degrees include Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine in North America and Bachelor of Dental Surgery degrees exist in the UK and Commonwealth countries.
What are the main occupational hazards faced by dental professionals regarding noise and chemicals?
Long-term occupational noise exposure contributes to permanent hearing loss known as noise-induced hearing loss with sound levels above 90 dBA damaging delicate structures of the inner ear. Chemical hazards include allergens from compounds like mercury methacrylate and nickel alongside disinfectants that introduce risks through inhalation or physical contact.