General Dentistry Through History

One of the most fulfilling career paths is general dentistry. Dentists don't just perform services, they transform people with their work and that is why their profession is highly esteemed. The things being accomplished in general dentistry today are nothing short of miracles. And they've also managed to take the pain out of dental work. General dentistry has a long history that has contributed to the general dentistry field we have today; that history spans 9,000 years.

The earliest evidence of dentistry dates back to 7000 BC and the Indus Valley. It is suggested that most of this work was performed with a bow-drill. The procedures used then were reenacted and surprisingly, dentists agree that the methods were pretty impressive.  Learn more about dentist whittier.

Famous Greek scholars detailed their experiments with dentistry in their medical notes. According to the writings, dentistry was already making some impressive strides. These writings addressed issues like gum disease and cavities as well as the use of dental tools.
As the centuries rolled by, people still continued to practice dentistry. During the Middle Ages, barbers served as the dentists, performing mainly extractions (barbers were often sought for the removal of things from the body during that time). It wasn't until early in the 19th century that dentistry became an actual profession.

In 1828, the first dental school opened and the world was introduced to dentistry, the profession. Those early graduates probably were never in need of work since brushing teeth did not become part of the regular routine until the 1940's. That is especially interesting because the toothbrush had been invented many thousands of years beforehand with the Chinese being credit as the first culture to use them. Toothpaste had also been around for centuries at that point: since 500BC.

Almost two centuries have passed since the first dental school was opened in Ohio. If you're wondering what that very first school might have been like, it's still standing today. Many years ago the school became a museum. The school really pushed dentistry to the next level and the following years saw many advancements in the field. The drill, fillings and modern dentures are all thanks to the school-turned-museum.

Dentistry has quite a history. 9,000 years is a lot longer than the 8 years it takes to become a dentist.

Today, visiting the dentist is a quick and rather pain-free experience. A smile can be made perfect in a day. It makes you more appreciative of how easy things are for us now, thanks to the study, research and practice of those first dentists. And general dentistry will keep growing. The history will continue as the dentists of the new millennium make their marks and give us things never seen before. A whittier dentist will be able to help you with all your dentistry needs.