We are finishing up our invention blog series with a topic very close to our hearts. Yes, you guessed it - The history of dentistry. We are going to go back as far as recorded history will allow, to give you insights into how the industry began and give you some of the major milestones along the illustrious journey!
Hello, Dr. Hamilton here! I’m excited to share the proud history of dentistry. It’s rare that we often stop and ask the question - How did this come to be? When you consider the craft of dentistry for what it is today, it’s a really interesting field to imagine pre-industrial revolution. Before the days of x-rays, lighting systems, drills, hundreds of hand tools, there was a time where a dentist had a really small array of available resources for use.
Where did it all begin?
Dentistry is considered one of the oldest medical professions dating back to 7000 B.C. During this period there isn’t much recorded documentation around the field itself. It wasn’t until 5000 B.C that descriptions came to surface about ‘tooth worms’ which were causing tooth decay. This was discovered by Sumerians, but don’t worry, the whole notion of a tooth worm was eventually disproven in the 1700’s.
Fun fact: Hesy-Re was an Egyptian scribe who lived around 2600 B.C. and is recognized as the first dental practitioner.
It wasn’t until 1530 that the first book entirely devoted to dentistry - The Little Medicinal Book for All Kinds of Diseases and Infirmities of the Teeth - was born. Roughly 170 years later, dentistry started to form into a more structured medical profession. By 1723, Pierre Fauchard (a French surgeon) often referred to as the ‘Godfather of Modern Dentistry’, released one of the most talked about dental books to-date - The Surgeon Dentist, a Treatise on Teach. This book detailed a system for caring and managing teeth. This book also released information and the initial ideation for dental fillings and the use of prosthesis. This was also where we began to understand the negative impacts of sugar which would lead to tooth decay for many people across the globe.
Dr. Fauchard - The Godfather of Modern Dentistry
Dental Education
Today there are 68 dental schools across North America (USA + Canada). But that wasn’t where it all began. It was in 1840, that the first dental college that we know of, was born. Baltimore College of Dental Surgery was opened to ensure better education, and oversight. This then evolved into the first university-affiliated program which launched out of Harvard University in 1867. In Canada, it was the RCDSO which opened the first dental school inside of the University of Toronto in 1875 and was led by Dean Willmott (who was considered the godfather of dentistry in Canada).
University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry
The Canadian Dental Association was founded in 1902, and became the National voice on promoting oral health amongst Canadians.
Fun fact - Dr. Shire and I both went to the University of Saskatchewan - Faculty of Dentistry
University of Saskatchewan - Dental College
Product Innovation
Once education started to ramp up across North America, product innovation shortly followed. By 1873, Colgate had formulated the mass production of the first toothpaste, this was then followed by toothbrushes later. Take a read of our toothpaste and toothbrush blogs for more in-depth history! The first dental X-ray was used in 1896, and what followed was rapid product development within the industry.
How fast is the industry growing?
Dentistry has continued to grow since it’s initial foundational years, with Dentists all over the globe which operate in various subspecialties. There are over 700,000 active dentists (recorded in 73 countries) to-date. Currently there are over 24,000 dentists in Canada. One of the challenges (and opportunities) will come for an aging dental workforce. Roughly 20% of current dentists are over the age of 60 years of age.
The industry continues to flourish as more technology, education, and learnings come from within the dental community.
PS. Don’t forget there are now 10 dental schools within Canada. If you are interested in joining the industry check out these resources:
Thanks for tuning in to our invention series! We are happy to address any questions you might have, or if you are looking for a dentist, We’re accepting new patients.
PS. Don’t forget to use up your benefits, as many run out by December 31st.
Please call 306-931-0000 to book your appointment.
Blairmore Dental Centre.