The History of Dentistry
Ancient Dentistry
Baltimore, Maryland boasts the world's first dental school, the Baltimore
College of Dental Surgery. The school was founded in 1840.
Famous First
Hesi-Re gets credit for being the first dental practitioner. Hieroglyphic
records dating back to 2600 B.C. in Egypt, tell of his accomplishments.
Known as "Chief of the Toothers and the Physicians" and as "the greatest
of the physicians who treats the teeth," his art was greatly in demand in
ancient Egypt. Records indicate that Egyptians had many dental problems
because it was commonplace for abrasive sand and grit to get into their,
resulting in significant wear on their teeth.
Dated Dental Restorations
Archeologists searching remnants of ancient Phoenicia, have concluded from
their findings that as far back as 400 B.C.E., they constructed
sophisticated dental restorations. Examples of fixed bridges and other
appliances, appear to have been fashioned by Phoenician dentists. They used
carved ivory for replacement teeth, which they affixed to the patient's
own teeth using gold wires. The level of their craft and sophistication is
astonishing.
Ancient Chinese Ingenuity
The Chinese are credited with the development of many dental procedures,
including several in the field of oral surgery. There are records existing
that a Chinese physician was the first to perform surgery to repair a cleft
lip. This as far back as the Ch'in dynasty (255-206 B.C.). To further
emphasize their early contributions, it should be noted that by 659 A.D.,
records show that Chinese dentists were making regular use of silver
amalgam for fillings.
Ancient Roman Records
Circa 35 DA, the encyclopedist Celus recounted a variety of dental
procedures including poultices, steam and other remedies to relieve pain.
He wrote about extractions and included a full chapter about toothaches,
which he called "among the worst of tortures."