Dentistry is widely regarded as the worlds oldest profession, with evidence of dental practices dating back tens of thousands of years, potentially even hundreds of millennia earlier. The history of dentistry is deeply rooted in ancient civilizations, where early forms of dentistry were practiced by both barbers and philosophers.
Ancient Origins
The earliest evidence of dental activities can be found in the Indus River Valley civilization around 7000 BC, where考古ologists have discovered evidence of molars that had been drilled with drillbits. This suggests that dental care and treatment were already being practiced by this early group.
Centuries later, in ancient Egypt around 3100 BC, Hesy-Re was recorded as having been a high-ranking official doctor, predominantly handling dental cases. His tombs describe him as the "greatest of those who deal with teeth, and of physicians." This indicates that dentistry was recognized as a professional practice in ancient Egypt.
In ancient Greece, philosophers such as Hippocrates and Aristotle wrote extensively about dental health and practices. The Etruscans, who lived in what is now Italy, are被认为是现代牙科的奠基人。他们在大约公元前700年首先尝试使用假牙，这些假牙由黄金和象牙制成。
Early Professionalization
By the time the first dentist school was established in France, in 1723, the profession had evolved significantly. Pierre Fauchard, also known as the father of modern dentistry, published 'The Surgeon-Dentist', a comprehensive book detailing various dental practices, including methods for extraction, cavity repair, and treatment for jaw fractures. This book laid the groundwork for modern dentistry.
With the advancement of knowledge and technology during the 19th century, dentistry became more standardized and a better understanding of oral diseases such as Periodontal Disease was gained. Filling technology also evolved greatly, introducing amalgam and gold fillings.
Modernization
In the early 20th century, numerous technological advancements were made in the field of dentistry such as the development of Novocain, a local anesthetic widely used by dentists. The first tooth casting machine was also invented, enabling precise casts for fillings. The 1908出版了《牙科操作学》，这是一本权威的牙科参考书，对随后的半个世纪产生了深远影响。
Dentistry diversified during this time, with the first dental hygienists trained by the Australian Women's Air Force during World War II. This period demonstrates just how much dentistry had evolved in the history of the profession.
Oral care also evolved significantly, with the invention of nylon toothbrushes, fluoride toothpaste, and other innovations that transformed daily oral hygiene regimens. The history of dentistry is a long and fascinating one, showcasing the importance placed on oral care by early humans and the evolution of the profession throughout time.
