Sunday, September 9, 2012

When did dentistry begin?


The first school for dentists was founded in 1840.  Dentistry, the art and science of treating disease of the teeth and the parts of the mouth, is rather new.

There were no real dentists with about 250 years ago.  But people needed dentists for many centuries before that.
In ancient times, there was not too much knowledge concerning the teeth and how to treat them.  Magic was often called on to cure a toothache.
In ancient Greece, about 2,500 years ago, there were “dentists” who pulled teeth.  But they usually pulled only loose teeth.
During the Middle Ages barbers took over the pulling of teeth.  It was not until 1840 that dentistry became a profession.
To be a dentist today, a person must study for several years and take an examination in order to receive a license to practice.
After a dentist’s name one often and the letters “DDS.”  There stand for “Doctor of Dental Science (or Surgery).” – Dick Rogers

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