Dentistry

Dentistry, more appropriately "dental medicine", is the art and science of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions, diseases, and disorders of the oral cavity, the maxillofacial region, and its associated structures as it relates to human beings. While the work of dentists is often surgical in nature, dentists can and do treat many diseases of the oral cavity and face chemotherapeutically (i.e. with prescribed medicines).

A dentist is qualified to practice dentistry after graduating with a degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.- which stands for "Dentariae Medicinae Doctorae" in Latin) in the US. In most countries, to become a qualified dentist you must usually complete at least 8 years of study; an undergraduate degree at the university level and 4 years doctoral training. At least 2 years practical experience working with patients in the educational setting during the last two years of doctoral training are required.

The first dental school, the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, opened in Baltimore, Maryland in 1840. Harvard Dental School was the first dental school to affiliate with a university in 1867 (renamed Harvard School of Dental Medicine in 1940.).

The American Dental Association recognizes the following specialities in dentistry; Prosthodontics, Orthodontics, Endodontics, Periodontics, Oral Surgery, Oral Radiology, Pediatric dentistry and Public Health Dentistry. There is no recognized speciality for Cosmetic Dentistry, however there are several groups that offer credentialing in cosmetic dentistry including the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) and the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics (ACE). To become credentialed, dentists from both of these organizations must attend several hundred hours of continuing dental education, pass a written examination and submit clinical cases for Board.


History

In 2001, archaeologists studying the remains of two men from Mehrgarh, Ancient India made the discovery that the people of the Indus Valley Civilization, even from the early Harappan periods (c. 3300 BC), had knowledge of medicine and dentistry. The physical anthropologist that carried out the examinations, Professor Andrea Cucina from the University of Missouri-Columbia, made the discovery when he was cleaning the teeth from one of the men. Later research in the same area found evidence of teeth having been drilled, dating back 9,000 years.

Some information contained in the Edwin Smith Papyrus dates as early as 3000 BC and includes the treatment of several dental ailments. Hammurabi's Code contains some references to dental procedures and fees. The Ebers papyrus also discusses similar treatments. Examining the remains of some ancient Egyptians and Greco-Romans reveal early attempts at dental prosthetics and surgery.

Historically, dental extractions have been used to treat a variety of illnesses. During the Middle Ages and through the 19th century, dentistry was not a profession into itself, and often dental procedures were performed by barbers or general physicians. Barbers usually limited their practice to extracting teeth, which not only resulted in the alleviation of pain, but often cured a variety of ailments linked with chronic tooth infection. Instruments used for dental extractions date back several centuries. In the 14th century, Guy de Chauliac invented the dental pelican (resembling a pelican's beak) which was used through the late 18th century. The pelican was replaced by the dental key which, in turn, was replaced by modern forceps in the 20th century.

It is said that the 17th century French physician Pierre Fauchard started dentistry science as we know it today, hence he was named "the father of modern dentistry". Among many of his developments were, the extensive use of dental prosthesis, introducing dental fillings as treatment for dental caries and stating that sugar derivate acids like tartaric acid were responsible for dental decay.