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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.).
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| General
dentistry
General dentistry is the only non-speciality field of dentistry.
General dentists typically do not focus their clinical practice
on any particular discipline within dentistry, and instead provide
basic care within a variety of disciplines. However, they can (and
often do) further their training in one or more speciality areas
(such as surgery, endodontics, orthodontics, etc.). Hence, there
can be a great deal of variation between the level of skill in different
disciplines from dentist to dentist, however all dentists must achieve
a certain degree of skill in various disciplines in order to graduate
from dental school and earn licensure. General practitioners, unlike
specialists, have the luxury of choosing which services they will
provide and which they will refer to specialists. It is important
to note that most general practitioners perform restorative, prosthetic,
routine endodontic therapy, routine periodontal therapy, and simple
exodontia, as well as performing examinations. Others are comfortable
treating more complex cases, as well as placing implants and extracting
third molars...among many other procedures frequently referred to
specialists. Contrary to popular belief, most dentists do not regularly
clean teeth, and instead delegate this task to their support staff
(e.g. dental hygienists).
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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.
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Internet Resources :
Smiile Please Dental Clinic - Regular Dental procedures
including root canal Treatments, dentures, non-surgical ... Advanced
Dental Care & Centre for Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Treatments
Mumbai, India...
Visit - Dental
Treatments Mumbai
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