This document provides an overview of the history and current state of dentistry. It discusses how dentistry dates back 7,000 years to ancient civilizations, with descriptions of dental issues found in Sumerian texts from 5,000 BC. It also outlines key developments like the first dental X-ray in 1896 and mass production of toothpaste and toothbrushes in the late 1800s. The document highlights important figures who advanced dentistry and lists the specialties within the field. It describes the typical work settings and qualities of dentists while also noting the relevance of English in the industry.
2. HISTORY
Dentistry is one of the oldest medical professions, dating back to
7000 B.C. with the Indus Valley Civilization. However, it wasn’t until
5000 B.C. that descriptions related to dentistry and tooth decay
were available. At the time, a Sumerian text described tooth worms
as causing dental decay, an idea that wasn’t proven false until the
1700s.
3. OTHER FUN TEETH FACTS
● The first dental X-ray was used in 1896.
● By 1873, Colgate had mass produced the first toothpaste, and mass-produced
toothbrushes followed a few years later.
● In ancient Greece, Hippocrates and Aristotle wrote about dentistry, specifically about
treating decaying teeth.
● The first African American to earn a dental degree dates all the way back to 1869, and the
first female dental assistant was employed in New Orleans in 1885.
4. CHARACTERS THAT REVOLUTIONIZED
DENTISTRY
The history of dentistry also has its protagonists. Scientists who rebelled against the establishment of the
moment and dared to make public their discoveries, thanks to which it was possible to advance and improve
the oral health of society as we know it today.
● Francisco Martínez de Castrillo
● Pierre Fauchard
● Adolph Witzel
● James Leon Williams
● Willoughby D. Miller
5. CHARACTERISTICS OF A DENTIST
Good dentists often share a number of qualities that make them so likeable, and some of these include
the following:
● Creates a welcoming atmosphere
● Educates patients
● Has extensive scientific knowledge
● Employs a gentle touch
● Believes in patient involvement
● Has good manual dexterity
● Understands new technology
● Is passionate about oral hygiene
● Puts people at ease
6. Dentist Practice
Dentistry can be employed on different places, that is
because dentists, are available to work in different
contexts.
Dentists work with dental
hygienists and/or dental laboratory
technicians. They work in:
❖ Private dental offices.
❖ Dental schools,
❖ Hospitals,
❖ Clinics.
❖ Public health settings.
7. SPECIALTIES
1. Dento-maxillofacial radiology
2. Endodontics
3. Oral and maxillofacial surgery
4. Oral medicine
5. Oral pathology
6. Oral surgery
7. Orthodontics
8. Paediatric dentistry
9. Periodontics
10. Prosthodontics
11. Public health dentistry (Community dentistry)
12. Special needs dentistry
13. Forensic odontology
8. Relevance of English
Dentistry, is greatly influenced
by English. More than 70% of
articles related to dentistry are
in English. This allows us to get
an idea of the relevance of the
English language and of the
importance of its apprehension
and understanding.
9. Personal Interest
Julianna Pulido: I decided to study dentistry because all my life I wanted to be a
successful dentist, no only to make money, but to I want to be recognized by my
excellent work, for my way to treat people.
Kevin Felipe Jaramillo: I decided to study dentistry, because I always liked everything
related to medicine. I recognize the importance of having good health in any condition,
and the dentistry not only focuses on oral health, also on the aesthetic. Making not only
that people feel good, also safe with themselves.
Jimena Soto: I was interested in studying dentistry because I saw it as a direct way to
serve the community from an area that I like, such as health. I think it is very important
to be able to contribute to the health of a person, speaking of this specific part as oral
health is.