Below is a timeline of dental advances in chronological order dating back to 7000 BC. We’ve come a long way.
7000 BC
The earliest evidence of dentistry traces back to a Neolithic graveyard in ancient Pakistan.
2600 BC
The earliest known dental occupation was on an ancient Egyptian named Hesy-Re. An inscription on his tomb reads “the greatest one of those who deal with teeth, and of physicians.”
1700-1550 BC
The first reference to diseases of the mouth and other tooth remedies was on an Egyptian text, called the Ebers Papyrus.
500-300 BC
Ancient Greek scholars Hippocrates and Aristotle wrote about the pattern of teeth, decayed teeth and gum disease, and other findings.
166-201 AD
The Etruscans practiced dental prosthetics using gold crowns and fixed bridgework.
1530
The first book ever devoted to dentistry is written by Artznet Buchlein and published in Germany. It was called The Little Medicinal Book for All Kinds of Diseases and Infirmities of the Teeth.
1683
Oral bacteria was first identified by Anthony van Leeuwenhoek while using a microscope.
1685
The first dental textbook written in English was called Operator for the Teeth by Charles Allen.
1723
The “Father of Modern Dentistry” often refers to Pierre Fauchard, a French surgeon that published the first comprehensive book about dentistry. It was called The Surgeon Dentist, A Treatise on Teeth and featured basic oral anatomy and function.
1780
The first modern toothbrush was manufactured by William Addis.
1801
The first dental book published in American was the Treatise on the Human Teeth written by Richard C. Skinner.
1840
Horace Hayden and Chapin A. Harris established the first dental college better known today as the School of Dentistry at the University of Maryland.
1859
The American Dental Association (ADA) is established.
1867
Lucy Hobbs became the first women graduate from dental school.
1873-1892
Colgate originally makes toothpaste in a jar. In 1892, D. Washington Sheddield patented toothpaste in a collapsible metal tube which revolutionized the toothpaste manufacturing and marketing industry.
1895-1896
A German physicist, Wilhelm Roentgen initially discovers the dental x-ray.
1900s
Dental schools were developed across the country.
1938
Toothbrushes with nylon bristles first appear on the market.
1945
Americans widely practiced preventive oral health care after WWII due to the teachings of soldiers stationed abroad.
1950s
Fluoride toothpaste becomes available.
1960
Broxodent, the first electric toothbrush, is marketed to Americans.
1971
The American Student Dental Association (ASDA) is established.
1990s
Restorative materials becomes available for bleaching, veneers and implants.
2000
Invisalign is introduced to the public.
Present/Future
Nanotechnology is expected to assist dentists in the future. This will provide early detections in oral health problems, like gum disease.