Historical Milestones in Dentistry

Earliest known dentist in ancient Egypt

Hesi-Re, who practiced around 3000 BC and was known as 'Chief of the Toothers and the Physicians.'

Significant dental practice developed by the Chinese by the 2nd century AD

The Chinese developed a silver amalgam paste for fillings, which was used one thousand years before similar substances were used in the West.

Hippocrates' contribution to medicine and dentistry

Hippocrates outlined a rational approach to treating patients and is known as the 'Father of Medicine.' He also established the Hippocratic Oath, which serves as a code of ethics for medical and dental professions.

Dental advancements made by the Romans

The Romans were skilled in extracting teeth, restoring decayed teeth with gold crowns, and replacing missing teeth with fixed bridgework. They also developed tooth-cleaning powders from natural materials.

Primary diet of ancient Egyptians and its impact on dental health

The Egyptian diet was primarily vegetarian, which has been attributed to some dental problems, including indications of periodontal disease found in radiographs of ancient remains.

Greatest physician after Hippocrates

Claudius Galen (130-200 AD) is considered the greatest physician after Hippocrates. He listed the teeth as bones of the body and was the first to mention the nerves in the teeth.

Ambroise Paré's contributions to dentistry during the Renaissance

Ambroise Paré (1510-1590) described dental extraction methods and reimplantation of teeth. He referred to toothache as 'the most atrocious pain that can torment a man without being followed by death' and is known as the 'Father of Modern Surgery.'

Pierre Fauchard's role in the development of dentistry

Pierre Fauchard developed dentistry as an independent profession and originated the title of 'surgeon dentist,' which translates to the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. He recognized periodontal disease and described methods for removing caries and filling cavities in his book, Le Chirurgien Dentiste.

Early dentists in America and their contributions

Robert Woofendale was one of the first dentists to travel throughout the American colonies. John Baker, a physician from Ireland, practiced dentistry in several cities and was one of George Washington's dentists. Paul Revere, a silversmith, studied dentistry and is credited with beginning forensic dentistry, performing the first identification of a corpse recorded in dental history.

Foundational contributions of Horace H. Hayden and Chapin A Harris

Horace H. Hayden and Chapin A Harris established the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery in 1839-1840, laying the foundation for the profession of dentistry in the United States.

G. V. Black's major contributions to dentistry

G. V. Black, known as the 'Grand Old Man of Dentistry,' contributed the principle of extension for prevention, which involved extending the margins of a filling for easier cleaning, and standardized rules of cavity preparation and filling.

Horace Wells' important discovery in dentistry

Horace Wells is credited with the discovery of inhalation anesthesia in 1844, which is considered one of the most important medical discoveries of all time.

Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen's contribution to dentistry

Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen discovered x-rays in 1895, which significantly advanced diagnostic capabilities in dentistry.

Dr. Deborah Greenspan

Dr. Deborah Greenspan is recognized worldwide for her research into dental issues related to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

First woman to graduate from the College of Physicians and Surgeons

The first woman to graduate from the College of Physicians and Surgeons was an unnamed individual who graduated in 1904.

Ida Gray-Rollins

Ida Gray-Rollins was the first African American woman to earn a formal DDS degree and she practiced dentistry in Chicago.

Dr. George Blue Spruce, Jr.

Dr. George Blue Spruce, Jr. is recognized as the first indigenous American dentist in the United States, graduating from Creighton University in 1956.

C. Edmund Kells

C. Edmund Kells is credited with employing the first dental assistant, recognizing the value of dental assistants in the dental practice.

Irene Newman

Irene Newman was the first person to become a dental hygienist, and she was trained by Dr. Alfred C. Fones.

Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry

The Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry is the largest and most comprehensive museum of dentistry in the world and was declared the nation's official dental museum in 2003.

Professional appearance for dental assistants

The essential aspects include: Good Health: Adequate rest, well-balanced meals, and regular exercise. Good Grooming: Personal cleanliness, daily bathing, deodorant use, and good oral hygiene. Avoid using perfume or cologne. Appropriate Dress: Clothing must be suitable for the position, clean, wrinkle-free, and worn over appropriate undergarments.

Importance of front desk and chairside skills

Having both front desk (business) and chairside (clinical) skills is crucial for dental assistants because it allows them to cover for absent team members, ensuring the smooth operation of the dental office.

Qualities of a dental assistant in teamwork

Dental assistants should: Offer to do an absent colleague's work and help coworkers when possible. Be willing to substitute for others in emergencies. Avoid gossiping or criticizing others, showing appreciation for their contributions. Maintain dedication to their practice, patients, and the profession, demonstrating empathy and a positive attitude.

Importance of confidentiality in dental assisting

Confidentiality is crucial as dental assistants have access to sensitive personal and financial information about patients. They must adhere to HIPAA regulations to ensure patient privacy is protected while sharing health information among healthcare providers.

Formal education programs for dental assistants

Dental assistants can receive formal education through: Community colleges, Vocational schools, Career colleges, Technical institutes, Universities, Dental schools. Most programs typically require about 11 months to complete.

American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA)

The ADAA is an organization that represents the profession of dental assisting, formed in 1924 by Juliette A. Southard. Membership is tripartite, meaning joining the ADAA includes membership in the state, local, and national components.

Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)

The DANB is the recognized agency responsible for testing dental assistants and issuing the credential of Certified Dental Assistant (CDA). It is acknowledged by the American Dental Association.

DANB's role in dental assisting certification

DANB serves as the national certification agency for dental assistants, allowing them to demonstrate their commitment to excellence through certification.

Educational requirements for dentists in the United States

Dentists must graduate from a dental university accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the ADA and pass the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) along with a state-specific clinical examination to obtain a license.

Nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association

The nine dental specialties recognized by the ADA include: 1. Dental Public Health 2. Endodontics 3. Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology 4. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 5. Oral Pathology 6. Orthodontics 7. Pediatric Dentistry 8. Periodontics 9. Prosthodontics

Focus of Dental Public Health

Dental Public Health focuses on developing policies to control and prevent disease at community levels, conducting dental screenings to assess community needs, and treating the community as the patient rather than individuals.

Endodontist specialization

An endodontist specializes in the cause, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and injuries to the pulp and associated structures, commonly performing root canal treatments.

Primary function of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon diagnoses and surgically treats diseases, injuries, and defects of the oral and maxillofacial regions, which includes more than just tooth extractions.

Orthodontics

Orthodontics involves the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of malocclusions of the teeth and associated structures, going beyond just fitting braces.

Role of a pediatric dentist

A pediatric dentist specializes in the oral healthcare of children from birth to adolescence, often addressing emotional and behavioral problems in their patients.

Focus of a periodontist

A periodontist focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the oral tissues that support and surround the teeth.

Role of a prosthodontist

A prosthodontist specializes in the design, manufacture, and fitting of artificial replacements for teeth and other parts of the mouth, including crowns, bridges, and dentures.

Minimum education for a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)

The minimal education required for an RDH is 2 academic years of college study and an associate's degree in an ADA-accredited dental hygiene program.

Examinations for Registered Dental Hygienist licensing

An RDH must pass both written national or regional board examinations and clinical state board examinations to be licensed by the state in which they plan to practice.

Responsibilities of a sterilization assistant

The sterilization assistant is responsible for efficiently and safely processing all instruments, managing biohazard waste, selecting infection control products, and performing quality assurance procedures.

Educational requirement for a dental assistant

Minimal standards require a program of approximately 1 academic year in length, conducted in a post-high school educational institution, including didactic, laboratory, and clinical content.

Role of a dental laboratory technician

Dental laboratory technicians make crowns, bridges, and dentures from impressions taken by the dentist and sent to the dental laboratory, but they usually do not work in the dental office with other team members.

Certified dental technician (CDT) requirements

To become a certified dental technician (CDT), the dental laboratory technician must pass a written examination.