DENTISTRY IN SPAIN

After the fall of the Roman Empire in 476, Europe entered a lengthy period characterized by decadency and warfare.
The 15th and 16th centuries marked a shift as many European philosophers challenged the principles of the Roman Catholic Church, leading to a renewed interest in Latin and Greek literature along with historical texts.

This era, known as the Renaissance, served as a cultural bridge from the Middle Ages to Modern history, significantly influencing medicine.
Noteworthy figures included:
- Andreas Vesalius (1514-1564): Pioneered anatomical studies.
- Gabriele Falloppio (1523-1562): Contributed to human anatomy and surgery.
- Ambroise Pará (1510-1590): Known as the father of modern surgery.
- Bartolomeo Eustachi (1514-1574): Made significant contributions to anatomy.

In 1530, the Artzney Buchlein was published in Germany, marking the first book solely focused on dentistry.
In 1544, Walter Hermann Ryff released another text on dentistry. The very next year, he presented Gross Chirurgey.
In 1563, Eustachi published Libellus de Dentibus, regarded as the first book on dental anatomy and histology.

Francisco Martínez de Castrillo (1520-1585) practiced during a time of great academic development in dentistry.
He became the first Spanish dentist to publish a book on dentistry, receiving royal favor as the dentist for King Felipe II in 1565 due to his notable skills in dental care.

In 1557, Martínez de Castrillo published Coloquio Breve y Compendio Sobre la Materia de la Dentadura y Maravillosa Obra de la Boca, the first Spanish-language book dedicated to dentistry.
Spanning 152 pages, this work exemplified the state of dentistry in the Iberian Peninsula during the 16th century, being the second book after the Artzney Buchlein.
The book utilized a conversational style between characters, discussing oral conditions, myths, and presenting comprehensive information on oral pathology, surgery, and dental restoration.

The influence of this seminal work persisted for over a century, serving as an authoritative text for dental professionals in both Spain and its American colonies.
It provided an in-depth look at various dental instruments and practices, particularly those used for extractions.

Following the enactment of the law on March 30, 1477, by the Catholic Monarchs, a regulatory institution, the protomedicato tribunal, was established to oversee health professionals in Castile. Modifications to these regulations occurred in the subsequent years.
The establishment of this institution contributed to the professionalization of medicine and surgery in Spain, including stomatology.

Medical training in Spanish universities adhered to the Hippocratic and Galenic traditions, allowing doctors to practice after passing the protomedicato tribunal’s scrutiny.
Although trained doctors primarily served the royal households and affluent families, the broader populace often relied on less formally trained practitioners, including barbers and apothecaries.

The practice of medicine was difficult to regulate despite efforts to oversee doctors, surgeons, and pharmacists.
By 1617, pharmacists gained a separate trade association, gaining autonomy over time.

Dentistry was practiced widely, often by those without formal training, including esteemed doctors, surgeons treating war injuries, and itinerant practitioners lacking formal education.
The evolution in the seventeenth century saw surgeons making significant advancements, despite their lower social perception compared to physicians.

Under the enlightened monarchs, stomatology solidified its identity as a medical specialty, building upon groundwork laid since Martínez de Castrillo.
The treatment for oral maladies was conducted by various professionals based on the complexity of cases and socioeconomic status of patients.

During the eighteenth century, distinctions between surgical and medical practices remained, where surgery was deemed an unworthy profession by many doctors.
Unlike in France, where dentistry evolved into a legitimate surgical specialty, in Spain, it remained viewed largely as the responsibility of surgeons.

The 19th century marked increased scholarly contributions to scientific development through universities.
Medical specialization began as doctors and surgeons united, leading to the advancement in technological integration into dentistry.

The late 1800s ushered in essential developments in dental care, such as:
- Emergence of modern toothpaste formulated with soap and chalk.
- Colgate’s 1873 launch of the first commercially prepared toothpaste.
- Invention of dental floss in 1882.
- Patent of the first mechanized dental drill by James Beall Morrison in 1871, improving drilling techniques.

Historically, dental procedures were painful, often performed without anesthesia.
The late 18th century saw the experimentation with nitrous oxide for pain relief, leading to its popularization as “laughing gas.”

The capability for dental patients to self-administer nitrous oxide emerged, allowing them to manage their own pain during procedures while remaining conscious.

Common expressions like "It's a gas!" reflect societal reactions towards anesthetics, while also highlighting historical perspectives on dentist-related fears and jokes.

The discovery of Novocain in 1905 transformed the field with more effective pain management.
John Borden’s high-speed air-driven dental drill from 1957 revolutionized tooth preparation, marking the transition into modern dentistry.

The initial use of rudimentary tools has evolved with advanced technologies like CAD and lasers, allowing contemporary dentists to provide treatments closely resembling natural teeth.