The dentistry of today does not resemble the dentistry of only a few years ago. Many changes are constantly occurring, some of which are new to the practice of dentistry and those who are receiving preventive, surgical, and restorative oral care. This article identifies some of the more important historical changes, within the last two decades, and makes observations, suggestions, and predictions based on the past, the present, and the future. The following historical perspective is important to understand the current state of medical/dental care and integration. Historical perspective Dentistry dates back to about 7,000 BC. The first medical degrees (MD) were awarded around the year 1,000 by the Schola Medica Salernitana. This Roman/Italian institution was known as the epicenter of medical knowledge in Western Europe. This institution represented the first interdisciplinary construct that combined educating men and women in Greek and Arabic healing practices.1 The degrees became legally approved in 1137. The French physician, Pierre Fauchard viewed by many as the “Father of Modern Dentistry,” published 1728, the first comprehensive dental textbook. The first medical school in the US originated at the College of Philadelphia in 1765.1
THE CHANGING FACE OF DENTISTRY Gordon J. Christensen, DDS, MSD, PhD CEO Clinicians Report Foundation CEO Practical Clinical Courses Provo, Utah Abstract Modern Dentistry has evolved considerably from its historical roots. The journey taken by dentistry as a profession has been one that is interwoven with disciplines such as medicine, chemistry, physics, biomaterials, esthetics, nutrition, and public health measures. More recently, the impact of legislative and cosmetic forces has driven this noble profession to serve the ideals generated by the consumer and public perception. For Oral Health practitioners, the opportunity to implement novel changes will come from recent global events where infection control, modifications in personal protective practices, and technologies such as teledentistry, artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, and robotics. Generating further understanding of nutritional research, microbiome science, and innovative access to care practices will drive the nature of our service to tomorrow and beyond. Our end goal in Oral Health should be to equitably serve the communities we practice in, educate in, and legislate in to optimize the interdisciplinary nature of Dentistry for people to appreciate the maxim, “Oral health is integral to overall health.” Keywords Interdisciplinary, history, 2000 Surgeon General’s Report, Affordable Care Act, Obamacare, Covid-19, Hispanic, future of dentistry.
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During the colonial time, dentistry was practiced by some physicians and surgeons, the well-known “barber surgeons,” and others. At that time, many laypersons felt that anyone who wanted to do so could practice any profession of their choice without formal education.1 Differentiating designations “medical” and “dental” started officially in the US in 1840, as the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery received its charter by an act of the Maryland General Assembly.1 The establishment of this school was the result of significant effort expended by Dr. Horace H. Hayden and Dr. Chapin A. Harris. At that time, dentistry was segregated from the under-developed medical profession and the degree “Doctor of Dental Surgery” was established. Other schools followed this concept.1 Why dentistry was segregated from other parts of medicine is a moot point, since the rudimentary remainder of the medical area remained relatively intact for some years. Optometry, podiatry, and others originated in the late 1800s.1 Currently, medicine is segregated into innumerable specialties and sub-specialties, which makes little
