Dentistry Through the Ages: a Timeline (Part II of V)

In Part II of this 5-part series detailing the evolution of dentistry from its ancient origins to modern day, we’ll take a look at the Middle Ages and Renaissance eras.

500-1000 AD

During the early Middle Ages in Europe, medicine, surgery and dentistry are generally practiced by monks, the most educated people of the period.

700 AD

A medical text in China mentions the use of “silver paste,” a type of amalgam.

1130-1163 AD

A series of papal edicts prohibits monks from performing any type of surgery. Because barbers regularly visit monasteries to shave the heads of the monks and are equipped with knives and razors, they assume the monks’ surgical duties of bloodletting, lancing abscesses and tooth extraction.

1210 AD

After the Guild of Barbers is established in France, the profession evolves into two groups. There are surgeons who perform complex operations, and lay barbers, who perform more routine hygienic services.

1400 AD

A series of royal decrees in France prohibits lay barbers from practicing all surgical procedures except bleeding, cupping, leeching and extracting teeth.

1530 AD

The Little Medicinal Book for All Kinds of Diseases and Infirmities of the Teeth  by Artzney Buchlein is published in Germany and is the first book devoted entirely to dentistry. Written for barbers and surgeons who treat the mouth, it covers practical topics, including oral hygiene, tooth extraction, drilling teeth and gold fillings.

1563 AD

Batholomew Eusttachius publishes the first accurate book on dental anatomy, Libellus de dentibus.

1575 AD

In France Ambrose Pare, known as the Father of Surgery, publishes his Complete Works. This includes practical information about dentistry, including tooth extraction, treatment of decay and jaw fractures.

1683 AD

Antony van Leeuwenhoek identifies oral bacteria using a microscope.

1685 AD

The first English dental textbook—The Operator for the Teeth—is written by Charles Allen.

In our next installment, we’ll take a look at dentistry during the 18^th Century.

For information about the Ferber Dental Group, dental implants, dentures or periodontal concerns, call 561-439-8888 or visit www.ferberdental.com.