The roots of dentistry penetrate more deeply than the roots of your teeth. In fact, there’s pretty firm evidence that it existed over 14,000 years ago. What was it like in the Middle Ages? Here’s a brief timeline of significant events:

700 A.D: A Chinese medical text writes of the use of a “silver paste” – in other words, a type of amalgam filling for cavities.
1210: Dentists in France form a guild, calling themselves “barbers.” Not only do they work on teeth, but they are also doctors and – you guessed it – they cut hair. Eventually they develop two groups: barber-surgeons, who are educated and trained and perform complex operations, and lay-barbers, who help with more routine services.
1400: Laws start to standardize the practice of dentistry: royal decrees in France stop barbers from performing complex surgeries without the proper training and education.
1530: The first book written only about dentistry is published in Germany. It’s title? “The Little Medicinal Book for All Kinds of Diseases and Infirmities of the Teeth” by Artzney Buchlein.
1575: Ambrose Pare, a French barber-surgeon often referred to as “The Father of Surgery”, publishes his Complete Works.

The Middle Ages certainly had its developments in the field of dentistry. Even so, we’ve come a long way. Would you like to participate in the marvels of modern dentistry? You can call Patient-First Dental Care in Conroe, Texas at 936-856-9969 to set up an appointment with Dr. Gayle Fletcher and his expert team. We’re here to help.