Dentistry as a practice evolved over time, so it doesn’t have a single inventor. However, some key historical figures contributed significantly to its development:
- Hesy-Ra (circa 2600 BCE): An ancient Egyptian physician often considered one of the earliest known dentists. He is mentioned in historical records as a “dentist” and “tooth doctor.”
- Sushruta (circa 600 BCE): An ancient Indian physician known for his work on surgery and medical treatments in the “Sushruta Samhita,” which includes early descriptions of dental procedures.
- Pierre Fauchard (1678–1761): Often called the “father of modern dentistry,” he was a French dentist who wrote “Le Chirurgien Dentiste,” a comprehensive work that laid the foundation for modern dental practices.
These figures each played a role in shaping the field of dentistry through their contributions to dental care, techniques, and education.