How many famous dentists could you name? If you are like most people, not many! So when it comes to naming the best dentist in history, you probably come up short. In reality, there have been many figures who have made vital contributions to the field. Whether they pioneered the science of dentistry itself, introduced dental sedation, or invented cutting-edge techniques in the modern era, the following 6 dentists deserve a place in the history books.
At Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre, we are proud to stand on the shoulders of giants. We combine advanced technology, specialized training, and a friendly, compassionate manner to provide the highest level of care.
Though we may not claim to be the best dentists in history, many of our loyal patients would say we are the best dentist they’ve ever had. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
1. Hesy-Ra
The first named dentist in history, Hesy-Ra was an important official in Ancient Egypt. One of his many titles is translated alternately as “Great One of the Dentists” and “Great One of the Ivory Cutters.”
2. Pierre Fauchard
Pierre Fauchard, who lived from 1678 to 1761, is known as the “Father of Modern Dentistry.” His influential work, Le Chirurgien Dentiste, detailed everything currently known about oral health and helped make dental care a true science. Prior to Fauchard, most “dental professionals” in Europe were amateur “tooth-pullers” who offered their services at fairs and festivals.
Today, Fauchard is the namesake of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, an organization that recognizes leaders in the dental field.
3. William Morton
Imagine facing dental surgery without any anesthesia. Before William Morton, that is exactly what you would have had to do. Morton was an American physician who lived from 1819 to 1868. In 1846, he gave a public demonstration using inhaled ether (an anesthesia) during surgery. Morton’s display helped make surgical anesthesia an accepted practice.
Unfortunately, he also claimed to be the inventor of anesthesia, a claim which is widely disputed.
4. Joseph Hyams
Joseph Hyams is considered Australia’s first dentist. A convict, he was sentenced for an unknown crime and sent to the penal colonies in 1813.
While Hyams deserves a place in Australian history, he certainly would not qualify as the best dentist. Untrained in dentistry, he eventually returned to crime.
5. Annie Praed
Annie Praed was the first female dentist in Australia. Praed graduated from the University of Sydney in 1906 at the top of her class. After visiting England for a year, she returned to Sydney, where she set up practice with a classmate. She later opened a solo practice and specialized in prosthodontics. Praed was a leader in numerous Australian dental associations before her death in 1948.
6. Per-Ingvar Branemark
A Swedish physician, Branemark made an accidental discovery that led to the revolutionary invention of dental implants. When researching the effects of blood flow on bone healing, he found that titanium fuses with bone tissue. He called this process osseointegration and realized that titanium could support replacement teeth.
Implants produced and sold by Nobel Biocare are™ known as the Branemark System.
Looking for the Best Dentist in Your Area? Contact Magic Smiles
Whether you are looking for routine preventive care, dental implants, or cosmetic treatment, the dentists at Magic Smiles work hard to provide historically great care!
Contact our office today to book an appointment.
