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Featured Dental Schools
Dental Education Resources
Learn more about dental degrees, dental schools, and careers in the dental field.
Also visit these other sections of DentalSchools.com for additional dental resources to help you plan your dental education and pursue your dreams of becoming a dental professional:
Dental Career Profiles
Dental Interviews
Dental Education & Career Guidance
Choosing a Dental School
Considering a Dental degree? Learn more about how to choose the best school and program for your career goals. Read more »
Dental Schools Introduction
An introduction to career and education options in the dental profession. Read more »
Top 10 Qualities Of a Dentist
Do you have what it takes? Look into our list of top 10 qualities of a succesful dental professional and find out. Read more »
Dental School Continuing Education
A continuing education in dentistry is a common part to the profession. States require dentists to receive continuing education before they can renew their license to practice. Continuing education programs can also help to stay on top in dentistry. Read more »
Dental Organizations
One of the best ways to find out about careers in dental field, and to network for future opportunities, is through professional associations. Read more »
Additional Dental Resources
Other resources that will help you with your educational and career development needs. Read more »
Guide to an Online Dental Education
The Internet is used for dental programs to give students an affordable and flexible education. Learn more about the benefits of online educational programs.Read more »
A Dental History
Evidence of humans caring for their teeth can be traced back 5000 BC, when tooth decay was written about and thought to have been caused by tooth worms. Evidence of people fashioning primitive toothbrushes out of tree branches has also been discovered from around this time. The earliest known dentist was Hesy-Re, who died in 2600 BC. From 500-300 BC, Hippocrates and Aristotle wrote about dentistry and treating tooth decay and gum disease, as well as the treating loose teeth and jaw problems with wires. From 500-1000, monks performed dental operations, and in the 1100s, papal edicts forbade monks from continuing this practice, so barbers took over the work. Barber-surgeons, as they were known, performed everything from tooth extractions to bloodletting, and this continued for several centuries.
The modernization of dentistry as we know it today began in the 19th century. The first dental school was founded in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1840, and is now part of the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. The 1890s brought about worldwide promotion of tooth brushing and flossing and general dental care. Vast strides were made in the dental industry through the 20th century, and today, more people than ever before have healthy teeth and gums.
Dental Education Requirements
Dentists are required to attend four years of post-baccalaureate dental training, and even more depending on whether one is interested in pursuing a specialty, such as orthodontics or periodontics. Hygienists and assistants are generally required to have an associate's degree, though many programs offer certificates, bachelor degrees, and even master degrees. DentalSchools.com is a great resource for sorting through the many different programs available to those aspiring to work in the dental field.