The Extracting Profession of the Dentist Quiz

Answer: Barber

Up until the 16th century, dentistry was carried out by barbers and physicians. The occupation of the dentist did not exist as a separate field of expertise until around the 17th century. Toothaches were treated by extraction, without the benefit of any analgesics.

It was not a pleasant experience, but it was one that was experienced by the vast majority of the population. Those who were too poor to visit a barber or physician pulled out their own teeth.

Answer: They are tools used to pull teeth

The dental pelican was invented in the 14th century by Frenchman Guy de Chauliac and was used for the next 400 years to extract teeth. In the 18th century the dental key came into use. It was basically the same as the pelican but had the advantage that it could be modified to fit each tooth, making extraction slightly quicker.

It also lessened the chance the tooth would break during extraction. Both of these pieces of equipment gave way to the modern dental forceps which have remained basically unchanged for over 100 years.

Answer: The tooth worm

An ancient tablet found in the city of Nineveh is known as "The Legend of the Toothworm". Scholars believe this tablet to be a copy of an even earlier legend. The idea of a tooth worm was found in many cultures, including Egyptian, Hebrew and Chinese. Worms were believed to enter the teeth while the person was eating, and would eat the tooth from the inside out.

Answer: Hang rows of rotten teeth strung together in the window

As a form of advertisement, many barber-surgeons hung rows of rotten teeth in their windows and doors. The more teeth in the window the greater the skill and reputation of the barber-surgeon. I do hope you enjoyed the visual that you just got from this bit of trivia!

Answer: Paul Revere

Paul Revere was a man of many skills. In addition to being an engraver and silversmith, this multi-talented man was also a dentist. He is credited as being the first person to use dental forensics. This occurred during the American Revolution when he identified the body of a colonel, who was killed at the Battle of Bunker Hill, by the bridgework in his mouth.

The dental appliance the officer wore was one of his creations.

Answer: Baltimore College of Dental Surgery

Opened in 1840, the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery is generally regarded as the world's first school of dentistry. In 1867, Harvard University opened their own school of dentistry and with the Industrial Revolution in full swing, many advances were made in the field of dentistry. Better education, more sanitary conditions, and the use of analgesics came into play, making a visit to the dentist less of an ordeal.

Answer: Novocaine

In 1905, while looking to improve the field of anesthesia, Einhorn came up with Novocain. This local anesthetic was a vast improvement over cocaine, which was being used at the time. Improvements in dental care and preventive measures have increased the reputation of the dentist tremendously.

When you have a bad toothache, your dentist may become one of the most important people in your life. Dentistry is no longer the barbaric practice it was many years ago.

Answer: True

Although it might sound strange today, this is true. During the 16th through the 18th centuries, dentures were considered a very nice wedding gift. False teeth were expensive and most people expected to lose their teeth. To prevent the inevitable pain associated with rotting or broken teeth, many people expedited the process by having their teeth removed at an early age. Often those who made dentures were looked at with high regard and their services were quite expensive.

Answer: Suicide

Dentists as a profession, have one of the highest levels of suicide. But this fact extends to the medical profession in general. Several studies have looked at this claim and it has been a topic of many articles in dentistry magazines. The claim that dentists have the HIGHEST suicide rate of any profession would be incorrect and biased. Dentistry can be a stressful occupation.

It requires extensive education, but is often looked down on by other medical professions. Dentist jokes are a popular topic for comedians, and most of a dentist's patients are not happy to make a visit to his office.

The negative image of the dentist may just one of the factors that does lead to higher suicide rates than that of other occupations.

Answer: True

Everyone's teeth are different. They are as unique as your fingerprints, the shape of your ear, and the veins in your eyes, all of which are used for identification purposes. Unlike some of these other methods of identification, teeth are easier to remove or alter. The skills of the modern dentist can change the whole appearance of your mouth and teeth.