Toothpaste has been used since 500 BC in China and India.
The first dental bridges can be traced to 700 BC.
The first fillings were made of beeswax.
Ancient Mayans used seashells for implants.
General Anesthesia was invented by a dentist.
Up until the 16th Century, dentistry was practiced by general physicians and barbers.
The first specialized dental chair was invented in 1790. It was made from a wooden Windsor chair and had a headrest attached.
In 1840 the first Dental College was established, it was Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, today it is University of Maryland School of Dentistry.
Famous people who have worn dentures include George Washington, Winston Churchill, Clark Gable and James Dean.
Nitrous Oxide, or “Laughing Gas” was used for recreational purposes until Horace Wells started using it for dentistry purposes in December of 1844.
Alfred Einhord, a German chemist, discovered Novocain in 1905.
The first electric toothbrush, was invented in 1960.
Sources: dentalassistant.net, The American Dental Association; ada.org.