Dental Terminology and Specialties

Introduction to Dental Terminology

• The main focus of the course on dental terminology is to understand the language and concepts used in the field of dentistry.

Overview of Dentistry

• Dentistry is primarily involved in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions affecting the teeth, gums, and other structures of the mouth.
• Doctors who practice dentistry are known as dentists.

History of Dentistry

• In ancient Egypt, there were a small number of medical personnel recognized as dentists, specifically trained to handle dental-related issues.
• The earliest recorded dentist in the world is Hesyre, who lived in ancient Egypt around 2600 BCE.
• Apart from being the chief of dentists, Hesyre also held the role of a high-ranking official in the Egyptian royal court.

Dental Specialties

• A licensed dentist, by nature of their general training, can perform a wide range of dental procedures, including routine check-ups, fillings, and extractions.
• The department responsible for dental restorations, crowns, and bridges is known as prosthodontics.
• Periodontal therapy involves treating gum-related issues, such as gum disease and gum recession.
• The department responsible for oral and maxillofacial surgery performs procedures related to the mouth, jaws, and face.