# dentistry

> branch of medicine dealing with oral health and teeth

**Wikidata**: [Q12128](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12128)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dentistry)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/dentistry

## Summary
Dentistry is a branch of medicine that focuses on oral health and the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions affecting the teeth, gums, and mouth. It is a specialized medical field that includes various subspecialties such as orthodontics, periodontology, and oral surgery. Dentistry plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health by addressing issues related to the mouth and jaw.

## Key Facts
- Dentistry is a medical specialty concerned with the oral health and teeth.
- It is an academic discipline within the broader field of medicine.
- The American Dental Association was founded in 1859.
- Dentsply Sirona is an American dental equipment maker and dental consumables producer, established in 1899.
- Horace Wells, an American dentist, is known as a pioneer in anesthesia.
- Weston Price, an American dentist, is notable for his research on nutrition and oral health.
- Dental public health is a non-clinical specialty focused on preventing oral disease and promoting oral health.
- Dental tourism involves medical tourism for visits to dentists.
- Geriatric dentistry specializes in delivering dental care to older adults.
- Oral and maxillofacial radiology is a specialty concerned with imaging and data interpretation for oral and maxillofacial conditions.
- Forensic dentistry applies dental knowledge to criminal and civil laws enforced by police agencies.

## FAQs
**What is the primary focus of dentistry?**
Dentistry primarily focuses on oral health, including the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions affecting the teeth, gums, and mouth.

**What are some subspecialties within dentistry?**
Subspecialties within dentistry include orthodontics, periodontology, oral surgery, endodontics, and restorative dentistry.

**Who is considered a pioneer in anesthesia in dentistry?**
Horace Wells, an American dentist, is recognized as a pioneer in anesthesia.

**What is dental public health?**
Dental public health is a non-clinical specialty that deals with the prevention of oral disease and the promotion of oral health.

**How does forensic dentistry contribute to criminal justice?**
Forensic dentistry applies dental knowledge to criminal and civil laws enforced by police agencies, aiding in investigations and legal cases.

## Why It Matters
Dentistry is essential for maintaining overall health by addressing oral health issues that can impact general well-being. It plays a critical role in preventing and treating diseases, promoting oral hygiene, and improving the quality of life for individuals. The field has evolved to include various subspecialties, ensuring comprehensive care for patients of all ages. Dentistry also contributes to public health initiatives by promoting oral health education and preventive measures.

## Notable For
- Being a specialized branch of medicine focused on oral health.
- Including subspecialties such as orthodontics, periodontology, and oral surgery.
- Contributing to public health through dental public health initiatives.
- Applying dental knowledge in forensic dentistry for criminal justice.
- Advancing dental technology and equipment through companies like Dentsply Sirona.

## Body
### History
Dentistry has a long history, with practices dating back to ancient civilizations. The field has evolved significantly over time, incorporating advancements in medical technology and techniques. Notable figures in dentistry include Horace Wells, who pioneered anesthesia, and Weston Price, who conducted research on nutrition and oral health.

### Subspecialties
Dentistry encompasses various subspecialties, each focusing on specific aspects of oral health:
- **Orthodontics** deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of malpositioned teeth and jaws.
- **Periodontology** focuses on the study and treatment of gum diseases.
- **Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery** involves surgical procedures related to the mouth and jaw.
- **Endodontics** is concerned with the study and treatment of the dental pulp.
- **Restorative Dentistry** focuses on restoring the function, integrity, and morphology of teeth.

### Organizations and Institutions
Several organizations and institutions are associated with dentistry:
- The **American Dental Association** was founded in 1859.
- **Dentsply Sirona** is an American dental equipment maker and dental consumables producer, established in 1899.
- **University Lille-II** is a university in France that offers dental education.

### Notable Figures
Notable figures in dentistry include:
- **Horace Wells**, an American dentist and anesthesia pioneer.
- **Weston Price**, an American dentist known for his research on nutrition and oral health.
- **Hugo Blaschke**, a German dental surgeon who served as the chief dentist of the Reich Physician SS and Police.

### Dental Practices and Techniques
Dental practices and techniques have evolved over time, incorporating advancements in medical technology. Dentistry plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health and overall well-being. The field continues to advance through research and innovation, ensuring comprehensive care for patients.

## References

1. Directory of Open Access Journals
2. Integrated Authority File
3. [Nuovo soggettario](https://thes.bncf.firenze.sbn.it/termine.php?id=11232)
4. Nuovo soggettario
5. BBC Things
6. YSO-Wikidata mapping project
7. BabelNet
8. UMLS 2023
9. ASC Leiden Thesaurus dataset of 5 June 2018
10. [Source](https://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/DetailsPage/1297.02008?OpenDocument)
11. [Source](https://fr.dentist/kb/dentistry/)
12. National Library of Israel
13. KBpedia
14. [Source](https://vocabs.ardc.edu.au/viewById/316)
15. [dentistry · GitHub Topics · GitHub](https://github.com/topics/dentistry)
16. All Science Journal Classification Codes
17. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)