The development of medicine is a crucial part of human history. This sphere has been in progress for centuries. This is the history of dentistry in New York. Read more at i-new-york.com.
In the 21st century, dental services are extremely important and expensive in NY. The most innovative methods and the state-of-the-art equipment are used in treatment. Dental care is a fast and painless process. But while at the dentist’s appointment, many people don’t even think about the history of dental practice in their hometown.
Historical roots: early period
Let’s start with the origin of medicine itself in the territory of New York. Its development in NY began with the New Amsterdam settlement, founded in 1626. At that time, there were hardly any doctors in the city and medicine was at a low level. Together with their crew and goods, doctors came from European countries by ship. Therefore, the residents of New Amsterdam had to wait quite a long time for their treatment. However, even these doctors lacked enough competence. These specialists knew some medical practices, which they mainly used for providing first aid.
Only after several decades, real physicians began to settle in New Amsterdam and provide their medical services to the residents. Most of these doctors became barber-surgeons. Thus, in early 17th century New York, one could have not only a haircut but also surgical operations, including tooth extractions, done at a barbershop.
In the 18th century, one of the most well-known surgeons and dentists in America was John Baker. He practiced dentistry in Boston starting from 1763. In 1766, Robert Wooffendale started his dental practice in NY.
Evolution of dental practice in the territory of New York
Dentistry in New York has come a long way in development before it reached the modern level of the 21st century. In particular, the rapid progress of odontology in NY occurred in the early 19th century. During this period, the city was rather a flourishing metropolis, so experienced dentists were in high demand.
Despite the intense growth of the city, dentistry in New York was still in embryo. Moreover, only a few could afford dental services. New York stomatologists primarily served the elite of the city, who could overpay them. Yet, with the growth of the city’s population, accessible dental services for all residents were becoming a necessity.
Although previously all dentists in NY were educated through apprenticeship, in the 19th century, an educational base for future specialists began to appear. For instance, in 1867, the Harvard School of Dental Medicine started teaching dentists. Additionally, licenses for dental practices in NY were not issued until 1868.
Following this, New York dentists could not only pull out teeth but also provide a wider range of services, including:
- Tooth restoration
- Preventive procedures
- Dental prosthetics.
All of these procedures were extremely rare and a genuine revolution in the field of dentistry of that period. By the end of the 19th century, it became accessible not only to high society but to the majority of New Yorkers.
Dental breakthrough of the 20th century
A real breakthrough in stomatology in NY occurred in the mid-20th century. Technological innovations in this sphere were at the highest level. Dentists began to use X-rays and anesthesia, making tooth treatment more effective and painless. The range of services offered by dentists also expanded. Cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics began to develop as well.
The introduction of medical insurance in the 20th century in NY made dental services available to more city residents. As a result, many New Yorkers started taking care of their teeth.
Dentistry in New York in the 21st century is one of the best. It is fair to say that this city is a leading center for dental care. Some of the best dental clinics in the United States and even the world are located here. The country’s top specialists start their practices in this city. Beyond that, future dentists move here to get an education either at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine or NYU College of Dentistry.
Technological innovations in the dentistry field are also advancing in the 21st century. Digital imaging, laser dentistry, and even 3D printing are widely applied in urban dental clinics. New Yorkers can undergo any procedure barely feeling any discomfort and have maximum efficiency.
Cosmetic dentistry has also gained incredible popularity. It is in NY in the 21st century that many clinics specialize in teeth whitening and veneer mounting.
All of this is an important indicator of the rich history of dentistry in New York, which has come a long way in development since the 17th century.