When did dentists originate? What year?

Answer 1

I think it goes back to the 17th century...

It is said that the 17th century french physician Pierre Fauchard started dentistry science as we know it today, hence was named "the father of modern dentistry" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dentist

Answer 2

Things have certainly changed from the Middle ages to the early 1700's, when most dental therapy was provided by so-called ‘barber surgeons‘," said Eric Curtis, DDS, renowned dental historian and spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry. "These jacks-of-all-trades would extract teeth and perform minor surgery, in addition to cutting hair, applying leeches and performing embalming."

Dental practitioners migrated to the American colonies in the 1700's and devoted themselves primarily to the removal of diseased teeth and the insertion of artificial dentures. In the 1800's, dental practices included such duties as extracting teeth with the turnkey (a primitive tool like a ratchet wrench used for extracting teeth), cleaning the teeth with scrapers and removing cavities with hand instruments. The filling materials used then were tin, gold foil, lead and silver. Dentures were carved from ivory or fashioned from the teeth of cattle.

Answer 3

There is evidence of dental prosthetic devices in the tombs of the Pharohs. Human remains from Roman times show various kinds of dental treatment to remove decay or kill the nerve inside of teeth. How far back do you want to go?

Modern dentistry, not terribly different from what you would call dentistry today, came about as described in the answer above me.

Answer 4

No one knows for sure, but the rumour is one day a man walked by a hunk of copper and took a hammer and put dents in it. This amusing pastime became quite popular, and people who did it were called 'dentists'.

Answer 5

Probably the guy who made those wooden teeth George Washington wore. :))

Answer 6

No idea, but thanks for the points!