National Dentists Day
March 6th marks National Dentist's Day, a special occasion to express our gratitude to the dentists who work tirelessly to keep our smiles healthy.
Even though dental appointments might make us nervous, dentists are experts who make sure our teeth stay healthy and in good shape.
They are an underrated but a very valuable part of the healthcare sector who are responsible to take care and solve any issues of our pearly whites.
Significance of National Dentist's Day
While the origins of National Dentist's Day are unknown, this holiday is a great opportunity for patients to show their appreciation for their dentists as well as for dentists to encourage more people to take care of their dental health.
It is believed that the celebration is likely to have originated as a way to honor the significant role that dentists play in the society.
This day reminds everyone how important it is to go to the dentist regularly and to keep our teeth clean. Celebrating this day helps people understand that having healthy teeth is essential for a better life.
Even though we may not know exactly when it started, more and more people are celebrating National Dentist's Day to show how much we appreciate dentists and the significant work they do.
History of Dentists
As we all know, a dentist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing, preventing, and treating diseases and conditions of our oral cavity or our mouths.
But did you know that in the Middle Ages, before dentistry as a medical field existed, it was barbers who performed the job of dentists?
There were two types of dentist-barbers: Guild barbers, who were more educated and qualified, and in charge of doing complex surgeries. And lay barbers, who were tasked with doing hygienic services like tooth extraction and basic surgery.
Dentistry as a medical field emerged in 1728, in France. In the United States, the first dentists were immigrants from Europe, but by 1760 there were already American-born dentists practicing dentistry.
It was also America that pioneered the field of forensic dentistry. The Doctor of Dental Surgery, or DDS, degree was established in 1840, and in 1859 the American Dental Association was founded.
Today, dentists are one of the most important professions in the medical field. Keeping our mouths and teeth in good shape is essential for our overall health.
Even though many of us fear going to the dentist, the feeling of coming away from the dentist's chair toothache free, with clean teeth, and filled cavities is definitely worth it. More often than not, though, if you've been flossing and brushing your teeth, and staying away from too many unhealthy foods, you should have nothing to fear on your dental check-up!
How to Celebrate National Dentist's Day
If you've been putting off going to see your dentist, let this day be a reminder to make an appointment for a check-up. You'll see there's nothing to fear, and you'll feel better for doing it!
Send your dentist an email, a card, some chocolates, or flowers to show them that you appreciate them for keeping you healthy. If you have an appointment on this day, reward your dentist by showing them you've been following their advice and keeping on top of your oral health.
Encourage friends and family to visit the dentist, and start teaching your children about how important it is to brush their teeth, and that there is nothing scary about the dentist.
Share your dentist's work by sharing a photo of you smiling on social media with the hashtag #NationalDentistsDay
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