Dentistry dates back at least as far as the Egyptians; archeologists have found evidence of oral maladies and care as well as some rudimentary tooth restoration in Egyptian mummies. Many different cultures including Hebrew, Chinese, Greek, and Roman all refer to aspects of dentistry throughout their history. The Frenchman Pierre Fauchard, author of the first classic treatise on dentistry, has been recognized as the founder of modern scientific dentistry.
In 1867 the Ontario Dental Association was formed and the following year the Royal College of Dental Surgeons was established. This was the year they The Canada Journal of Dental Science started publication. In Western Canada, the first dental school was not established until 1923, when a 4-year program was introduced at the University of Alberta. Over the course of this past century, dentistry evolved from a profession based on empirical methods to one supported by both basic science and clinical research.
Specialization in the industry started around the turn of the century in North America. The first specialization was exodontia, oral surgery, and others that subsequently emerged were periodontia and orthodontia. Other specialities recognized in Canada today are oral radiology, maxillofacial surgery, oral pathology, pediatric dentistry, prosthodontics, endodontics, and general dental health.
As this separation progressed graduate programs related to them were established. The Royal College of Dentists of Canada was formed by federal statute in 1964 to promote certain standards of specialization, qualification, training programs, recognition and designation of these specialties. This legislation was supported by all the provincial dental licensing boards, which are responsible for the licensing of dentists and the practice of dentistry in each province.
As the profession developed the need for auxiliary dental workers arose and in 1947 the Ontario laws of dentistry were changed to cover what are now known as dental hygienists. Dental hygienists are employed in private dental offices and dental public-health programs, and recently their duties have been extended in several Canadian provinces.
The people (companies) responsible for manufacturing dental appliances are called dental mechanics. They usually work through a dental office but in some provinces they are allowed to work directly with consumers to create dentures.
Dental mechanics, responsible for the manufacture of dental appliances for dentists, have been allowed in some provinces to work directly with the public to provide dentures. Dental assistants work closely with dentists in the chair side provision of dental care to patients.
For each province there is a dental association but the overriding national voice is the Canadian Dental Association.