The battle with oral health is not a modern fad. The first historical records of artificial teeth can be traced back to around 2500 BC . The oldest set of artificial teeth (made from wolf molars) dates back to that time. Although the patient was probably delighted to be able to chew again at that time, the creation of artificial new teeth and dental laboratories as we know them today date back to the late 19th century.
The birth of the modern dental laboratory
“The early 20th century was when dental labs emerged,” notes Marybeth Starr, a board member at Harvest Dental Products, based in Brea, California. “They were workshops where skilled artisans would hand-craft dentures, changing dentistry forever.”
According to the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology, dentistry was evolving and improving in the late 19th century. But not every dentist was skilled in every skill. Some were better at certain skills than others, which created unexpected opportunities. For example, some were especially skilled at making prosthetic equipment. These dentists found another source of income by selling the fruits of their labor to other dentists. Those dentists in turn applied these dental products. Experts believe that this was the moment in which the two professions diverged and the existence of the modern dental laboratory begins.
The first commercial dental laboratory
Dentist William H. Stowe, based in Boston, Massachusetts, was particularly talented at creating dentures. In fact, he was so talented at his craft that he began to not find time to treat patients. In 1883, Dr. Stowe began to focus solely on the laboratory side of his practice, serving only selected dentists.
By 1887, the business had grown so much that Dr. Stowe opened a dedicated dental laboratory. It was later joined by his cousin Frank F. Eddy (the laboratory later became known as ” Stowe & Eddy.DentalLaboratory” ). The laboratory is widely considered to be the first commercial dental laboratory in America.
There is a lack of more specific data for Europe, as the industry is developing organically in the territory of the current European Union. Modern large networks such as Corus Dental (a leading digital laboratory group) emphasize that they are the “first European laboratory group for dental design”. They mainly focus on the integration of laboratories and digital workflows.
The Giant Step
Although there have been many important events in the development of dental laboratories over the past 150 years, many experts believe that it was the introduction of CAD/CAM technology that led to significant changes in the industry and literally revolutionized the design and production of prosthetics for many industries, not just dentistry.
Conrad Rensberg, CEO and president of Absolute Dental Services, based in North Carolina, says that while not much happened in the 1990s, the past two decades have seen significant changes and advancements in materials, equipment, and techniques. He highlights the dynamics since 2010, with the introduction of 3Shape and digital design, as well as the integration of zirconia as a viable restorative solution.
The museum preserving the history of dentistry
The history of the dental laboratory is being preserved. The Museum of Dental History in Chadras, Saxony (Germany) houses a unique collection. It presents the history of dentistry and dental technology. The museum houses one of the oldest equipped dental laboratories in the world, dating back to 1873. Dental technician Andreas Hessler started the collection in September 2000. The museum currently houses over 120,000 historical objects. New exhibits from all over the world are being added all the time. Hessler’s motivation for realizing this project is to compensate for what has been largely neglected in Europe over the past 50 years. He wants to present the history of dentistry and make it accessible and usable for researchers.
The oldest objects in the Dental Museum are models of the oral cavity made about 2,800 years ago, oral hygiene objects that testify to methods of prophylaxis from about 2,000 years ago, and medical instruments used to treat toothaches from 1,800 years ago. A particularly interesting exhibit for dental technicians is the oldest fully preserved dental laboratory in the world. It is housed in the Museum of Dental History. It originates from the inventory of the Degussa company and was the workplace of a dental technician around 1873.
Modern solutions
The history of the dental laboratory shows that the treatment of the oral cavity has always been a challenge for humanity. From molars to 3D models, the search for treatment and replacements for already diseased teeth has been urgent and dates back over 4000 years. Both industries in general and dental laboratories have undergone general changes in recent years. The traditional and the modern are mixed. But the goal is the same – achieving a better and higher quality result. This is facilitated by software solutions such as AMOSYS, which facilitate organizational processes in the laboratory and contribute to its greater productivity.
Sources:
- Elsenpeter R. (03.10.2023). Dental Labs by the Decade; https://www.dentalproductsreport.com/view/dental-labs-by-the-decade
- Jahn K. Dentalhistorisches Museum; https://epaper.zwp-online.info/epaper/903/export-article/62
- May Dental Technology Co.,Ltd; https://maydentallab.com/from-ancient-roots-to-digital-designs-a-look-at-the-history-of-dental-labs/
- National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology; https://nbccert.org/about-national-board-certification/history-of-regulation.cfm