Review Article
VOLUME: 40 | ISSUE: 2 | Jun 25, 2024 | PAGE: (69 - 77) | DOI: 10.24911/BioMedica/5-1145
From chisels to lasers: a narrative of history of dentistry in the Indo-Pak Subcontinent
Authors: Afeera Rahat
Article Info
Authors
Afeera Rahat
General Dentist, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Publication History
Received: March 13, 2024
Revised: May 21, 2024
Accepted: June 06, 2024
Published: June 25, 2024
Abstract
The research highlights the rich heritage of dentistry in the Indian subcontinent and the diverse influences that have shaped its evolution. The roots of dentistry can be traced back to the inhabitants of the Indo-Pak subcontinent at Mehrgarh where the earliest evidence of dental practices was found. By analyzing the methods of the primitive “tooth-pullers” to those of modern-day specialists, this study delves deep into the influence of Ayurveda, Unani medicine, colonialism, and global exchanges on the field of dentistry.The study begins with the analysis of Ayurvedic records which document early dental procedures and the use of herbal remedies for oral diseases followed by the exploration of colonialism and the effect of Western medicine on shaping oral health practices. The dual system of healthcare prevailed due to the incorporation of traditional and modern medicine. Furthermore, the key milestones are discussed. Alongside the developments, the study also discusses the challenges faced in achieving those developments and the initiatives launched that aimed at improving the quality of care provided. Patterns that led to the development of dentistry can be recognized which will help in further improvement.In conclusion, the transition of dentistry from primitive practices to modern procedures is mainly due to the interaction between tradition and modernization. The findings of the paper underscore the need for improvement in research standards and a greater focus on public health by adopting both, traditional and modern-day medicine.
Keywords: Dentistry, Pakistan, History, Ayurvedic Medicine, Modernization.
Pubmed Style
Afeera Rahat. From chisels to lasers: a narrative of history of dentistry in the Indo-Pak Subcontinent. BioMedica. 2024; 25 (June 2024): 69-77. doi:10.24911/BioMedica/5-1145
Web Style
Afeera Rahat. From chisels to lasers: a narrative of history of dentistry in the Indo-Pak Subcontinent. https://biomedicapk.com/articles/online_first/1145 [Access: September 01, 2024]. doi:10.24911/BioMedica/5-1145
AMA (American Medical Association) Style
Afeera Rahat. From chisels to lasers: a narrative of history of dentistry in the Indo-Pak Subcontinent. BioMedica. 2024; 25 (June 2024): 69-77. doi:10.24911/BioMedica/5-1145
Vancouver/ICMJE Style
Afeera Rahat. From chisels to lasers: a narrative of history of dentistry in the Indo-Pak Subcontinent. BioMedica. (2024), [cited September 01, 2024]; 25 (June 2024): 69-77. doi:10.24911/BioMedica/5-1145
Harvard Style
Afeera Rahat (2024) From chisels to lasers: a narrative of history of dentistry in the Indo-Pak Subcontinent. BioMedica, 25 (June 2024): 69-77. doi:10.24911/BioMedica/5-1145
Chicago Style
Afeera Rahat. "From chisels to lasers: a narrative of history of dentistry in the Indo-Pak Subcontinent." 25 (2024), 69-77. doi:10.24911/BioMedica/5-1145
MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style
Afeera Rahat. "From chisels to lasers: a narrative of history of dentistry in the Indo-Pak Subcontinent." 25.June 2024 (2024), 69-77. Print. doi:10.24911/BioMedica/5-1145
APA (American Psychological Association) Style
Afeera Rahat (2024) From chisels to lasers: a narrative of history of dentistry in the Indo-Pak Subcontinent. , 25 (June 2024), 69-77. doi:10.24911/BioMedica/5-1145