Some factors that make a dentist exceptional include advanced training, specialization, continuous education, and a commitment to excellence. The best dentists also clearly communicate potential risks of procedures to patients and take steps to mitigate those risks. Considering patient experience is also vital for top dentists. Ultimately, while no one dentist can be named the undisputed best in the world, pursuing excellence and embodying these qualities will allow dentists to provide elite oral health care.
The top five countries for dental care are:
- Denmark
- Germany
- Finland
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
These nations achieve high scores due to their low rates of dental disease, high levels of accessibility to dental treatments, and most importantly, dental education.
The study analyzed the number of dentists per 100,000 people and well as government investment in dental facilities and oral health. Denmark ranks first for dental conditions, and Greece has the best access to dentists with 125 dentists for every 100,000 citizens.
In a study assessing the dental health of more than 25 European countries, Italy took the top spot, followed by Germany and Spain.
Turkey is the most affordable option for all-on-4 dental implants when compared to other countries, with top-notch materials, high-quality clinics, and a proven success rate.
John Harris (1809-1856) was an influential American dentist and the first to use rubber to produce dental appliances. In 1844, he introduced the first rubber-based dental plate, a significant innovation in the field of dentistry. He also invented several other dental instruments and tools, including a dental excavator and dental mirror.
Edgar Buchanan, Doc Holliday, Paul Revere, and Pierre Fauchard are other notable dentists. Fauchard is known for the first scientific description of dentistry, and Black for the "Black’s Classification of Carious Lesions" and his study on fluoride’s protective effects on teeth.
Zia Chishti is one of the most famous modern dentists, known for envisioning clear plastic orthodontic trays, leading to the development of a significant orthodontic alternative to traditional braces.