The Origins of Dentistry
The emergence of the dentistry profession dates back to the late 11th century, where more emphasis on appearance and grooming was placed on the people. With this increased emphasis came the creation of the barber-surgeon profession, which would eventually morph into the dentistry occupation we see today. These barber-surgeons would use various tools such as scissors, scalpels, and razors to carry out their daily tasks. This would in turn lead to the creation of surgery as a medical practice. As time went on, this large group would break off into different specialties, with one of these being dentistry. In the 18th century, Pierre Fauchard began practicing dentistry due to his experiences with sailors who had scurvy. This scurvy would ravage their gums and lead to decreased oral health. Fauchard used his developing knowledge of dentistry to write a book, “Le Chirurgien Dentiste.” This book outlined tactics for treating various dental ailments, along with new devices and technology that could be used to treat teeth. This innovative book opened the floodgates for dental modernization, providing the platform for many other practicing dentists to advance the field with the use of technology and new methods for dental treatment.
Rationalization
This phenomenon has been studied by George Ritzer which considers how almost every business has been modified to increase the efficiency, calculability, control, and predictability of every day activities. He has given this circumstance the title of "McDonaldization," named after the fast food giant that has mastered the four dimensions of rationalization. Efficiency has been identified as the "optimum method for getting from one point to another," calculability being the quantifiable measurement of outputs, control being the increased control over both employees and customers, and predictability being the consistency of service/products at every McDonaldized establishment. Overall, rationalization has made a major impact on the way dentists carry out their practice on a daily basis. Technology has opened new doors for the profession, allowing more patients to be seen than ever before. The development of new technology (efficiency), the corporatization of dentistry (calculability), the implementation of corporate practices (predictability), and the quotas/requirements placed on dentists by corporate offices (control) all indicate effects of rationalization in the dental field. These changes have modified the way these people do their jobs and how quickly they can see each patient.
Efficiency
With the rationalizaiton of dentistry, there has been a large increase in focus on efficiency in the field. The development of new technologies has very much accelerated this rationality. The adoption of X-Rays, 3D Printing, computer modeling software, and various orthodontic appliances have advanced the field greatly, along with speeding up treatments. X-Rays have provided dentists with the ability to look at their patients' dental structure and diagnose treatment plans based on what they see. 3D printing allows for the fabrication of implants that fit perfectly in a patients tooth structure do to the preciseness of computer measurements, which makes it to where the doctor doesn't have to spend the time making the implant themselves, reducing human error. Orthodontic appliances such as metal brackets, rubber bands, and Invisalign have also made it much easier for doctors to treat their patients' smiles as quickly and effiiciently as possible.
Predictability
Predictability in dentistry can be seen with the coporatization of the field. This has led to the decrease in private practices which in turn has created chain-like offices that all have the same branding and all fall under the same business structure. This allows for the custumers to go to any location in the chain and expect the same quality of care no matter where they are. These corporations, also known as DSO's (dental service organizations), take on the business side of running a dental practice. This allows the doctors to focus fully on working with patients and also provides these doctors with access to expensive equipment that might not be economically feasible to have if they were working on their own. However, this apprach does have its downsides. The doctors are not as in control as they would be if they had their own practice, not being able to chose their own hours nor having any control in the way their practice operates. This can be a difference maker for some, but can also be a relief to others.
Calculability
The use of models created to aid in dental procedures has provided dentists with the calculability needed to carry out their jobs efficiently. The use of physics to measure mandibular movement along with tooth alignment is studied in great detail. Prosthodontics, a specialty of dentistry, deals with a considerable amount of mathematics on a daily basis. This specialty is a “branch of dentistry pertaining to the restoration and maintenance of oral function, comfort, appearance, and health of the patient by replacement of missing teeth and contiguous tissues with artificial substitutes.” This profession is a newly developed one compared to that of dentistry, having only really began in 1833 with the adoption of amalgam to replace teeth and the creation of dentures. Without a mathematical approach, prosthodontists would be unable to successfully fit patients with the correct implants/prosthetics, thus rendering them useless. Prior to the creation of this profession, those who had experienced tooth loss/decay would not be able to receive the proper treatment needed. Due to rationalization, this profession came to be and has since provided solutions for many people’s dental afflictions.
Control
Throughout the development of dentistry, many factors have contributed to increased control in the field. Some of these include control by coporations, ruglating bodies such as the American Dental Association (ADA), and the ever-increasing control that technology has imposed on people. The control that DSO's have over dentists is quite large. They have power over how many hours they work and completely control all business operations of the practice, often leading to doctors feeling alienated. The ADA also exhibits control over practices and education requirements by dentists in the United States. This has led to a more standard and reliable form of healthcare that is carefully regulated by a governing body. Technology also contributes to the dimension of control, with various tools and software providing assistance to dentists in carrying out their everyday tasks. These technologies save these doctors time, allowing them to get patients in and out the door much quicker than ever before.
Conclusion
From conducting this research, I have learned about how the dental field has been modified over the years since its emergence. These changes have been beneficial and detrimental to the field and continue to evolve each and every day. I feel that the field will continue to rationalize exponentially as new technology and methods are adopted. These rationalities have completely changed the way that dentists conduct their jobs on a daily basis and will continue to do so unless there are major changes implemented to prevent such events from happening.
Credits:
Created with images by adragan - "Tooth and dental instruments on blue background. Dental treatment. Dentist tools mirror, hook, tweezers, syringe. Copy space for text." • hedgehog94 - "Dental prosthesis, prosthetics work. Close up of prosthetist hands while working on the denture. Selective focus." • Africa Studio - "Set dentist tools on napkin on table close up"