February 9 - International Dentist Day: history, traditions, congratulations
Every year on February 9, the world community celebrates International Dentists' Day, a professional holiday for professionals who care about oral health and the beauty of smiles. In 2025, the date falls on a Sunday. About the history of the profession and traditions of the celebration read in the material "Izvestia".
International Day of the Dentist - 2025: the history of the holiday on February 9
Despite the fact that dentistry is one of the oldest branches of medicine, its professional holiday for representatives of this profession appeared relatively recently. February 9 was chosen as the date - the day when believers remember Saint Apollonia of Alexandria, who is considered the patron saint of dentists.
The martyr lived in the 3rd century in Alexandria. According to legend, during the persecution of Christians organized by Emperor Decius, she was subjected to cruel torture, during which her teeth were knocked out.
Refusing to renounce her faith, Apollonia voluntarily entered the blazing pyre, preferring martyrdom. Since then, the saint has become a symbol of fortitude, as well as the patroness of all who suffer from toothache.
In Russia, the International Day of the Dentist is celebrated on February 9 for the last few years, but every year this holiday gains more and more popularity. In addition, our country celebrates the Day of the Dentist on March 6, and the Day of the Dental Technician on July 25.
History of Dentistry: from primitive fillings to implants
Dentistry is one of the oldest medical professions. The first evidence of dental treatment was found in the remains of people who lived more than 14 thousand years ago in the area of modern Pakistan. Archaeologists found traces of drilling teeth with flint tools.
Papyri describing methods of dental treatment using primitive fillings made of resin and honey have been preserved from the times of Ancient Egypt. It is believed that it was here that the first toothpaste was invented: it consisted of eggshells, ashes and pumice.
In ancient Greece and Rome, Hippocrates and Celsus wrote about methods of treating abscesses, extracting teeth, and using gold thread to fix them. It was Celsus who established that the cause of tooth deterioration was food that remained in the mouth. This problem was named by the word dentium, later the term was replaced by the word caries.
During the Middle Ages, dentistry developed within the framework of general medicine. It was practiced mainly by barbers who dealt with tooth extraction, bloodletting and other surgical manipulations.
In the XVII century, French physician Pierre Fauchard, who is considered the "father of modern dentistry", wrote the first scientific work in this field - "Surgeon-dentist". The book was published in 1728, it described the ways of using fillings, dentures, methods of treatment of oral diseases.
The XIX century was marked by the development of anesthesia, its use allowed to make dental operations less painful. In the XX century there were electric drill, X-ray diagnostics, new materials for filling and dentures, crowns, veneers and implants.
Dentistry in Russia began to develop actively in the XVII century under Peter the Great, who himself was fond of medicine. He brought from Europe the first dental instruments and knowledge about dental treatment, which he put into practice. However, the first professional dentists appeared later. This happened in 1797, when the decree of Emperor Paul I established the official profession of a dentist.
In the XIX century, the first dental offices were opened in our country, the training of specialists in medical universities began. In 1881 the first Society of Russian dentists was founded in Moscow.
After the revolution of 1917, dentistry became part of the state health care system. In the 1950s it actively developed as a separate medical discipline, specialized clinics and departments in medical universities appeared.
Today Russian dentistry is among the world leaders in the application of innovative technologies, implantation, orthodontics and aesthetic dentistry.
Traditions of celebrating the International Day of the Dentist in Russia and the world
Representatives of the professional community celebrate International Dentist Day in Russia and other countries with conferences, seminars and master classes aimed at improving the qualifications of specialists. On this day, thematic lectures and open classes are held in medical universities and colleges.
Also on February 9, charity events are held, within the framework of which dentists consult and treat poor citizens free of charge. Medical institutions organize educational events dedicated to the prevention of oral diseases.
Congratulations on the International Day of the Dentist in 2025
On February 9, congratulations are accepted by all dental specialists: therapists, surgeons, orthodontists, periodontists, orthopedists, teachers and students of dental faculties, dental technicians and assistants. "Izvestia" prepared some examples of wishes for the culprits of the celebration.
"Dear dentists! Your work is an art that requires skill, patience and knowledge. Let every day give you new achievements, patients leave with smiles, and your professional path will be full of success!"
"We congratulate you on the International Day of the Dentist! Thank you for your labor, professionalism and care for the health of patients. Let your work bring joy, success and satisfaction. We wish you good health, grateful patients and professional growth!"
"Dear dentists, please accept sincere congratulations on your professional holiday! Thank you for your golden hands and care for the health of citizens. We wish you success, grateful patients and personal well-being. Let your work bring you joy and satisfaction".
Earlier "Izvestia" told about the traditions of celebrating the International Day of Customs Officer in Russia.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
