The British Dentist (Shire Library)

Published in association with the British museum of dentistry, this book explores the role of the dentist from its early, crude and gruesome beginnings as a sideline for barbers, wig makers and even blacksmiths! Early procedures were tortuous experiences: Extractions were by forceps or commonly by digging in and turning doorkeys which often removed the gum and bone with it or broke the jaw of the patient. The book reveals all the gorey details and explores dentistry' rise to regulation in the mid-19th century and modern 20th century advancements.