As early as 3000 BC, men have dabbled in dentistry to take care of dental problems they have encountered. The excruciating pain that is associated with cavities and rotting teeth must have prompted them to discover ways to relieve their agonizing and unbearable discomfort. Thus the emergence of early dentists must be because of the painful symptoms. Much evidence point out, like from uncovered relics, artifacts and mummies, some forms of dental surgery or dental prosthetics. From the ancient Egyptians to the Greco-Romans to early Chinese civilizations, dentists have existed to aid the people with their teeth problems.

Dentists have always been associated with pain. No trip to the dentist has ever been a welcomed journey. Many people, mostly children, see the voyage to a dentist appointment as a form of torture. The mere sound of the dentist's drill sends shivers up everybody's spine and causes a form of an anxiety attack. Even with the development of many scientific technologies in dental practice such as better pain relievers, anesthetics, modern equipment and painless procedures, many still fear the visit.

In any case, dentists have had a bad reputation which is probably uncalled for. Learning and knowing more about dentists would make them look less menacing and more interesting. Dentists are here to help us because having good, strong and healthy teeth not only makes us look better but also spares us from the agony of having to endure the unbearable pain of having cavities. Here are 10 things you didn't know about dentists. Some facts show the polls done on their perception and satisfaction of their dentists while some are fun facts that may help you see a different side of dentists.

While dentists have been uncommonly regarded as fear factors, here are some facts that prove otherwise:

• According to a poll done in 1997 by the Gallup poll, dentists received high marks in being the most trusted profession in the United States of America placing fifth in the overall ranking.
• Dentists also get high grades from another Gallup poll done recently, being the line of work that has a high degree in interpersonal skills and delivery of quality care (remember the lollipops?).
• Another survey shows that 83% of American adults are very satisfied with the services they get from their dentists. This survey was done by Louis Harris and Associates in an effort to study the American peoples attitude towards dentists.
• Dentists have a big rating, 61%, in the ethics poll for honesty and trustworthiness.

Fun Facts about Dentists

• The electric chair was invented by a dentist. Hhhmmmm makes you a wonder a whole lot about the Dentist's Chair don't it?
• William F. Semple, a dentist from Mount Vernon , OH . was issued the first patent in 1869 for chewing gum.
• In the old days when dentures weren't invented yet, dentists would do a quick surgery in implanting teeth in the mouth of a person. The teeth came from dead people!
• Aztec dentists would mix iron fillings, water and navel lint bake and insert it in the cavities to seal it.

So if you think about it, after reading this and finding out how many generations have already sought people to take care of their teeth problems, dentists might just be the oldest profession in the whole world. What do you think?