'Dentists' and the establishment of the Anglo-American dental profession in the eighteenth century: part 1. The need for a name and an identity.

This series of papers will examine how the Anglo-American dental profession was established in the eighteenth century, examining its need for a name and identity, public recognition and official status. This paper outlines the evolution of the names of the profession, from tooth-drawer to dentist, and notes the importance of the name to the profession.