Barber-Surgeons to AI: The Evolution of Dentistry and 'Tick' Begg’s Pioneering Role

In the Middle Ages, barber-surgeons used simple dental methods, while AI runs modern surgeries.

Dr. Percy Raymond "Tick" Begg and other early adopters made this change possible.

Barber-Surgeons to AI — (Photo: Unsplash/ Kenny Eliason )

Dr. Tick Begg's Pioneering Dental Work

Barbers-surgeons extracted teeth and gave haircuts in medieval Europe. In the past, dental tools like the "tooth key" and "pelican" were abrasive and might hurt you.

As dentistry developed over time, by the early 1800s, it had distinguished itself from general health. Up until the 20th century, it wasn't flawless; it improved.

Many thanks to Dr. Percy "Tick" Begg, whose actual name is Raymond Begg, who is a notable dentist today. Begg was born in a tent in Coolgardie, Western Australia, in 1898. His family moved to Adelaide when he was a child.

He was a jackaroo before enrolling in Melbourne University to study dentistry, where he graduated in 1924. Afterward, Begg proceeded to the Angle College of Orthodontia in Pasadena, California, to learn about braces with Dr. Edward Hartley Angle.

Once back in Adelaide in 1926, Begg launched his company and began teaching part-time at the university. He soon discovered that Angle's non-extraction dentistry techniques had several drawbacks.

In 1928, Begg was the first orthodontist to remove teeth to fix crowded teeth. This new supporting method sped up the healing process and eased the pain.

Worldwide Effects and Legacy

Begg's new clamps, stainless steel wire, and small forces were immediately used worldwide. His plan improved dental treatments and cut costs.

Begg turned Adelaide into a center for dentistry innovation. Dental workers from all over the world studied his methods.

Dr. Wayne Sampson, a history of dentistry who used to teach at the University of Adelaide, said that Begg was critical to orthodontics today worldwide. His work affected every part of the field, no matter what technology was used. Sampson thought Begg was a great doctor.

The Australian Society of Orthodontists presents the P. Raymond Begg Award and the Albert H. Ketcham Memorial Award to commemorate Begg's work. Many orthodontic offices continue to be motivated by the concepts and techniques he employed.

AI and Robots in the Present Day

Robots, AI, and digital technology are changing dentists again. Khaled Ahmed is an associate professor of corrective dentistry and general practice at the Royal Melbourne Dental Hospital.

He talks about the gains: "We can quickly get a very accurate scan of the patient's mouth, digitally design the filling or dental crown they need, and 3D-print or mill that customized restoration in as little as an hour."

AI also makes diagnosing problems, planning treatments, and caring for patients easier. Robots the US government allows, like Yomi, make dental surgeries faster and more accurate.

These tools should make going to the dentist easier and faster. They will keep coming up with new ideas as Begg did. From the cruel work of barber-surgeons in the Middle Ages to modern treatments powered by AI, dentistry has come a long way.

Dr. Tick Begg's innovations in dentistry show how new ideas can change a topic. As we learn how to use new technologies, Begg's impact shows us that creative dentists can make dental care better and more accessible for more people.