November 22 is an important day that sheds light on the history of the dentistry profession in Turkey, gaining significance with the establishment of the School of Dentistry (Dişçi Mekteb-i Aliyesi) within the Faculty of Medicine in 1908. This date is celebrated every year as "Dentistry Day" and is complemented by the "Oral and Dental Health Week" activities held during the same week, drawing attention to the importance of oral and dental health, emphasizing the social contributions of the dental profession, and raising awareness in this field.
Turkey's first Dental School was founded on November 22, 1908, and began its educational activities in 1909. The school graduated its first 43 students, and by 1926, the number of graduates had risen to 84. In 1928, the "Law on the Practice of Medicine and Allied Health Professions" came into effect, granting professional practice rights only to graduates of the "Dental Medicine School," establishing a disciplined framework for the dental profession.
The first professional organization of Turkish Dentistry was founded in 1912, although it was temporarily suspended due to World War I. In 1922, it was re-established under the name "Muslim Dentists and Students Association" and later became the "Turkish Dentists Association" in 1925. This professional union also launched the first periodical publication in Turkish dentistry, Diş Tabipleri Cemiyeti Mecmuası (Journal of the Turkish Dentists' Association), leading the way in professional knowledge sharing and development.
In 1953, dentists were brought under the umbrella of the Turkish Medical Association, and by 1984, they gained independence, leading to the establishment of the Turkish Dentists Association and its affiliated Dental Chambers. This process strengthened the organized structure of the dental profession and played a key role in its modernization.
As Istanbul Rumeli University, we celebrate World Dentists' Day on November 22 and extend our heartfelt congratulations to all dentists for their contributions to public health and their dedicated efforts. We wish them continued success in their important work.
