A Dentist's Shop is Fitted Up

Prior to the dental drill, teeth were often extracted using picks and scissors.  The first patented foot drill was introduced in 1790 by George Washington’s dentist John Greenwood (1760-1819).  Improvements were made throughout the 19^th century to increase their speed and accuracy.  Significant success came with the creation of the first electric-powered drill in 1875, although they were not widely used until electricity was more readily available in the 1910s.   

  Did you notice the foot drill at left?

The foot drill seen here was purchased by the Shakers and museum staff in 1975 to represent the types of dental drills used with the Shakers at the turn of the 20^th century. 

Captions:

1. Stereoview, "Oh! What a tooth".  Dentist pulling tooth.  Foot drill visible at left margin. Courtesy of Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division.
2. Dental Drill, manufactured by U.S. Dental Manufacturing Company.  CSV collection, #1982.479.1.