21/11/2025
🇬🇧 November 22 — Turkish Dentists’ Day — Historical Background
November 22 marks a significant milestone in Turkey, symbolizing the foundation of modern scientific dentistry. Its origins trace back to 1908 during the Ottoman period — specifically, on November 22, 1908, the budget to establish the “Dental School” (Dişçi Mektebi) was submitted to the Ministry of Education. This submission is regarded as a crucial step in institutionalizing dental education in Turkey.
Formal education began shortly afterward: the Dental School officially opened its doors on October 28, 1909. This initiative marked the transformation of dentistry from a craft into a scientific profession.
Over the following years, dental education and practice became firmly established in Turkey. The modern approach to dentistry gained further strength, particularly with the establishment of Istanbul University Faculty of Dentistry.
Finally, in 1996, this important date was officially designated as a day of recognition: following the application of the Turkish Dentists’ Association and approvals from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Interior, November 22 was declared “Dentistry Day”. Since then, this date has not only celebrated dentists but also the “Oral and Dental Health Week”, observed annually to raise public awareness about oral health.
Today, this day serves as an opportunity to reflect on the long journey of our profession and the roots of scientific dentistry, to honor colleagues, and to raise public awareness. Every November 22, we proudly celebrate this meaningful day where dental science and public health come together.
