This study of the development of dental practice between 1755-1855 attempts to trace the factors and conditions that helped the occupation achieve professional status. It looks at the situation in the provinces since, in many respects, it is here that the difficulties encountering the new profession are most apparent. The book does not intend to be a complete picture of dentistry in this period, but readers are directed to the bibliography for details of the extensive literature on the scientific and social aspects of dentistry at the time.