Dental Drill Appreciation Day Date in the current year: January 26, 2025

A dental drill is a hand-held instrument used to perform some common dental procedures, such as polishing fillings, removing decay, and modifying dentures. It consists of internal mechanical components that generate a rotary force, a dental bur, a water cooling system, and sometimes a light source.

Dentistry has been practiced for thousands of years; there is evidence of dental procedures being performed as early as the Bronze Age (Indus Valley Civilization, 7000 BC). These early forms of dentistry involved the use of rudimentary bow drills. In later times, dentists used simple hand drills with low rotation speeds (up to 15 rpm).

The history of modern dental drills began in 1864, when British dentist George Fellows Harrington came up with a clockwork dental drill. It was faster than the drills used before, but it made too much noise. Four years later, George F. Green, a dentist from America, invented a pneumatic dental drill. His invention was powered by pedal operated bellows.

On January 26, 1875, Green revolutionized dentistry by patenting the first electric dental drill, which made dental procedures more efficient, less time-consuming, and less uncomfortable for patients. By the early 20th century, electric drills could reach speeds up to 3,000 rpm.

Another breakthrough came in the mid-20th century with the invention of the air turbine drill, which is powered by a compressed air motor. Modern air turbine drills can reach speeds of up to 800,000 rpm (although the most commonly used speed is 400,000 rpm), allowing dental professionals to work precisely and efficiently, and reducing discomfort for their patients. They are referred to as “high speed”.

However, electric (or “low speed”) dental drills are still in use to complement high-speed drills. In addition to different types of drills, dental professionals today have other tools at their disposal, such as air abrasion devices and dental laser systems.

The origins of Dental Drill Appreciation Day are unclear, but there is no doubt that this amazing tool (and the people who use it in their work!) deserves recognition. You can celebrate the holiday by calling your dentist to show your appreciation and making an appointment if you haven’t had your teeth checked in a while. And if you want to minimize your exposure to dental drills, celebrate by pledging to take better care of your teeth.