The development of the modern practice of dentistry can be traced to the work and life of Pierre Fauchard, a French dentist who worked in the first half of the eighteenth century. Fauchard was an exceptionally gifted and talented practitioner, who introduced many innovations to dentistry. In a significant break with the tradition of the time, he shared his knowledge and techniques with colleagues, and published these in the first comprehensive dental textbook. This paper reviews his life and contribution to modern dentistry.