<human>:  Was the barber really a dentist back in the day?
<bot>: Yes, in earlier times barbers also performed dental care and treatments for their customers. Barbers were highly respected in society, and their shops often served as social gathering places as well as providing medical care. Many barbers went on to become a form of early professional doctor or dentist. Modern medical practices have largely separated out the work of barbers and dentists, so most barbers offer only hair styling and cutting services, although some still offer limited dental services.