If you don’t like dentists, the Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry in Baltimore, Maryland probably won’t be for you! If, however, you have even a mild interest in teeth, you’ll be in heaven. The museum was started to show the connection between good oral health and a generally healthy life. It was opened in June of 1996 to show people why taking care of their mouths was something that should be taken very seriously.
Although this museum hasn’t been around for as long as some others, it has quickly gained a solid reputation. In fact, it became an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution in 2001 and it’s received Congressional designation as the country’s official dental museum. It has tons of educational programs and exhibits that can be used by teachers, parents and even dental professionals. About 10,000 people visit this museum each and every year. Its 7,000 square feet of exhibition space is home to over 40,000 objects related to dental history. In short, it’s pretty amazing!
While exhibitions in the National Museum of Dentistry are constantly growing and changing, there are a few main-stays everyone can look forward to. The exhibition entitled "32 Terrific Teeth" features the world’s only Tooth Jukebox! On it you can listen to vintage dental commercials! This display also has George Washington’s dentures and the dental instruments used by Queen Victoria herself! Another very interesting display is called, "Your Spitting Image." As you can imagine, it highlights everything to do with Salvia and shows you how it’s used in forensics. Meanwhile, the "Narwhal: A Whale of a Tooth" shows off a 13-foot, life-size model of a narwhal. It’s a real treat for children that they won’t soon forget!
Admission is quite inexpensive running at only $6 for adults and $3 for children over six years old. Tours for various groups and organizations can be easily arranged. They offer two for school-aged children. The first is called, "Fabulous and Famous Teeth" and it’s geared for kids in preschool through Grade 5. Kids get to meet Penny Wilson who is a circus performer with an "iron jaw." There is also a good old-fashioned dress up session. The second tour is for kids up to Grade 12 and shows how teeth play into forensics.
The museum is open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. This museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. You can learn more about the museum by visiting the University of Maryland at 31 South Greene Street or by phoning 410-706-0600.