The museum of the profession.

The Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry celebrates the rich history of dentistry by offering visitors an educational, entertaining and interactive experience. Founded in 1996, the museum in Baltimore, Maryland, presents historic artifacts, interactive exhibitions and engaging programs. The atmosphere invites visitors to appreciate the profession of dentistry and above all, the significance of oral health as essential to overall well-being.

In January 2004, "The Harris" became the nation's "official" dental museum. The National Museum of Dentistry inspires people to make healthy choices about oral health by creating and sharing learning opportunities that celebrate the heritage and future of dentistry, the achievements of dental professionals and the importance of oral health in a healthy life. As a repository of the great heritage of dentistry, the museum's collection contains many significant objects. Some of the most popular objects include Queen Victoria's gilded dental instruments, George Washington's ivory (not wooden) denture, an elegant restored stained glass window depicting St. Apollonia, the patron saint of dentistry (circa 1200) and a comprehensive display of the evolution of the drill.

The museum, named in honor of Dr. Samuel D. Harris, is located on the campus of the University of Maryland, home of the world's first dental school. It is housed in the renovated 20,000-square-foot, four-story, Roman Renaissance-revival structure (pictured above) built in 1904 for the University's dental department. An atrium was built to provide an elegant entrance to the museum that connects the building to the President's Hall. Museum visitors will find a fascinating array of exhibits illustrating how dentists have progressed from being purveyors of pain to healers and inventors.

Fun for all museum visitors is the tooth jukebox (pictured on front cover), a video center shaped like a large open mouth. By selecting numbered teeth, visitors can view various early television commercials for dental products on a monitor inside the mouth.

A milestone in the history of the National Museum of Dentistry (NMD) was the establishment of an affiliation with the Smithsonian Institution. This relationship provides national recognition for the museum and increased access to Smithsonian collections and resources. The National Museum of Dentistry's permanent exhibition, 32 Terrific Teeth, tells the story of the history of dentistry and houses several objects on loan from the Smithsonian Institution including the dental office of the "Father of American Dentistry," G.V. Black. In addition, the affiliation provides opportunities for the National Museum of Dentistry and the Smithsonian Institution to join forces in marketing and membership initiatives.

As a major incentive of a new membership program, NMD members are eligible for Smithsonian Affiliate Membership. This exclusive benefit is offered at a reduced fee and is only available to affiliates of the Smithsonian. The NMD Membership Program helps identify the museum as the museum of the profession and an institution of choice for support by the dental community.

Dentists, dental professionals, corporate and community leaders make up the museum's Board of Visitors, National Advisory Committee and Marketing Advisory Committee. The members of the Board of Visitors support and assist the museum staff in achieving the mission of the museum. The members of the National Advisory Committee represent the museum in every state and encourage support from their community members in their respective geographic locations. The Marketing Advisory Committee members develop projects that incorporate creative marketing initiatives to broaden the base of corporate relationships in efforts to garner national awareness of the museum.

While dental history is at the heart of the museum, the exhibitions and programs interpret the past and present for a contemporary audience. The Marvelous Mouth exhibition is an original computer program that incorporates high-tech animation, visual effects and music to teach visitors the important facts of brushing, tooth development and anatomy, dangers of tobacco use and importantly, careers in dentistry. The educational series, MouthPower: Discover the Power of a Healthy Smile, NMD's premier on-site interactive oral health education program for youth, will soon be available nationally as a web-based version and as a resource kit offered to dental professionals to use to reach youth in their community.

In 2000, ADAA was pleased to participate in the Women in Dentistry exhibit through the presentation of historical photographs depicting dental assistants through the years. A donation was also made to assist in paving the museum's courtyard with bricks noting the names of the donors. Nancy Messick-Evans of Baltimore, a member of ADAA's Council on Governance and Council on Member Services, is active with the museum as a docent and has been involved since its inception.

The museum's first traveling exhibition, Branches, Bristles and Batteries: Toothbrushes Through Time, explored the history of the toothbrush, brushing techniques and healthy eating through advanced computer programs and interactive stations. Then there's The Future Is Now! African Americans in Dentistry. The exhibition pays tribute to the movers and shakers who paved the way for African Americans' success as dental professionals while offering visitors the knowledge of the history of a profession. The exciting exhibit is filled with dramatic portraits, moving memoirs and inspirational stories of individual and collective achievement. The exhibition will be showcased across the nation in 2004 for a two-year tour in history museums, African American museums and universities.

In addition to the exhibitions, programs and special events, the museum is a haven for the dental scholar. The McCauley Library of the History of Dentistry houses many rare dental publications, photographs and archival documents. It is a place where scholars can examine the evolution of dentistry and students can research the history of the Profession. Also, the distinctive Museum Shop offers creative items representative of dentistry and the museum, including molar stools, tote bags, vintage posters, illustrated books and accessories for the home or office.

This premiere national museum is a lively center offering a wide variety of exhibitions, educational programs and celebrations for the family. Becoming a member of the NMD is a way to demonstrate your pride in the dental profession and your support for oral health education. For more information, visit www.dentalmuseum.org or call 410-706-0600.