Episode 48: National Museum of Dentistry

Curator's Choice

Embark on a journey into the heart of Baltimore where the first dental school took root, revolutionizing oral health care. We'll reveal the pivotal moments that sparked the dire need for dental regulation, from sideshow jaw hackers to educated dentistry professionals.
🔧 From Baltimore's Roots to Regal Dentures 🦷
With Scott Swank as our guide, we reveal the pivotal moments that sparked the need for regulation, professional associations, and medical journals, transforming the landscape of dentistry. From extracting teeth from the mouths of the city's poorest to showcasing the most luxurious dental tools fit for royalty, we delve into the stark contrast between the struggles of early dental care and the opulence of elite dentistry.
😁 Teeth, Technology, and Oral Narratives 🧚‍♂️
Hear the captivating truth behind George Washington's dentures, a tale far removed from the myth of wooden chompers. Get the inside scoop on the intricate craftsmanship of these dental devices, made from materials like hippopotamus ivory, and the exclusive nature of dentures in the 18th century. We pay homage to John Greenwood, Washington's trusted dentist, whose skill with dentures proved indispensable to our nation's first president. Join us as we sift through the complex layers of this historic dental story, from the origins of oral folklore to stem cell innovations in tooth replacement.
🔗 Episode Links:
The Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry: www.dentalmuseum.com
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Curator's Choice - A podcast for history nerds and museum lovers