British Dental Association Museum

Where would we be without our teeth? The BDA Dental Museum tells the fascinating story of how people have looked after their teeth - or not! - in the past. The Museum has the largest collection of dental heritage in the UK. It houses over 20,000 objects and images telling the story of how dentistry has developed from a martketplace spectacle to the complex procedures and treatment of today. From 19th century dental floss to toothache cures, clockwork drills to toothpaste adverts there is more to discover than you might imagine. Visit www.bda.org/museum for more information.

The BDA Dental Museum also features in our Learning section.

Contact Us

British Dental Association
64 Wimpole Street
London
W1G 8YS
Tel. 020 7935 0875

Visitor Information

Opening Hours
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 13:00-16:00
Other times by appointment

Free admission

Disabled access
Education and outreach service
Enquiry service
Group tours by appointment

Marylebone Station
Oxford Circus
Baker Street/Bond Street

Exhibitions

Latest News from the BDA Dental Museum

Dentists in the Movies
BDA Film Festival
We are hosting four evenings of movies all with a dental theme on
Thursday 3rd May, Wednesday 16th May, Friday 18th May and Tuesday 22nd May.
Museum open from 5pm, film shows start 6.15pm finishing approximatley 8pm.

BOOKING: Pre-booking required; email venue@bda.org
COST: Free

Current temporary exhibition
Ceramic Impressions: Works in porcelain inspired by the collections of the BDA Dental Museum and its visitors
23 February - 24 May 2012

The museum's current exhibition showcases the work of ceramics artist Judy DiBiase. Judy is the course leader for the Foundation Diploma in Art & Design at Kingston College. She has been inspired by the museum's collections and by visitors' reactions to the museum. Some of their comments are included in Judy's pieces. She also worked with a school group helping the children to make their own recordings in porcelain of the museum which Judy brings together in one large scale piece. Look out for events associated with the exhibition.

TIME: Normal opening hours
COST: Free admission

Oral history project
The museum is half way through a major oral history project. The John McLean Archive: A Living History of Dentistry will be formed as a the result of the project which will include individual oral history interviews and group witness seminars. The project, which the museum is undertaking in conjunction with the Unit for the History of Dentistry of King's College London Dental Institute, aims to document the history of dentistry since the start of the National Health Service. The project has been funded by a bequest from the estate of the late John McLean.

Oral history recording equipment The museum is looking for volunteer interviewers to carry out the oral history interviews - you don't have to have a background in dentistry! The oral history interviews will represent what was happening in dentistry all over the country so are looking for interviewers from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. There are other volunteer opportunities too, for example listening to interviews, cataloguing the archive and carrying out research prior to interviews. If you are interested in the project and would like to be involved in any of these roles or would just like to find out more information, please contact the project co-ordinator.

Tell Us About Your Visit

Informative 18 July 2009

I'll definitely be re-visiting this museum