About
The British Dental Association Museum tells the fascinating and sometimes gruesome story of dentistry from ancient times to the present day. This unique museum houses the world's largest collection of dental artifacts, from medieval tooth-pullers to Victorian dental chairs, from false teeth worn by historical figures to pioneering equipment that revolutionized oral care.
Visitors discover how dental treatment evolved from agonizing procedures performed by barbers and blacksmiths to the modern scientific profession.
The collection includes beautiful but terrifying dental instruments, early anaesthesia equipment that transformed patient experience, elaborate Victorian dental chairs, sets of false teeth including some made from ivory and human teeth, and advertising materials showing changing attitudes to oral health.
Highlights include a reconstructed Edwardian dentist's surgery, instruments used to treat famous patients, and examples of early toothbrushes and tooth powders.
The museum doesn't shy away from the painful history of dentistry but also celebrates the innovations that made modern dental care possible.
Perfect for anyone curious about medical history or wanting to appreciate how far dentistry has come.
Categories:
Plan Your Visit
⏱️ Recommended Visit Duration
💡 Visitor Tips
- MUST book in advance - very limited opening hours (Mon & Thu afternoons only)
- Perfect for anyone who wants to appreciate modern dentistry
- Not for the squeamish - some instruments are genuinely scary
- Free entry but donations welcome to support this unique collection
- Fascinating for dental professionals and medical history enthusiasts
- Allow time to appreciate the Edwardian surgery reconstruction
- The 'Waterloo teeth' dentures have a macabre but fascinating story
Highlights
Reconstructed Edwardian Surgery
A complete Edwardian dental surgery recreated with original equipment, chair, instruments, and furnishings. Step back in time to experience what a visit to the dentist was like over 100 years ago.
Dental 'Pelican' and 'Key' Extractors
Fearsome medieval and early modern tooth extraction instruments named for their resemblance to a pelican's beak and a door key. These brutal tools make modern dentistry seem positively pleasant by comparison.
False Teeth Collection
Fascinating collection of dentures made from various materials including ivory, porcelain, and Vulcanite rubber. Includes sets made from human teeth extracted from soldiers killed at Waterloo - so-called 'Waterloo teeth'.
Victorian Dental Chairs
Beautiful and elaborate dental chairs from the Victorian era, showcasing how dentists' equipment evolved from simple stools to sophisticated reclining chairs with built-in spittoons and instrument trays.
Collections
Over 20,000 items spanning 400 years including dental instruments and equipment, dental chairs from various periods, false teeth and prosthetics, anaesthesia equipment, toothbrushes and oral hygiene products, advertising and trade materials, photographs and paintings of dentists, dental textbooks and journals, and items relating to famous dental patients.
Strong British collection with international items. Archive includes papers of prominent dentists and dental organizations.
Explore the diverse collections housed in this museum.
Themes
Time Periods
Current Exhibitions
No current exhibitions. Please check the museum website for updates.
Nearby Museums (5 within 6 miles)
Royal College of Nursing Library and Heritage Centre
History & Archaeology
London — ~2 min walk (0.1 mi)
RIBA Collections (Library, Drawings and Photographs Collections)
Art & Design
London — ~3 min walk (0.2 mi)
Handel & Hendrix in London
London — ~8 min walk (0.4 mi)