Exhibitions and events

The BDA Museum organises exciting exhibitions and events throughout the year - see information on current, upcoming, and some of our past, exhibitions.

Upcoming Exhibitions

Anatomical drawing of a mouth whilst playing a reed instrument

The challenge of the perfect embouchure

Maurice Porter was a pioneering dentist in the latter half of the 20th century - he provided treatments to help professional and amateur wind instrument musicians achieve a lip seal (embouchure), when they were affected by poor oral health. Find out more about his life and work in this upcoming exhibition.

Early 20 century sepia photograph of a confectionary shop with advertising dental services

The Dentists Act, 1921

This year marks 100 years since the passing of the Dentists Act, 1921. This display explore the battles between organisations and individuals in their efforts to close the profession to the unqualified dentist.

Past Exhibitions

The story of NHS dentistry

We take a look at the history and development of NHS dentistry since it's inception in 1948 and celebrate the work of NHS dentists across the UK today, as well as the challenges still faced in terms of ensuring good oral health for all.

St Apollonia in stained glass

Come and see our incredibly rare and beautiful depiction of St Apollonia (the patron saint of toothache) on a former church window on display in our Museum and learn about her history.

200 years of the toothbrush

Ever wondered when brushing our teeth became part of our daily hygiene routine?

Explore the materials used in making toothbrushes, how much they cost and the campaigns used to encourage us to brush our teeth.

The life of Eric Cooper

Eric Cooper worked as a consultant dental surgeon from 1951-1974 in Morecambe Bay. Serving in the Royal Army Dental Corps during the Second World War, he was captured and served as a dentist in various prisoner of war camps, including Colditz, from 1943 until liberation in 1945.

BDA Museum

The BDA Museum has one of the largest collections of dental heritage in the UK. Spanning the 17th to the present day, highlights of the collection include dental chairs, drills, oral hygiene products, and the infamous ‘Waterloo’ teeth.

The BDA Museum is located at 64 Wimpole Street, London, W1G 8YS, find out more details and our opening times.