Mission: To foster an awareness and understanding of dental history, dentistry and oral health. The museum, open since 1996, collects, preserves, interprets and exhibits artifacts and collateral materials related to dentistry and oral health; creates innovative educational programs that engage, enlighten and entertain children and adults; and conducts research and scholarly activities. NMD is located on the campus of the University of Maryland, Baltimore, the site of the world's first dental college.
Latest accomplishment: "Toys in Toothland," an exhibition of vintage dental toys, opened in May and continues on view through August. All the items on display have a dental theme, some designed to educate and inspire and others intended for fun. The museum recently sponsored a Family Fun Fest and opened Magical Museum Camp, a summer camp for children in the museum's neighborhood.
On the horizon: Expansion of the museum's Web site, http://www.dentalmuseum.umaryland.edu, to include dental-education programming for elementary schools throughout the United States. "Mysteries of the Mouth," a new hands-on exhibition, opens next summer.
About the NMD: Attendance: 10,000 annually. Operating budget: $600,000.
Where and when: 31 S. Greene St. at Lombard Street. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday; 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Closed Mondays, Tuesdays and major holidays. Call 410-706-0600.
Jack W. Gottschalk, DDS, chairman, board of visitors, on the NMD's second anniversary: "In just two short years, NMD has become known for the exciting and entertaining presentation of dental history in the inaugural exhibition, '32 Terrific Teeth.' As a dentist, I am very pleased with the response of the public to the innovative programs the staff has developed to educate the public about the need for good oral health."
Members of the board
James W. Bliss
Stanley E. Block, DDS
Carl E. Bretko
Marsha E. Butler, DDS
Leonard A. Cohen, DDS
Richard W. D'Eustachio, DDS
Renato P. DeSantis, DDS
Melvin Feiler, DDS
Samuel D. Harris, DDS
Elza S. Harrison
Mary Ann Knab
H. Berton McCauley, DDS
James F. Mercer, DDS
John F. Patterson, DDS
Nikolaj M. Petrovic
Liza Malott Pohle
Richard G. Shaffer, DDS
Terrence C. Smith
Linda C. Tarrson
Ben Z. Swanson Jr., DDS,
ex officio
Pub Date: 8/02/98