We’re always adding interesting new items to the Sindecuse Museum collection. A few examples are featured here, with the most recent additions at the top. The numbers listed in parentheses refer to the object's catalog number should you want to inquire about an artifact.
Smithgroup 3D printed miniature model of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry undergraduate clinic (ca. 2018)
(SMD1111.0001)
This 3D printed detailed miniature model of the wedge-shaped undergraduate clinics, complete with dental examination chairs, rolling stools, and even a dental professional, was produced by architecture company Smithgroup during preparations for the BlueRenew renovation project (started in 2018 and finished in spring 2022) which overhauled the University of Michigan School of Dentistry’s clinic spaces.
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Accessioned June 2023
Rubifoam Tooth Powder advertising card (1895) (SMD1105.0001)
Bright, colorful advertisements promoting products like tooth powder with imagery including children and beautiful women were very popular in the late 19th century and this card, promoting a tooth cleansing powder, is but one example in our collection. Advertisements such as this one can currently be found on display in our most recent rotating exhibit, “Teeth Transformations: Modifications for Self Expression,” on the south side of the School of Dentistry’s central atrium.
For tips on where to park and how to find us in the building, click the above hyperlinks!
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Accessioned November 2022
Oversized blow-molded plastic human tooth model (SMD1104.0001)
This is but one of several thousand teeth mold which make by a display arranged into the shape of Christmas tree entitled the “Tree of Teeth” on display during the holidays at Preservation Dental in Northville, Michigan. Born of the creative mind of Dr. William Demray, this mold originally was part of an artistic recreation of alcohol being poured out of a Detroit building window during the Prohibition era recreated at Dr. Demray’s practice for Northville Art Fair in 2014.
Read more about Dr. Demray’s Tree of Teeth here and you can also see this artifact on display for our new exhibit, “Dentistry/Artistry: Passions of a Creative Mind,” thru November 2024!
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Accessioned July 2022
1.5 size wax human teeth models (SMD1103.0001)
These wax teeth, in 1.5 times size for the top two rows and life-size for the bottom row, were made by former School of Dentistry Dean Dr. Laurie McCauley’s father, Philip C. McCauley DDS, during his studies at Ohio State University from 1947-1950. They were donated to the Museum upon Dr. McCauley’s promotion to the University of Michigan Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs in May 2022.
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Accessioned June 2022
Milt Kemnitz pen and ink drawing of the School of Dentistry (1960s) (SMD1102.0001)
This framed pen and ink drawing by renowned artist Milt Kemnitz depicts the University of Michigan School of Dentistry’s exterior building. This artwork portrays what is referred to as the School of Dentistry’s “fourth building” renovation which completed construction in 1923. Kemnitz is well-known in the Ann Arbor, Michigan area for his works portraying notable local landmarks.
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Accessioned June 2022
Hebrew language dental x-ray envelope (SMD1100.0001)
This patient x-ray envelope, written in Hebrew language, was obtained by Joan B. Levine, D.D.S. in the mid 1980s when she volunteered in the children’s dentistry clinic at the Hebrew University Dental School. (Note: Patient information blanked out for confidentiality.)
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Accessioned June 2022
Fetal development plaster anatomical model (SMD1095.0004)
This large (14 inches long) and heavy (over 9.5 pounds!) model depicts the 7th week development of the human fetus. The mouth portion is a separate piece which details the developing oral features. It is part of a series of 5 that were used during mid 20th century classes at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry.
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Accessioned March 2022
Pentax Asahi K1000 orthodontic camera (ca. 1980s) (SMD1091.0001)
This camera was mounted to a Photo Eaze Manufacturing Inc. base by its original owner and has switches to take orthodontic photos. The base of the camera allows for attachments to isolate photography of the soft palate/throat, molars, and frontal teeth. Similar models were so effective that dentists often used them for decades and only upgraded when the Kodachrome film ceased to be available!
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Accessioned December 2021
Dr. West’s “Miracle Tuft” oversized toothbrush factice (SMD1087.0001)
This large display item (45 centimeters/18 inches long), circa the 1940s, was likely used in drugstore displays next to normal sized toothbrushes and toothpastes.
Check out this item, along with actual Dr. West’s Miracle Tuft toothbrushes in their original glass storage cases, in our display at the Sindecuse Museum, “Selling the Toothbrush”!
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Accessioned October 2021
Blue Clinic Miniature Model (SMD1086.0001)
This 1/12th scale (1 inch equals 1 foot) miniature model was made by School of Dentistry graduate Gail Wang (DDS 1986) during the summer of 1984 and is an exact replica of her Blue Clinic cubicle in which she completed her clinicals. Several dental tools were used to make this model including dental lathes and burrs for polishing and tissue scissors for cutting delicate pieces. This artwork was on display in the Dean’s Office reception area until 1986 and also won 1st prize at the Michigan State Fair.
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Accessioned May 2021
Comparative study teeth collection by Dr. Charles Kelsey (DDS1964) (SMD1082.0001)
This unassuming black briefcase holds a very interesting story. Dr. Charles Kelsey, who is most known to the Sindecuse Museum as the School of Dentistry’s unofficial historian, was also a clinician at the School. He used these extracted human teeth, given freely for this study, to test common (now considered sexist and racist) theories at the time that one could determine biological sex and race based on the size and shape of incisors. He built a diverse group of dental anatomy professors, prosthodontists, orthodontists, anthropologists, and lay people of many ages to test this hypothesis. The conclusion was that no one, irrespective of dental education, could correctly determine to whom the teeth belonged.
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Accessioned October 2021
Typewritten correspondence between Elizabeth & Gordon Sindecuse to their Aunt Grace
(SMD1079.0001)
The benefactor of the Sindecuse Museum, Gordon Sindecuse (DDS 1921), and his wife, Elizabeth, had a passion for travel and this recent acquisition is a very good example of this! Donated by Dr. Sindecuse’s cousin, this undated, typewritten letter from Elizabeth and Gordon Sindecuse to Elizabeth’s Aunt Grace details an exciting African safari vacation the Sindecuses took during Christmas.
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Accessioned August 2020
German and French Tooth Mouse Boxes
(SMD1077.0001-0003)
We have many artifacts relating to the Tooth Fairy on display in our current exhibit, “Tooth Fairy Magic,” but three were donated serendipitously after its installation. These 3 small cardboard tooth fairy boxes date to the late 19th century and were made in-house in dental offices in Germany and France. When deciduous (baby) teeth were extracted during dental appointments, the child would be given the teeth back in boxes such as these. The box would provide convenient storage for a child hoping for a coin or gift from the Tooth Mouse and would advertise the dentist’s business as well.
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Accessioned May 2020
Cross-section model of human jaw
(SMD1055.0002)
This study model was used at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in the 1960s as a teaching tool to learn the parts of the human jaw. On the reverse side, a piece of paper notates various anatomical areas.
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Accessioned December 2019
Sonicare Elite Toothbrush (SMD1051.0001)
This Philips Sonicare electric toothbrush is a little more current than most people expect to see in a museum, but electric toothbrushes won’t always look like this, so the museum still collects items like it. The stand displaying the toothbrush--it includes space for promotional cards--indicates that this particular brush was intended for display at a dentist’s office or store, not for sale itself.
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Accessioned January 2020
Rainbow Grill (SMD1060.0001a)
While not as ubiquitous as earrings or necklaces, jewelry for teeth does exist. One such example of this is this grill, intended for wear on the top teeth. The grill features six tooth coverings in the colors of the rainbow. Definitely a fashion statement!
This grill is one example of several grills and tooth gems the museum has purchased for display in an upcoming exhibit, which will feature items about the cultural aspects of teeth.
PastPerfect Online link here
Accessioned January 2020
Calla Lily F320-S Radiograph by Albert G. Richards (SMD1048.0007)
This greeting card depicts a radiograph--more commonly called an x-ray--of a calla lily taken by Dr. Albert G. Richards, Class of 1945. Dr. Richards pioneered the use of x-rays to create art, and he produced a large body of work, primarily of floral radiographs like this one. This particular radiograph was taken in 2006.
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Accessioned August 2019
“How Teeth Grow” Brochure (SMD1049.0002)
The Sindecuse Museum holds a wide variety of patient education materials. This 1978 brochure from the American Dental Association provides information on the prenatal and infant development of the pulp cavity, dentin, and enamel, as well as dietary suggestions for expectant parents. Generalized nutritional guidelines in addition to warnings about sweets were common components of patient education brochures at the time.
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Accessioned August 2019
Tooth Fairy Barbie, 2002 Walmart Special Edition (SMD1041.0001a)
This Mattel tooth fairy Barbie was released in 2002 as a special edition in Walmart stores. She wears a purple dress with glitter detailing and matching shoes and crown. Her wings are purple, too. Not many depictions of the tooth fairy feature her as dark-skinned, making this doll a unique item.
This Barbie is currently on display in our Tooth Fairy Magic exhibit.
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Accessioned January 2019
Your Tooth Fairy Pillow (SMD1044.0001)
This friendly tooth-shaped pillow, with its included hand mirror and toothbrush, is designed to enthuse children about their oral health. Your Tooth Fairy Pillows are manufactured by Dr. Jessica Rickert, a 1975 alumna of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and its first Native American graduate.
Like the Barbies above and below, this pillow was acquired for and is currently displayed in our Tooth Fairy Magic exhibit.
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Accessioned January 2019
Tooth Fairy Barbie, 1994 Walmart exclusive
(SMD 1039.0001)
This Mattel Tooth Fairy Barbie was produced exclusively for Walmart stores in 1994. Her bright white tights, hot pink leotard and accessories typify 1990s fashion.
The majority of the Sindecuse Museum’s collections is derived from donations. However, we sometimes purchase items for exhibits or to round out an area of research. This Barbie is one such purchase, bought for our Tooth Fairy Magic exhibit that opened in May, 2019.
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Accessioned January 2019
Miss Peach comic by Mell Lazarus
(SMD 1035.0001)
Mell Lazarus’ long-running comic strips included “Momma” as well as “Miss Peach,” which follows a sweet teacher and her students. This original Miss Peach strip from 1960 has a humorous dental theme. Donated by Susan H. Carron, DDS (Class of 1977).
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Accessioned October 2018
Dental sign from Jackson, Michigan dental practice (1031.0003)
Dr. Slater was a 1966 graduate of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry who practiced dentistry in Jackson, Michigan. This sign hung outside of his business there. It was donated by the Estate of Thomas H. Slater DDS.
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Accessioned July 2018
The Natural History of the Human Teeth by John Hunter (SMD 1030.0001)
Published in 1771, this copy of The Natural History of Human Teeth came to the Sindecuse Museum as a donation from another university library. This is one of the oldest and most fragile items in our collection.
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Accessioned June 2018
Photograph of dental students (SMD 1022.0008)
This cabinet photograph of a group of young men likely depicts University of Michigan dental students. It came to us in an envelope marked "University of Michigan, 1891," and was donated by the estate of Donald D. Coates,DDS class of 1945 and his children.
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Accessioned Fall 2017
Shoes of a dental hygienist (SMD 1000.0039)
These white leather lace-up shoes with a slight heel were once worn by Jackline Myers during her time as a dental hygienist at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry from 1951-1953.
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Accessioned August 2017
“Gun Brush”children’s toothbrush (SMD0952.0001)
This toothbrush in the shape of a gun was produced in the 1950s during both the height of popularity of cowboy Western television programs like “Gunsmoke,” Bonanza,” and “The Lone Ranger” and the promotion of children’s oral health. This toothbrush even came with its own holster!
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Accessioned December 2015
Plaster bas-relief from Delta Sigma Delta fraternity house (SMD0149.0001)
This plaster relief, featuring Classical Greek iconography and stylistic characteristics, was originally housed in an interior wall of the Delta Sigma Delta fraternity house (potentially at its original Packard Street location) and was subsequently donated to the Sindecuse Museum by University of Michigan School of Dentistry alumnus, and fraternity member, Gordon Charlton (Class of 1996) in 1996. The dental fraternity was founded at the University of Michigan in 1882.
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Accessioned May 2000
COLLECTIONS CONTINUED:
Collections Overview
Online Collections hosted by PastPerfect
Class Photos
Other Dental Resources for other sources of great dental history information.