An animatronics talk show on oral health—claimed to be the world’s first—featuring an apple and a pear; a teeth orchestra; a tooth fairy moving around; a car with a bonnet resembling a mouth wide open during a dental exam; a fountain of teeth; a toothpaste; an AI-based dental scan; and an augmented reality film on the oral health of animals. These are among the latest additions at Vadodara’s private dental museum.
Sprawling across a two-storey building adorned with teeth props in Diwalipura, the “free-for-all” private dental museum was established by veteran dentist Dr Yogesh Chandarana and his orthodontist son Dr Pranav Chandarana in 2016, initially featuring about 3,000 items. The museum now boasts over 7,000 items, including the world’s largest collection of toothbrushes, which has earned it a spot in the Guinness World Records for the largest display of toothbrushes at a museum.
An animatronics talk show on oral health—claimed to be the world’s first—featuring an apple and a pear. (Express Photo)
Dr Yogesh Chandarana says the idea behind opening the dental museum was “awareness for oral health.” He explains, “Many people suffer from oral diseases, at least 90 per cent… Most people visit the dentist only when they have a severe problem and then feel that dental treatments are expensive, but it is actually dental neglect that is expensive. We aim to create that awareness, especially among children.”
The museum has the world’s largest collection of toothbrushes on display, which has earned it a spot in the Guinness World Records. (Express Photo)
The family focused on toothbrushes and toothpaste to start the museum. Dr Chandarana says, “Museums usually have equipment and showpieces, but we thought of starting by showing what is in the hands of the people to take care of their own oral health. Initially, we launched with a toothbrush and toothpaste. There are many myths and misconceptions about brushing, and we wanted to eliminate that. We have 500 varieties of toothbrushes from across the world, right from datun to old toothbrushes made with animal hair and bones, to the most modern toothbrushes, showcasing the evolution of toothbrushes.”
A display at the museum explains the science behind various kinds of toothbrushes—covering shape, bristle pattern and handle design—allowing visitors to understand what might be best for them. Tracing the history of toothbrushes, the museum also showcases details about the first toothbrush, made by William Addis, alongside datuns and brushes made of horse and cow bones with animal hair bristles.
The museum also has a one-of-a-kind life-size dental chair used by Dr R Ahmed, the founding father of the Indian Dental Association. (Express Photo)
In addition to the collection of brushes, the museum houses postal stamps, coins and matchbox labels featuring advertisements on dentistry as well as commemorative medals. The collection includes cartoons from the British weekly magazine Punch related to dentistry. Dr Chandarana says, “I have postal stamps dating as far back as 1892 from New Zealand. It has an advertisement for a painless tooth extraction and toothpaste on its back. Several early 20th-century stamps have advertisements. We also have a one-of-a-kind life-size dental chair used by Dr R Ahmed, the founding father of the Indian Dental Association, which was gifted to us by someone from Kolkata. Additionally, there are miniatures of various dental chairs that have evolved over the centuries.”
The museum, a major attraction for children, features a miniature electric toy train that explains five important points of oral hygiene by making “five stops” at stations. “These stations include one on visiting dentists every six months, eating fibrous foods, avoiding chocolate and sugar, and brushing twice a day. Children are extremely fascinated, and we hope to install a real train that they can board one day.”
The family focused on toothbrushes and toothpaste to start the museum. (Express Photo)
There is also a room with sound effects designed to simulate “the feel of being in a dentist’s chamber” for those who have never visited one, Dr Chandarana adds.
From the evolution of human teeth to the timeline of dentistry in India, as well as a comparative chart explaining the structure of teeth and the number of incisors, canines and molars for herbivores, carnivores and omnivores—human and otherwise—the museum is a treasure trove of oral health information. It also includes mythological stories related to teeth, including those associated with Lord Ganesh and the Danteshwari temple in Madhya Pradesh and the temple in Sri Lanka where the canine tooth of Lord Buddha is believed to be preserved.
Dr Chandarana says that the recent addition of technology to the museum was his son Dr Pranav’s idea. “It is true that most of our visitors are children and our aim is to make the visit as interesting for them as it is educational. The 15-minute AR show on the oral health of 13 animals is also unique. The show demonstrates the correct brushing technique and how animals naturally clean their teeth every day.”
The Chandaranas have more ambitious plans for the museum, including a 3D dental film that may soon be part of the exhibits. “For now, the museum is open to all between 9 am and 11 am, and 4 pm and 6 pm daily, but visitors must inform us about their visit by contacting us.”
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