Blog

This blog post explores the history and design of dental extraction forceps, showing how these seemingly simple tools have been developed to meet the demands of both tooth anatomy and dental practice.

This blog post examines the historical significance of a Dental Registration Certificate from 1879, issued shortly after the UK introduced formal regulation of dentistry. It reveals how such documents marked a shift toward professional standards and public trust in medical qualifications.

This blog post explores the history of mid-twentieth-century medicated Rinstead lozenges, highlighting how they offered everyday relief for oral discomfort in an era of limited dental access and rising trust in over-the-counter remedies. Through the lens of these small tins, it reveals broader shifts in British healthcare, self-medication, and consumer culture.

In our collections, we discovered an O.B.E., two war medals, a glass name plaque, and an X-ray shield, all associated with Arthur Michell Pollard. Awarded the O.B.E. in 1959, Pollard appears to have been both a dedicated dental surgeon and a contributor to Britain’s war and post-war efforts. Although information about him remains limited, this small collection of items helps paint a rough picture of his life and service. This blog post explores these items, and the context they offer, to piece together what we know so far.

When you think of the darker side of dental history, you probably imagine quack remedies, transient tooth-pullers, or the infamous ‘Waterloo Teeth’. However, in the mid-nineteenth century, dentistry was the scene of a bitter (and bizarre!) patent dispute that led to lawsuits, espionage, murder, and even a foiled prison escape involving a peach…