Some may argue dentistry itself is an art form. The precision and dexterity required to return a patient to aesthetic and anatomical normality is no mean feat. Art exists in many capacities within dentistry. It can be an entrance way to improving patient relationships, learning about the history of our profession, and understanding how our identity as professionals has developed.
British dentistry became increasingly state regulated in the late 19th century, with compulsory registration later introduced in the Dentists' Act of 1921. The independence of the dentistry from the General Medical Council came in the mid-20th century, shortly after the introduction of dentistry to the National Health Service. Over the past 100 years dentistry as a profession has truly accelerated, and these changes are evident in depictions of dentistry in art. Below are just a few of my favourite artistic representations of dentists from the Wellcome Collection, with a little bit of an analysis. *Be warned I am no art historian.
"Tugging at a eye(high) tooth". This comical scene depicts a short dentist attempting to pluck a tooth from a well-to-do lady, kicking his instruments in the process. This piece may also represent the idea of a napoleon complex, or 'little man syndrome', which some may have associated to the position of the profession in comparison to medicine during this period. The prestigious clothes the dentist is wearing is actually quite important to note. The way physicians and dentists dressed during this period influenced their chances of gaining higher-class clientele (who could actually pay well for their time).
The dialogue reads: "Bluejacket (who has been hauled twice round the sick bay, yelling inarticulately, by the surgeon with the forceps). "Why, you 'ad me by the tongue!"" I find this piece interesting as it demonstrates the relationship of navy-dentist with a young recruit, highlighting the patient's angst and pain due to their treatment. This is vastly in contrast to the relationships represented in other dental art of this period, typically between a pompous dentist and their upper-class clientele.
This piece reads: "Dentist (after preliminary inspection). "Extraordinary thing - there's one of your teeth only half stopped." Patient. "Ah, that were t'oother dentist. T'laad 'urt me, so ah gave 'im a good lick in t' jaw."" Basically - if this is going to hurt, you are getting a punch to the face. This piece shows the decreasing pomposity of the dentists through period, no longer being represented to the same level of nobility and aristocracy as the century previous.
Whilst art can be useful in terms of looking at the history of our profession, art and creative media are proving to have increasing utility within healthcare, in regard to patient health and well-being. The use of art within the environment of healthcare can be hugely beneficial. This is highlighted by the work of Art in Healthcare, which is a Scottish charitable organisation focused on humanising healthcare environments with the use of visual arts. Studies have described the effects of art within the healthcare setting, demonstrating increased patient satisfaction, safety, comfort and sense of identity.
We already see this within elements of paediatric care, with an emphasis towards a friendly and inviting environment. I'm not saying that this should be the case to the same extent for all clinics, but utilising aspects of this and creating appropriate concepts can have a huge benefit for patients of all ages. Whether this is in the form of paintings, poetry, music or film - art can have a significant impact our patients. Dentistry is one of the most common fears/phobias of the general public. Whilst the above art probably isn't the most calming for the dental setting, creating a more humanised (less clinical) atmosphere for patients may act as a first step to reducing angst, act as a talking point and an aid in strengthening patient rapport.
Hope you enjoyed this piece! Next week I will be discussing the growing issues facing forensic odontology.
Olliver