National Museum Of Dentistry

National Museum of Dentistry Baltimore: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

The Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry (NMD) in Baltimore, Maryland, is a one-of-a-kind institution dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history, science, and cultural impact of dentistry in the United States. As a Smithsonian Affiliate, the NMD houses an extensive collection of over 40,000 artifacts, including George Washington’s lower denture made of hippopotamus ivory, early dental instruments, and rare dental texts. Its mission is to educate visitors of all backgrounds about the vital role of oral health and the evolution of dental care, inviting exploration through engaging exhibits and educational programs (NMD official site).

This comprehensive guide details everything you need to know for a memorable visit: from the museum’s history and must-see collections to practical information on hours, tickets, accessibility, travel tips, and highlights of nearby Baltimore attractions. Whether you’re a dental professional, student, family, or history enthusiast, the National Museum of Dentistry offers a fascinating journey into the world of oral health and innovation (dentalmuseum.com).

The Museum’s Origins and Significance
Smithsonian Affiliation and Collections
Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Directions, Parking, and Transportation
Exhibitions and Educational Programs
Facilities and Amenities
Group Visits and Educational Resources
Visitor Tips and Recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visuals and Multimedia
Plan Your Visit and Stay Connected
Summary and Key Takeaways
References and External Links

The Museum’s Origins and Significance

Founded alongside the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery in 1840—the world’s first dental college—the National Museum of Dentistry initially served as a teaching collection. Over time, it expanded through significant donations from dental professionals, growing into the nation’s premier archive of dental heritage. In 1988, the collection was rebranded as the National Museum of Dentistry, and in 2003, it was officially recognized by the U.S. Congress as the national museum of the dental profession (NLM Directory). The museum is housed in a beautifully restored 1904 academic building on the University of Maryland’s Baltimore campus, offering a vibrant environment where history, science, and culture converge.

Smithsonian Affiliation and Collections

As a Smithsonian Affiliate, the NMD upholds the highest standards in curation, education, and public engagement, enabling collaboration on traveling exhibitions and access to the Smithsonian network (NLM Directory). Its diverse collection includes:

Dental Instruments and Equipment: From 16th-century extraction tools to modern dental chairs and X-ray machines.
Rare Books and Archives: Historic dental texts, photographs, and archival materials from prominent dental schools.
Poster Art and Oral Histories: A renowned dental poster collection and the “Conversations with Outstanding Leaders in Dentistry” oral history series.
Presidential and Royal Artifacts: Iconic items such as George Washington’s dentures and Queen Victoria’s dental instruments (Dental Economics).
Unique Features: The world’s only tooth jukebox and the ADA Theatre with vintage public service announcements.

Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Location: 31 S. Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201 (dentalmuseum.com)
Visiting Hours:
- Tuesday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Closed: Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and federal holidays (including July 4th)
Admission:
- General admission: $5–$7 per person (holidify.com)
- University of Maryland, Baltimore community: Free with identification (umaryland.edu)
- Group and field trip rates: $5 per student; discounts for schools and organizations (dentalmuseum.com)
Accessibility:
- Fully wheelchair accessible with elevators and accessible restrooms
- Complimentary wheelchair available on request
- Service animals welcome
- Assistive listening devices available

Directions, Parking, and Transportation

By Car:
- Accessible via I-95, I-70, US-50/US-301, and I-97 with clear signage to downtown Baltimore (dentalmuseum.com)
Parking:
- Metered street parking nearby (Greene St, W Pratt St)
- Several parking garages within walking distance (parking guide)
Public Transit:
- Served by MTA bus routes, Light Rail, and Metro Subway, all within a short walk
Nearby Attractions:
- Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, Baltimore Museum of Art, and American Visionary Art Museum are within easy reach (visitmaryland.org)

Exhibitions and Educational Programs

Permanent and Rotating Exhibits

32 Terrific Teeth: Journey through dental history, oral hygiene, and the role of dentistry in society.
MouthPower®: Interactive exhibit for children on brushing, flossing, and oral health basics.
The Smile Experience: Multimedia exploration of smiles in culture and history.
George Washington Gallery: See the first U.S. president’s famous dentures and learn about early dental prosthetics.
Teeth in Popular Culture: Explore teeth’s roles in folklore, media, and the arts.
Origins of Teeth: Trace tooth evolution across species.
Tools of the Trade: Examine dental instruments from Japan’s Edo period to modern innovations.
Your Spitting Image: Interactive forensic dentistry and saliva science.
Changing Faces: Celebrates diversity and inclusion in dentistry.
Terrific Tooth Tales: Children’s literature and oral health education (National Museum of Dentistry – Current Exhibits; Adventure Student Travel – National Museum of Dentistry)

Educational Programs

Field Trips and Group Tours: Hands-on modules aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Common Core, covering oral health, dental careers, evolution, and sustainability (dentalmuseum.com)
Special Programs: Title I school support, custom group experiences, and professional development offerings

Facilities and Amenities

Restrooms: Accessible and available on each floor
Gift Shop: Dental-themed souvenirs, books, and educational materials
Lockers: Available for storing large bags and personal items
Photography: Permitted for personal use except where restricted—share your visit using #SmileWithNMD
Food and Drink: Not allowed in galleries; nearby dining options abound on campus and in downtown Baltimore
Event Spaces: Available for meetings and special occasions (umaryland.edu)

Group Visits and Educational Resources

School and Group Tours: Reservations required via the Group Tour Form
Tailored Experiences: Custom content and interactive tours for school, university, and community groups
Online Resources: Virtual tours, lesson plans, and supplementary educational content (dentalmuseum.com)

Visitor Tips and Recommendations

Plan Ahead: Check the museum’s website for current hours and exhibitions before your visit.
Timing: Weekday mornings tend to be quieter.
Allow Sufficient Time: Most visitors spend 1–2 hours; enthusiasts may want longer.
Must-See Highlights: George Washington’s dentures, Queen Victoria’s instruments, the tooth jukebox, and ADA Theatre (adanews.ada.org)
Accessibility Needs: Ask at admissions for wheelchairs or assistance.
Nearby Attractions: Plan to visit other cultural sites in downtown Baltimore for a full day of exploration.
Stay Connected: Follow the museum on social media for updates and new exhibits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the museum’s hours and ticket prices?
A: Open Tuesday–Friday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM; closed weekends and federal holidays. Admission is $5–$7, with free entry for University of Maryland, Baltimore community members (dentalmuseum.com).

Q: Are group tours and educational programs available?
A: Yes, tailored programs and tours can be booked in advance (dentalmuseum.com).

Q: Is the museum accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Fully accessible, with elevators, restrooms, and wheelchairs available.

Q: Can I take photos inside?
A: Yes, except in restricted areas. Please respect signage.

Q: Are there special events or temporary exhibitions?
A: Yes, check the official website or social media for current listings.

Q: Is parking available?
A: Metered parking and garages are nearby. Use the parking guide.

Visuals and Multimedia

Visitors can access high-quality images, virtual tours, and educational videos on the museum’s website. Suggested alt tags for images include “National Museum of Dentistry exterior,” “Interactive dental exhibit,” and “Historical dental instruments display.”

Plan Your Visit and Stay Connected

Book Tickets and Group Tours: Reserve online via the museum’s website.
Download the Audiala App: For interactive tours, educational content, and exclusive visitor tips.
Follow on Social Media: Stay updated on exhibitions, events, and museum news.
Explore More: Check out our Baltimore Historical Sites Guide and Educational Resources for related recommendations.

Summary and Key Takeaways

The Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry offers an immersive experience into dental history, culture, and science. Highlights like George Washington’s dentures, the world’s only tooth jukebox, and engaging hands-on exhibits make it a must-visit destination for families, students, and professionals. With accessible facilities, affordable admission, and a central Baltimore location, the NMD is a top choice for an educational and enjoyable outing. Plan ahead, use digital resources, and make the most of your visit to this unique Smithsonian Affiliate museum (NMD official site; dentalmuseum.com).