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two Egyptians holding the ends of an open scroll, is supported by depictions of 11 Egyptian scholars and a modern graduate. To visit the museum The National Museum of Dentistry is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institu- tion. Other exhibits include George Washington’s false teeth, vintage toothpaste commercials and hands- on displays that are meant to educate visitors of all ages about the power of a healthy smile. The museum is located at 31 S. Greene St., not far from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and students The National Museum of Dentistry, located in Baltimore, has added a new exhibit that will help teach the public about the American College of Den- tists, the oldest national honorary orga- nization for dentists. The gold-plated mace and torch that have been used in American Col- lege of Dentists membership ceremo- nies for nearly 70 years are among the highlights of the new exhibit. The dis- play also features an American ollege of Dentists’ Fellowship pin, key and rosette. Also on view is the William J. Gies Award, which recognizes college fellows who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of the profession. “The National Museum of Dentistry preserves and celebrates the history of the dental profession,” said Jona- than Landers, executive director of the museum. “This is the perfect place to showcase these fragile and mag- nificent historic symbols of such a respected organization in dentistry.” The American College of Dentists is the oldest national honorary orga- nization for dentists. It was founded to elevate the standards of dentistry, encourage graduate study, and grant fellowship to those who have done meritorious work. Membership in the American College of Dentists is by invitation only. There are more than 7,400 fellows, who are selected based on their con- tributions to organized dentistry, oral health care, dental research, dental education, the profession and society. Long regarded as the “conscience of dentistry,” its mission is to advance excellence, ethics, professionalism and leadership in dentistry. “We are honored to have the mace and torch on view at the National Museum of Dentistry,” said Dr. Ste- phen Ralls, executive director of the American College of Dentists. “They represent an important historical link to key leaders of dentistry from the early 20th century onward.” About the mace and torch When the American College of Den- tists was founded in 1920, a symbolic light —the torch — was designated to signify the role of the college as a source of enlightenment and guid- ance. The torch was crafted in 1939 by the Gorham Silver Co. of Providence, R.I., to serve as a symbol of office. The fluted staff, more than two feet long, is made of gold-plated bronze and decorated with ribbons engraved with the names of the founders of the American College of Dentists. The mace was also made in 1939 by Gorham. It is more than two feet long and made of gold-plated bronze and silver. The base is adorned with faux amethysts, diamonds and emer- alds. Crafted in the form of a caduceus symbolizing the medical professions, it includes the engraved names of 20 of the most eminent contributors to dentistry. The dome, with figures of with ID, $3 for children age 3–19; and free for ages 2 and younger. It is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. The museum is closed Mondays, Tuesdays and major holidays. More information about the muse- um is available by phone, at (410) 706-0600 or online, at www.smile- experience.org. DT (Source: National Museum of Dentistry) DENTAL TRIBUNE | April 2010 News 3A AD By Fred Michmershuizen, Online Editor Dental museum adds exhibit The gold-plated mace of the American College of Dentists, at right, is now on display at the National Museum of Dentistry in Baltimore. (Photo/Nation- al Museum of Dentistry)

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