Birmingham Dental Hospital – Past, present and future!
BCHC Charity has launched a £300,000 appeal to raise funds for a series of developments at Birmingham Dental Hospital & School of Dentistry, to celebrate its illustrious past and commemorate its legacy in Birmingham.
Birmingham Dental Hospital and School of Dentistry at Pebble Mill has a rich history; opening as Birmingham's Dental Dispensary in January 1858, it is believed to be the oldest dental hospital in the world. The Dental School was formally constituted in 1880, and its qualification was approved by the Royal College of Surgeons in 1881; this formal degree is the oldest in the world, closely followed by Baltimore Dental School in the Unites States in 1882. The Dental Students Society, BUDSS, is also one of the oldest in the world, first meeting 140 years ago!
Dr Melissa Grant, Associate Professor in Biological Sciences and Dentistry at University of Birmingham, explains why the idea for these new developments arose; “Hidden within this remarkable collection are stories that span more than 300 years of human care, ingenuity, and transformation. From dentures crafted in the 18th century using human teeth and animal bone, to the development of modern materials that help people eat, speak, and smile with confidence, each object captures a moment in the evolution of dentistry, and in people's lives.
What began as a simple effort to catalogue these artefacts quickly became something much more powerful. As we uncovered instruments, teaching models, and clinical illustrations, some dating back to the 1700s, it became clear that this collection deserves to be seen, explored, and shared. These are not just historical objects; they are deeply human stories of innovation, education, and care.”
The Dental Pulse project aims to celebrate this amazing institution and educate visitors on the history of the dental profession through 4 main elements:
1. A projection project with moving imagery of historical locations to provide a living history wall, in collaboration with the Wolverhampton School of Fine Arts
2. The creation of a museum-style display to house the extensive historical collection of important artefacts for public display in high quality glass cases, for the benefit of the wider community, staff, and students
3. Display cases outside the classroom on the second floor and along the side wall to house further parts of the collection, such as anatomical samples which might be stimulating to students but cannot be placed on public display
4. Renovation and restoration of the William Bloye shield that used to be displayed on the old hospital at St Chads Queensway
Dr Grant continues, “Inspired by world-class displays such as those at the British Dental Association in London, we believe Birmingham has its own unique story to tell. Through the Dental Pulse project, we want to create a welcoming, museum-quality space where the public, patients, students, and visitors can experience this history first hand, sparking curiosity, inspiring future generations, and celebrating how far dentistry has come.
We have already seen the impact this collection can have. When people encounter these objects, they ask questions, share their own experiences, and connect with the past in meaningful ways. Artists, researchers, and members of the public have all expressed a desire to see these items up close.
With your support, we can bring this vision to life, transforming a hidden collection into a vibrant, accessible exhibition that preserves our shared heritage and ensures these stories continue to inspire for generations to come.”
We also hope to fund smaller initiatives, such as tours for the public, art interventions, oral histories and stories for displays, and further storage for more fragile historical items, to create an engaging and interesting environment for patients, visitors, students and professionals, that demonstrates the amazing impact the hospital & school have had in the city of Birmingham, as well as the dental profession.
Associate Director of Charities, Sarah Binks, says, “Every donation helps us unlock these stories and share them with the world. By supporting Dental Pulse, you're not just preserving history, you're helping create a space where communities can learn, connect, and be inspired. Please help us bring this vision to life.”
If you would like to support the Dental Pulse project, visit our JustGiving page or contact the Charity Team for more information.