Dentists in action: a profession on-screen (1913-2013)

Abstract

Background Fictional portrayals of dentists in feature films have remained largely unexamined to date. The aim of this review is consequently to catalogue and analyse available films produced by US entertainment industry that present 'dentists in action'.Methods Relevant motion pictures were identified by means of keyword-based inquiries in search engines, online databases, websites and by handsearch.Results Between 1913-2013, almost 60 American films with dental treatment as a motif were released. Dentists on-screen appeared mainly in comedies and mostly as supporting actors. Surgical treatments dominated in earlier films and tooth-preserving therapy in later films; other fields of dentistry were marginalised. The time lag between a dental innovation and its screen debut varied between 50 years (x-rays) and 10 years (turbine). For a long time, filmmakers refused to allow female dentists to appear on screen. Although there is no consistent stereotype of a dentist, the figure of 'Dr Awkward' can be attributed to the silent film era, 'Dr Prosperous' to the 1960s/1970s and 'Dr Evil' to the 1980s/1990s.Discussion Popular media does not only reflect aspects of reality; they also create reality and establish a professional image. Thus, filmic representations of dentists have an immediate effect on an audience of millions of movie-goers and television viewers. Greater attention should be devoted to the interplay of cinematic and dental art by both dental professionals and film historians.