The Sindecuse Museum of Dentistry, named after our benefactor, Gordon H. Sindecuse, a 1921 alumni, was organized in 1992 as a museum integrated within the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. The museum is predominately dedicated to exhibition of the history of dental technology and practice particularly in the United States and Michigan. Over 10,000 objects have been collected and cataloged and approximately 15% are on display in permanent and changing exhibitions. One collection with many items on exhibit, includes early dental X-ray equipment dating from 1915-1950, collected prior to the museum's start for the University of Michigan's School of Dentistry by Professor Albert G. Richards. The museum may be contacted by telephone, email or mail with reference questions related to the museum or its collection. Appointments are necessary to access the collection for scholarly research purposes. Standard Exhibit Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., closed most major holidays. The Museum currently remains closed to public but will likely reopen in the next few months.

Holdings:

Predominantly a collection of dental instruments, equipment and dental products from the 19th and 20th centuries, the museum also holds a small photograph collection over of 5,000 images related to the history of the UM dental school and many of its graduating class composite photos beginning in 1875 and others relating to the general history of dentistry. Documentary materials include dentistry related advertising ephemera, dental supplier catalogs (many are copies), and some equipment operation documents. Photocopies and electronic copies available on a fee basis if copyright and condition of the original allows. Researchers must make appointment with collection staff to review collection items in storage.

Subject Strengths:

History of Dentistry

Last Updated:

09 Dec 2021