This September, I had the pleasure of unveiling the ‘At the Root of It’ installation, a new addition to the ‘Bodyworks’ exhibit at Glasgow Science Centre (GSC). The installation aims to deepen visitors' understanding of teeth, their supporting structures, and the impact oral microorganisms have on dental and overall health. By aligning with GSC’s mission to promote science and technology, the exhibit also seeks to inspire future generations of scientists and healthcare professionals.

Leaving a Legacy

Reflecting on the journey that began with the bid for the IFEA World Endodontic Congress (WEC) nearly ten years ago, I was motivated as Congress President by a desire to leave a lasting impact, particularly within Glasgow and Scottish communities further afield. An earlier collaboration between the British Endodontic Society (BES) and the University of Glasgow, ‘The Big Smile” - a human art installation that brought people together to create an image of a giant mouth – had crystallised in my mind the importance of outreach and engagement activities for the Society. Now, as President of the BES, I saw the WEC as a perfect platform to further this objective, and Glasgow as the ideal location for such outreach.

The ‘At the Root of It’ exhibit will remain at GSC for the next five to six years, potentially reaching one-third of a million visitors annually. The exhibit explores root canal disease or endodontic disease, its implications for oral and general well-being, and the innovations in dental materials and technology that help maintain or restore health. Visitors are guided through fundamental biological concepts, cutting-edge materials, and advancements in clinical practice, showcasing the constant evolution of the field to ensure improved patient care. The installation highlights the collaborative efforts of scientists, dentists, and other healthcare professionals, demonstrating their impact on the nation’s health. This engaging experience seeks to demystify dental treatments and empower visitors to take charge of their oral health.

Inside the Exhibit

The exhibit is comprised of three key elements. First, a giant tooth model allows visitors to explore the anatomy of a tooth, from pulp to enamel, offering a hands-on way to grasp the complexity of dental structures. Second, an interactive touchscreen provides a deep dive into various elements including microbiology, host response and biologic therapies to name but a few. Whether visitors prefer to skim the surface or explore in depth, this feature caters to different levels of curiosity. The digital format will allow us to continually update content as scientific understanding evolves. This is crucial in a field such as endodontics, where changes in treatment approaches - such as the shift from removing pulp to retaining its vitality - must be reflected in the exhibit to keep it current and relevant. Finally, an interactive dental appointment simulator on a transparency screen gives visitors a chance to step into a dentist’s shoes. They can diagnose a patient's toothache, explore the root canal, and understand dental treatments from the inside out. I hope this hands-on experience will inspire young minds to consider dentistry as a career and possibly even join the British Endodontic Society one day!

A Collaborative Achievement

The ‘At the Root of It’ exhibit is the result of a collaborative effort between the British Endodontic Society, the University of Glasgow Dental School, and Glasgow Science Centre. The team at Glasgow Science Centre was instrumental in bringing this exhibit to life. Their expertise ensured that our ideas were translated into an engaging and accessible experience for the public, regardless of their background. Special thanks go to Dr Jason Brown and Dr Christopher Delaney from the University of Glasgow Dental School, Dr Phil Tomson from the BES, and Gillian Lang and Duncan Smith from GSC, for their contributions in bringing this vision to life.

Professor William McLean, President of the British Endodontic Society and Professor of Endodontology, University of Glasgow Dental School