The Flint Children’s Museum sought help in creating an interactive exhibit focused on dental health and hygiene. The challenge was to design an engaging experience for young visitors while providing valuable information for adults. The goal was to combine hands-on activities with educational content, making learning about dental care fun for children of all ages.

The design centered around making dental health both interactive and entertaining. Key features included a large-scale cross-section of a tooth, showcasing the root structure, nerves, and vessels. Children could use mirrors to explore their own teeth and other features that make them unique. Inside the giant mouth, kids could toss magnetic bacteria onto the teeth and brush them clean, reinforcing the importance of oral hygiene. An emerging tooth feature allowed kids to press a tooth and watch it grow into place.

A cavity-to-filling feature allowed children to interact with the model by flipping cavities to reveal fillings, offering a hands-on look at dental procedures. For younger children, doctor and hygienist coats were available, along with a repurposed X-ray head that displayed different types of teeth. A bean bag tongue and silver cap provided additional tactile interaction.

The exhibit also addressed a local issue, including infographics that educated both children and adults about the lack of fluoride in bottled water and its impact on dental health. Designed for future expansion, the exhibit could eventually incorporate a full jaw model if the museum relocates.

• Conceptualizing and developing the exhibit design, ensuring it was both educational and engaging for children.

• Coordinating closely with fabricators to bring the interactive features to life.

• Creating mock-ups and prototypes to test build feasibility and refine the design.

• Collaborating with the Dental Association to ensure the exhibit’s accuracy and effectiveness in communicating dental health concepts.

• Overseeing the integration of educational content, including infographics and local health information, into the exhibit.

• Ensuring the design was flexible for future growth, including the possibility of adding more elements if the museum relocates.