SciPort exhibitSci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center, located in Shreveport, La, recently debuted its newest permanent exhibit and program area, Smile Science, a part of the Rasberry-Power’s Children’s Gallery. The exhibit, a partnership with Cosse & Simon Orthodontics and Pediatric Dental Partners, teaches children about dental health and orthodontics.

Smile Science includes a giant 6-foot mouth that teaches Sci-Port visitors about oral anatomy. Visitors can brush the teeth with an oversized toothbrush and remove and replace the teeth like a puzzle. When the teeth are repositioned into their proper place, a touch sensor enables videos to play that teach visitors about dental hygiene.

The exhibit also has two interactive tabletop features that allow visitors to use a microscope to examine tooth decay and learn about orthodontics by examining how braces work. Visitors also have the opportunity to engage in role-play, as the orthodontist, dentist, or patient in the replicated office.

“Teaching kids and students about health has always been an important aspect of Sci-Port’s mission,” said Sci-Port President/CEO Ann Fumarolo. “In the Smile Science exhibit, students will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge on dental hygiene and orthodontia through experimentation and observation, and hopefully alleviate some fears about visiting the dentist.”

Sci-Port has developed both school and public programs for a variety of ages, which correlate with the exhibit to demonstrate and teach the science behind dentistry and orthodontics.