The 7 weirdest gifts every dental professional NEEDS
A guide to some of the best (and weirdest) dental themed gifts out there.
Chances are, you’ll need to get a gift for a dental professional in your life soon. Whether it’s a birthday, a last-minute holiday gift, or you’re just trying to impress a boss, there’s always a reason to be on the lookout for gifts.
Fear not, because we’ve got your back. This is a list of some of the best gifts out there, gifts that are sure to make an impression! Some of them might seem weird, but we’ll help explain why it just might be the most useful gift you’ve ever given.
Choose wisely from the following gifts. You just might be able to convince your co-worker that you didn’t forget about their birthday or your boss to finally give you that raise you’ve been asking for.
1. Themed Jewelry
What is it?
Jewelry comes in all shapes in sizes-many of them in tooth sizes. Shown here is a personalized silver keychain, but you might also consider these tooth cufflinks to keep you looking sharp.
Why would a dental professional want it?
Picture this: You’re out at dinner with a group of non-dentists. You don’t know any of them very well, but you’re getting along. The food is great, the wine is flowing, and the conversation is easy. Everything’s going well. The person next to you is a little tipsy and starts talking louder, opening their mouth wider and wider. You look over and notice, there in the back...is all that plaque really back there? And is that a small caries starting to form? It’s a little hard to tell, so you look away. But the person keeps talking and you keep looking, and you slowly grow more and more convinced that this person needs some serious dental care, and soon.
But you can’t say anything. You just met this person! They would take offense if you leaned over and whispered, “Hey, you should plan a visit to the dentist soon.” No one there knows you work in a dentist’s office, so you’ll look like a jerk.
Cue the jewelry. Now instead of having to awkwardly explain that you are indeed a dentist while fumbling around for your business card that you forgot to bring, people will start asking you about your interesting taste in jewelry. No longer will you be ostracized for making comments during dinner—you’ll be providing sage advice on the fly and people will be thanking you for it!
By giving your friends and family a simple gift, you have granted them the gift of easier dinner parties.
Image courtesy of Etsy.
2. Tooth-themed Shoes
What is it?
Shoes for the dental professional. From these casual sneakers and these teeth-covered slip-ons, or even a pair of socks (but seriously, don’t be the person who gives socks), it’s time to wear your profession on your feet.
Why would a dental professional want it?
This is perhaps the most personal gift you can give someone who works in dentistry. Let’s face it, a patient spends more time looking at your face (or awkwardly avoiding eye contact and staring at the ceiling) than anywhere else, and you spend a lot of your day staring at the ground. They won’t appreciate it, but you will. So if you know someone looking to spruce up their routine, consider starting with something they’ll spend a lot of time looking at.
Images courtesy of Groove Bags & Custom Kicks.
3. A Museum Trip
What is it?
A trip to go to a world-class museum is an opportunity to appreciate great works of art, such as The Tooth-Puller by Gerard Dou.
Why would a dental professional want it?
For one, it’s a free trip-who wouldn’t be happy about it? This gift shows that you’re cultured, and you know they’re cultured, and will score you points for the rest of your life.
But that’s not the only reason. Take the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GDSM). In 2014, they became the first dental school to require an art appreciation experience as a requirement for all first-year DMD students. Every incoming student is required to visit a local art museum, and after each visit, students discuss the art with their peers. Because art doesn’t have one specific meaning, it helps the students present their ideas and listen to their colleagues. According to the University, this helps the students overcome a fear of being wrong, and instead to look at every possible problem. Most importantly, perhaps, students felt that the exercise helped them to show more empathy toward patients and better explain a diagnosis and treatment options.
Image courtesy of PubHist.
4. A Quirky Coffee Mug
What is it?
This mug can be a great themed gift or stocking stuffer.
Why would a dental professional want it?
Everyone who’s ever looked at someone’s mouth for a living has thought, “I wish I could tell you what I'm really thinking right now.” Gifts like these are the perfect, sassy way to help convince your patients that yes, flossing actually does help, and yes, you do know what you’re talking about.
If you’ve ever heard a coworker sigh when that patient walks through the door, consider giving them the gift that says it all so you don't have to.
Image courtesy of Amazon.
5. Prints or Decals
What is it?
Something for the wall, whether it’s these vintage-themed prints or vinyl decals, are affordable gifts that can brighten up any practice.
Why would a dental professional want it?
Everyone should update their walls every so often. Simple prints or wall decor are easy, cost-effective ways to update the look of your practice. An office that is thoughtfully decorated has a warm and inviting feel for patients. Plus, this is a great way to modernize an outdated, out of style office.
Images courtesy of Etsy.
6. Vintage Dental Tools
What is it?
These vintage dental tools a great collector's item and would make for a one-of-a-kind display at the office or at home.
Why would a dental professional want it?
Sometimes a look into the past is a reminder of how far we've come. And dentistry has come a long way, even in the last few decades. Seemingly simple tools such as scalers and mirrors have seen remarkable enhancements in the last several years. Old tools can be a reminder that dentistry used to be, well...terrifying. A bag full of clanging metal likely did little to calm a person’s fears. Now, tools are engineered to fit perfectly in hand and provide better results.
Image courtesy of Etsy.
7. Tooth-shaped Stool
What is it?
Honestly, there are tons of tooth-shaped decorations. But none make a statement quite like a giant tooth stool. While it's not meant for use during examinations, this piece certainly makes an impression.
Why would a dental professional want it?
You have to really love teeth to be in the dental profession. Why not show it in your office decor? This stand-out stool is fun, funky, and is guaranteed to make even the most nervous patients smile when they walk into your office.
Image courtesy of houzz.