On the list of Hollywood-compatible professions, dentists aren’t high on the list. High-profile lawyers, athletes, CEOs and even exterminators (Ghostbusters, Arachnophobia) usually get all the camera time. But the spotlight has occasionally made an appearance at the dentist’s office.
Here are five movies – some funny, some scary, some dramatic, and all with dentists in leading or major supporting roles – that have made an impact at the box office.
One of the funniest films of 2009, The Hangover is known as Bradley Cooper’s coming-out party, Mike Tyson’s re-emergence into the public spotlight, and the popular phrase, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” The movie also features another laugh-out-loud character, Stu, a dentist played by Ed Helms. Stu manages to extract his own tooth during a wild Vegas night that nobody can seem to remember.
Marathon Man
Dustin Hoffman and Laurence Olivier lend star power and perhaps the most memorable “dental” scene in film history. Hoffman’s character, Babe, is tortured by Dr. Szell (Olivier) to find out information on stolen diamonds. Szell’s famous line in the scene (“Is it safe?”) is overshadowed by a harrowing episode with a drill going straight through Hoffman’s tooth. For anyone who has ever undergone a root canal procedure or had their wisdom teeth taken out, Dr. Szell’s work on Babe makes even the worst real-life dental experience look like child’s play. Marathon Man is definitely not recommended viewing for anyone going to the dentist the next day!
Ghost Town
British comedian Ricky Gervais got his first big break in Ghost Town, an amusing flick that somehow combines the dental chair with Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol – and makes it work! Gervais plays Bertram Pincus, a dentist whose near-death experience gives him an unexpected glimpse at ghosts throughout New York City.
The Dentist
As campy horror films go, The Dentist has few rivals. Corbin Bernsen’s title character, after learning about his philandering wife, goes on a hallucination-filled rampage, complete with horrific dental procedures that would make Dr. Szell’s Marathon Man character envious. While this film lacks the dramatic intrigue and acting of Marathon Man, it deserves a spot on the list for pure dental deceit.
Tommy Tucker’s Tooth
Walt Disney might be known for his famous mouse, theme parks and entertainment empire, but not many people realize his initial foray in films involved a dentist. Tommy Tucker’s Tooth was produced by Disney’s Laugh-O-Grams studio. At just seven minutes long, this educational film explains how proper dental care can prevent cavities. Disney’s main partner in the project was Thomas McCrumb, a dentist in Kansas City. The film is currently available for viewing on YouTube – a rare chance to see one of Walt Disney’s early films.
Unlike the movies, real life doesn’t always have a happy ending. But Dr. Dental, the leading network of family dentists throughout the U.S. northeast, offers the best dental service plan for individuals and families. Our daily deals, exceptional service and customer-friendly staff have made us the preferred dental provider for many people in the region.
With a new location in Lynn, MA, Dr. Dental now has 40 total office locations. Schedule an appointment today, or call us at (877) 776-9833 to learn more about our dental service. Thanks for reading our blog – and if you have a favorite flicks about dentists that didn’t make our list, feel free to drop us a line and let us know!