The Mitten Kids Dental Exhibit is Now Open at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
March 3, 2025
Grand Rapids, MI – February 21, 2025 – The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum (GRCM) is excited to announce its popular Dental Exhibit, enhanced with new interactive elements and a large-scale gallery wall showcasing influential dentists throughout history, including Dr. Jessica A. Rickert, the first Native American female dentist.
The Mitten Kids Dental Exhibit allows children to role-play as dentists and patients, to act out dental procedures, to explore dental tools and X-Rays, and to clean the teeth of a puppet patient. The latest additions include an immersive giant mouth for brushing and flossing away sugar bugs. The creative displays make learning about oral health engaging and will ease fears about dental visits and will inspire future careers in dentistry.
When kids experience the dentist’s office in a low-stress environment, future dental visits will be comfortable and fun. Research supports that dramatic play fosters cognitive, social, and emotional development by helping children build confidence. Additionally, early exposure to STEM-related careers—like dentistry—can expand possibilities for children who may not otherwise consider the field.
“We know that play is a powerful tool for learning,” said Maggie Lancaster, CEO of GRCM. “This exhibit not only helps children become comfortable with the dentist but also introduces them to the possibilities of a career in dentistry. As a child, I wish I had been able to play through the experience first—just like kids can now do at GRCM. This exhibit helps make dental care approachable, fun, and exciting.”
Representation is a key focus of the new gallery wall, highlighting diverse dental figures, including Dr. Rickert, who has dedicated her career to breaking barriers and advocating for underserved communities. “Whenever I ask, ‘Have you ever seen an American Indian dentist,’” said Dr. Rickert. “The answer is always ‘No.’ The GRCM’s dental exhibit can change that.”
“Our mission at Mitten Kids Dentistry is to provide the highest level of pediatric dental care, and to foster health, wellness, and a sense of adventure in every child who comes through our doors,” Dr. Brett Kingma, co-owner and co-founder of Mitten Kids Dentistry states. “We are thrilled to partner with the GRCM!”
The Mitten Kids Dental Exhibit is included with museum admission and will be available through May 31, 2025. It is sponsored by Mitten Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics, with support from the Michigan Dental Association Foundation and the West Michigan Dental Foundation. For accurate information, go to grcm.org before any visits.
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About the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
GRCM provides hands-on, play-based learning experiences for children. Located at 11 Sheldon Avenue NE in downtown Grand Rapids, the museum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering creativity and imagination through play. GRCM offers hands-on exhibits and educational programming designed for children ages 0-10 and their caregivers. Regular admission is $12.00 per person and $11.00 for ages 65+. Admission for teachers, healthcare and frontline workers, and active military members is $10.00. Through Museums for All, admission for EBT and WIC cardholders is $1.75 per person for up to 12 people per card. Museum members and children under 1 receive free admission. Summer and school-year hours vary; visit grcm.org for details.
About Mitten Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics
Mitten Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics aims to provide the highest level of pediatric dental care for kids of all ages—whatever their needs—in a fun, positive, and safe environment. Inspired by our beautiful home state of Michigan, we foster health, wellness, and a sense of adventure in every child who comes through our doors. Mitten Kids Dentistry has 2 locations serving the greater Grand Rapids area. The Grand Rapids office is located at 1179 East Paris Ave SE #130 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 and can be reached via fax at Fax: 616.942.0170 or phone at 616.942.9840. Office hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursdays from 8 AM – 5 PM, Wednesdays from 8 AM – 3 PM, and Fridays from 8 AM – 2 PM. The office is closed for lunch daily from 1 PM – 2 PM. The Mitten Kids Caledonia office is located at 6477 Cherry Meadow DR SE #4 Caledonia, MI 49316 and can be reached by Fax at 616.942.0170 or phone at 616.942.9840. Office hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 AM – 5 PM and Wednesdays from 8 AM – 3 PM. Offices are closed for lunch daily from 1 PM – 2 PM. Contact our Grand Rapids pediatric dental office today to learn more about our dentists or to request an appointment. Visit Mitten Kids Dentistry online at mittenkids.com and follow on social media on Facebook at facebook.com/mittenkids / Instagram / LinkedIn.
