Vadodara, India – Asia’s first dental museum, the Dr. Chandarana Dental Museum, located in Vadodara, has earned a spot in the Guinness World Records for two remarkable achievements. The private museum, dedicated to dental health education, holds the records for the largest collection of toothbrushes and the largest display of toothbrushes.
Founded in 2016 by Dr. Yogesh Chandarana, a dentist by profession, the museum now boasts an impressive collection of 2,371 toothbrushes, alongside 26 other dental artifacts. The collection includes diverse types of toothbrushes, such as traditional datun (a natural toothbrush used in India), 19th-century bone toothbrushes, and those made from animal hair.
Dr. Chandarana holds the record for the largest toothbrush collection, while the Chandarana family collectively earned recognition for the most extensive display of these items. The previous record for the largest toothbrush collection was held by a Canadian girl with 1,678 toothbrushes. In addition to toothbrushes, the museum also showcases a range of historical dental tools and memorabilia, making it a unique destination for dental enthusiasts.
Reflecting on the museum’s creation, Dr. Chandarana shared, “The concept of a dental museum was completely new. I had the idea after visiting a museum called ‘House on Rocks’ in the U.S., where one person had gathered an incredible variety of items. I thought, as a dentist, why not create a museum for dental products?” He further explained that the idea had been in the making since 2013, and in 2016, he established India’s and Asia’s first dental museum.
The museum’s journey began with just 500 toothbrushes. “When I started, I only had about 500 toothbrushes,” said Dr. Chandarana. “But over time, the collection grew. My son, seeing the growing collection, encouraged me to apply for the Guinness World Records. We contacted Guinness, and they told us that if we added 200 more toothbrushes, we could get a record. Instead, we surpassed that by reaching 2,371, earning us the record for the largest display of toothbrushes.”
Dr. Chandarana’s son, Dr. Pranav Chandarana, shared more about the museum’s development. “When we started, we had around 2,000 to 3,000 dental-related items from around the world, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, old dental instruments, and even matchbox labels with dental ads,” he said. “Now, with our two Guinness World Records, we’ve become known for having the largest collection of toothbrushes and the largest display of them worldwide.”
In addition to being a hub for dental history, the museum also offers high-tech dental services, particularly for children.
Through augmented reality animations, children can learn about dental hygiene in an engaging way. The museum also features animatronic dental orchestras and health shows. A unique AI-driven dental screen allows visitors to quickly assess their dental health by taking three photos, with a report sent to their mobile devices within minutes.
Dr. Pranav Chandarana added that the museum’s visitors, especially those who learn about its toothbrush collection, often contribute to the growing display. “Many of our visitors bring toothbrushes from their travels, adding to our collection.
Some of these toothbrushes are up to 200 years old, showcasing the evolution of this everyday dental tool.”
The Dr. Chandarana Dental Museum continues to be a one-of-a-kind establishment in India, offering both educational experiences and modern dental care. Its inclusion in the Guinness World Records highlights its dedication to preserving and promoting dental history on an international scale.
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