Smile Science Exhibit Opens at Louisiana's Science Center

SHREVEPORT, LA – In partnership with Cosse & Silmon Orthodontics and Pediatric Dental Partners, Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center announces the newest permanent exhibit and program area, Smile Science. The exhibit is located in the Rasberry-Powers Children’s Gallery and opened to the public on Friday, October 5.

“Our goal for Smile Science was to give back to the families in our community while educating them about dental health, and making it fun and interesting for the kids,” said Dr. Jeff Silmon of Cosse & Silmon Orthodontics. “Working with Sci-Port has been a wonderful experience, the exhibit turned out even better than we expected. We look forward to doing more projects like this in the future.”

On Thursday, October 4, Cosse & Silmon Orthodontics and Pediatric Dental Partners celebrated the opening of the exhibit with a “floss-cutting” in the company of fellow employees, family and friends.

"This is the culmination of a decade-long dream to provide a unique and fun way to educate children and parents about dental health. We are proud to be a part of this project and feel that it is our job to give back to our community. We hope this will benefit the families of Shreveport and Bossier City for many generations,” said Dr. Chris Cosse of Cosse & Silmon Orthodontics.

Smile Science includes a giant mouth that teaches Sci-Port visitors about oral anatomy in an informal, fun way. 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 encompasses 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 will also have the opportunity to engage in role play, as the dentist, orthodontist or the 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.”

The Center 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.

“Drs Crawford, Backofen, Chidlow and I all feel that children’s dental health is very important,” said Pediatric Dental Partner’s Dr. Lauren Wallace. “We are thrilled to be a part of this dental health exhibit that is educating the children in our community.”

Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center is a 92,000 square-foot science and entertainment center featuring 290 hands-on exhibits, 70 interactive programs and demonstrations, a Space Center and Space Dome Planetarium, IMAX Dome Theatre, gift shop and café. Sci-Port is a member of the Association of Science-Technology Centers; a LA Space Consortium member and is recognized by Parents magazine as one of the nation’s ten best science centers. The Center is located at 820 Clyde Fant Parkway on the downtown Shreveport Riverfront. For information regarding hours, IMAX showings or special programs, call (318) 424-3466, toll free at (877) 724-7678 or visit www.sciport.org.