The text explores the significance of teeth, both as a biological feature and a symbol of personal and historical narratives. It recounts the author’s family history, particularly focusing on Zosia, a dentist in post-war Poland, and her experiences amid the tumultuous socio-political changes in Eastern Europe. The narrative weaves through personal anecdotes, highlighting the evolution of dentistry and the deeper connections between teeth, identity, and memory. The story reveals how individual experiences with dental care reflect broader historical themes, including the impacts of empires and the haunting memories of trauma and loss.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teeth as unique identifiers | From functional to symbolic | Recognition of dental significance grows | Advances in dental science and history |
| Vulnerability in dental health | From resilience to fragility | Increased efforts to improve dental care | Growing awareness of health impacts |
| Historical ties through dental experiences | From personal to collective memory | Teeth as historical documents recognized | Interest in ancestry and personal history |
| Shift in dental training | From extensive to simplified training | New standards in dental education emerge | Demand for medical professionals post-war |
| Historical narratives entwined with teeth | From anecdotal to scholarly discourse | Interdisciplinary studies become common | Examination of personal and collective past |
| Evolutionary significance of dental structure | From functional anatomy to cultural meaning | Cultural value of dental aesthetics increases | Connections between identity and appearance |
| Ignorance surrounding dental distress | From taboo to open conversation | Normalization of discussing dental fears | Public health initiatives and campaigns |
| Dental pain linked to historical contexts | From pain to understanding | Broader context for understanding health | Exploration of personal narratives in healthcare |