'Rathbone' dental unit, England, 1946-1955
'Rathbone' dental unit, cream painted steel, with associated wall-mounted operating lamp, by the Dental manufacturing CXo., England, 1946-1955
With the introduction of the National Health Service (NHS) in 1948, dental treatment and dentures became free of charge to all its users. When the NHS began there was a shortage of dentists and specialist equipment, creating a demand that was soon answered by companies such as The Dental Manufacturing Company, who made this dental unit. The unit looks similar to those found in dental surgeries today with a wall mounted light, mirror and a sink for patients to spit in.