The University of Birmingham will be unveiling a new ‘blue plaque’ celebrating the work of two innovative dentists
A new ‘blue plaque’ is set to be unveiled as part of the University of Birmingham’s history trail which will celebrate the work of two innovative dentists whose inventions have saved thousands of lives.
The plaque pays homage to University of Birmingham alumnus Harold Round and his colleague Arthur Parrott, who were both instrumental in developing an early version of the airbag to prevent impact jaw fractures during the First World War.
This year marks 100 years since they filed the patent for the airbag and, to mark the occasion, the blue plaque will be unveiled at a special event at the University’s School of Dentistry on 18 March.
The event, which is open to the public, will both showcase Round and Parrott’s work, while it will also feature other University of Birmingham innovations in dentistry.
The event will include lunch and a presentation on the history of dentistry by Jonathan Reinarz, University of Birmingham Professor of the History of Medicine.
There will be an opportunity to view some historical dental instruments and experience first-hand how challenging dentistry has been across the ages.
There will also be an optional tour of Birmingham Dental Hospital and School of Dentistry to view the state of the art facility.
Professor Iain Chapple, head of the University of Birmingham’s School of Dentistry, said: ‘Since its earliest days, the University of Birmingham has been a home to innovative pioneers who have effected change in the world we live.
‘The University’s Blue Plaque Trail, modelled on schemes adopted in many British cities, celebrates their ground-breaking achievements and we are delighted that two such accomplished pioneers in dentistry will now be honoured as part of this trail.
‘We hope this latest blue plaque will inspire those who pass by and will encourage continued innovation and achievement in the future.”
The blue plaques around the campus serve as reminders of the immense accomplishments of the men and women who have worked at the University.
The general public must register in advance if they wish to attend the unveiling of the blue plaque on March 18th 2019 by visiting: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/university/colleges/mds/events/2019/03/history-trail-booking-form.aspx
