Movie poster of Novocaine (Artisan Entertainment, 2001)
In keeping with the relaxed holiday season, we would like to take a slightly different look at the dental profession: dentists, the heroes of everyday life – with a steady hand, empathy, and an eye for detail. But did you know that they also cut an amazingly good figure in the movies? Often feared in real life, they are surprisingly versatile on film. Whether as charming heroes, tragic romantics, or quirky comedians, dentistry has always found its way into cinema. And while the fear of needles is a sweaty reality for some in the waiting room, on the big screen it is precisely this association that provokes a whole range of emotions – sometimes laughter, sometimes teeth grinding. It is precisely the tension between precision, hygiene, and interpersonal closeness that makes the dentist such a fascinating film character: he or she must enter the most intimate space of the human body—the open, defenseless mouth. Whether this is cause for thrills or romantic sparks is determined by the genre. And that's fun—at least for the audience.
Of nuisances and heartbreakers
Recent films and TV series in particular show that there is more to this profession than fillings and fluoride. In romantic comedies such as “Ghost Town” and “Yes Man”, dentists are portrayed as insecure, lovable characters with rough edges – people who are experts in their field but tend to get their emotions in a tangle. And then there is the new generation of female dentists: confident and independent. Leading the way is Dr. Yoon Hye-jin from the hit Korean series Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, who not only performs root canal treatments but also heals the heart of the village. Here, the dentist is no longer a supporting character but a protagonist with depth. Dentistry in series format – warm-hearted, clever, and charming.
Dentists have more to offer!
Whether as a laughing stock, love interest, or lifesaver, dentists have carved out a permanent place for themselves on the silver screen. And even if we prefer to avoid the dentist's chair in real life, we are happy to lean back in our seats at the cinema when we hear: “Open wide, please... and enjoy!” The modern film world has recognized that dentists have more to offer than cavity diagnoses and polishing paste. They are trusted confidants, neighbors, friends—with their own dreams, flaws, and a lot of heart. Suddenly, the dentist's office becomes a stage for big emotions, small dramas, and lots of humor. The message to all viewers is clear: when you go to the dentist, you meet people who are not only professionals, but also top-notch human beings.
Here is a (handpicked) selection of five films in which dentists play a significant role. We hope you enjoy watching one or more of the films presented here (or discovering others).
Dr. Philip Sherman enjoys watching Nemo in his office aquarium during a session, while Nemo is less enthusiastic (Image credit: “Finding Nemo”, Walt Disney, 2001)
Finding Nemo (Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich, 2003): Dr. Philip Sherman works as a dentist in Sydney. At the beginning of the story, he catches a young clownfish named Nemo with a net and brings him home to give to his niece Darla. Darla is known for being rough with fish, which puts Nemo in additional danger. Sherman keeps Nemo in a large aquarium in his practice, where other fish already live. They call themselves “the gang” and, together with Nemo, develop a clever escape plan to get him back to the ocean and to his father Marlin. Although Dr. Sherman has no malicious intent from a human perspective, he is portrayed as a threat from the fishes' point of view – albeit in a humorous way. He is absent-minded, slightly chaotic, and pays little attention to his niece's behavior or the needs of the animals. His character is thus a prime example of human carelessness towards nature, without being intentionally cruel.
Peter, the dentist, acts as the moral compass of Carl (Image credit: “Yes Man”, Artisan Entertainment/Numb Gums Productions, 2008)
Yes Man (Peyton Reed, 2008): Peter, played by Bradley Cooper, is the important supporting role as a dentist and best friend of the protagonist Carl Allen (played by Jim Carrey). Peter is a down-to-earth, responsible family man with a stable life that contrasts with Carl's initial life crisis. While Carl is in a slump after a breakup and increasing isolation, Peter leads a regular life with a marriage, children, and a successful dental practice. Over the course of the film, Carl begins participating in a self-help program where he has to say “yes” to everything – which drastically changes his life. This leads him to experience many crazy and unexpected adventures, which in turn leads to entertaining situations in his friendship with Peter. Although Peter himself is not at the center of the plot, his character is important for the emotional balance of the film. He acts as a moral compass and embodies the “normal” life that Carl has long avoided. Peter is portrayed in a thoroughly positive light as a dentist: he is likeable, competent, and caring – both at work and as a friend. He thus exemplifies the image of the trustworthy and loyal dentist in modern comedies.
Steve Martin is a prosperous dentist, secure in his neatly ordered existence and happily engaged to his ambitious dental hygienist, played by Laura Dern (Image credit: “Novocaine”, Artisan Entertainment/Numb Gums Productions, 2001)
Novocaine (David Atkins, 2001): A black comedy with thriller elements, in which Steve Martin plays dentist Dr. Frank Sangster. Frank leads a quiet, orderly life: he has a successful dental practice, is in a stable relationship, and is considered a model of respectability and order. But this façade begins to crumble when he treats a mysterious patient named Susan Ivey (played by Helena Bonham Carter). Susan pretends to have toothache in order to obtain a prescription for painkillers. Despite initial doubts, Frank gets involved with her – both professionally and personally. This proves to be a turning point: he becomes entangled in a web of lies, theft, drug abuse, and suspicion of murder. Suddenly, his entire life is at stake, and Frank is forced to break the rules to prove his innocence – or at least to survive. The film shows how a seemingly “boring” life can be turned upside down by a single impulsive decision. Dr. Sangster goes from being a reliable dentist to a harried character in a bizarre crime thriller. The story combines suspense with black humor and paints a multi-layered, rather grim picture of the dental profession – far removed from all the clichés.
Dr. Stuart “Stu” Price parties hard with his dear colleagues in Las Vegas and can't remember what he did the next day. (Image credit: “The Hangover”, Warner Bros., 2009)
The Hangover series (Todd Phillips, 2009-2013): Dr. Stuart “Stu” Price, played by Ed Helms, is one of the main characters and a dentist by profession. Stu is portrayed as an intelligent but nervous and often overly cautious guy who lets himself be controlled by his bossy girlfriend. Although he is a respected medical professional, his friends often don't take him entirely seriously – with the running joke that dentists are “not real doctors.” In the first film (The Hangover, 2009), Stu finds himself in absurd situations after a wild bachelor party in Las Vegas: He wakes up toothless because he allegedly pulled out one of his own teeth and discovers that he has married a stripper. Despite his initial panic, Stu grows beyond himself over the course of the films. In the sequels, he becomes increasingly self-confident, breaks up with his toxic girlfriend, and eventually marries a woman who is truly right for him. Stu brings comedic potential to the plot through his profession, while also serving as a foil to his more extroverted friends. His development from a controlled dentist to a courageous member of the “wolf pack” makes him one of the most likable and complex characters in the trilogy.
Dr. Nicholas “Oz” Oseransky stumbles into a new, exciting but rather dangerous life because of his new neighbor. (Image credit: “The Whole Nine Yards”, Franchise Pictures, 2009)
The Whole Nine Yards (Jonathan Lynn, 2000): Matthew Perry plays Canadian dentist Dr. Nicholas “Oz” Oseransky, who gets caught up in a highly chaotic adventure. Oz leads an unhappy life: his marriage is a disaster, his mother-in-law hates him, and his wife wishes he were dead – literally. When notorious hitman Jimmy “The Tulip” Tudeski (played by Bruce Willis) moves into the house next door, everything changes. Oz recognizes Jimmy and reluctantly finds himself caught between his manipulative wife, the mafia, professional killers, and ultimately a surprising love story. His professional identity as a dentist is repeatedly humorously referenced: as a “normal guy” surrounded by killers, crooks, and shady characters, Oz is the unwitting hero who stumbles into dangerous but also hilarious situations. The film thrives on the contrast between Oz's harmless dentist world and the violent underworld. Although there are some action elements, the comedic tone prevails, characterized by situational comedy, witty dialogue, and slapstick. An entertaining mix of black comedy, crime thriller, and slapstick, in which the dentist not only survives but even emerges victorious in the end.
Hye-jin initially struggles to get used to the simple village life, and soon finds herself clashing with Du-sik (Image credit: “Mr. Handy, Mr. Hong”, CJ Entertainment and Janis Entertainment, 2024)
Mr. Handy, Mr. Hong (2004) is a romantic comedy from South Korea and the film adaptation of the later hit series Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021). The film centers on the self-confident and somewhat arrogant dentist Yoon Hye-jin (played by Uhm Jung-hwa), who gives up her practice in the big city after a professional setback and ventures a new start in a small coastal town. There she meets the good-natured and charming Hong Du-sik (played by Kim Joo-hyuk), whom everyone in the village knows only as “Mr. Handy.” He takes on almost every task in the village, from small repairs to helping out at festivals to caring for the elderly. Hye-jin, who initially struggles to get used to the simple village life, soon finds herself clashing with Du-sik. But behind the little arguments, a romantic tension develops between the two. The film is a light-hearted, heartwarming rom-com that charms with its rural charm, witty dialogue, and likable main characters. Mr. Handy, Mr. Hong is a feel-good story about arriving, understanding, and falling in love—with a dentist who learns not only to heal teeth, but also to open hearts.
Dr. Yoon Hye-jin moves to the picturesque coastal town of Gongjin and opens her own dental practice (Image credit: “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha”, GTist and Studio Dragon, 2021)
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021) is a South Korean romantic drama series that tells the story of dentist Yoon Hye-jin. Hye-jin is ambitious, successful, and lives in Seoul, but after a conflict of professional ethics, she quits her job on the spur of the moment and ends up in the picturesque coastal town of Gongjin. There, she decides to open her own dental practice – which is initially met with skepticism by the eccentric but lovable villagers. She meets Hong Du-sik, known as “Chief Hong,” a versatile man with no steady job who is responsible for everything in Gongjin: handyman, babysitter, counselor. An exciting dynamic develops between Hye-jin's rational nature and Du-sik's down-to-earth warmth, which slowly turns into a deep love affair. The series thrives on its warm tone, humorous everyday moments, romantic tension, and an ensemble of colorful supporting characters. At the same time, it also tackles more serious issues such as loss, social expectations, and mental health – especially in relation to Du-sik's past. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha is not just a romantic story, but a lovingly told portrait of a place where people are there for each other. The series has enjoyed great international success and is considered a modern feel-good drama with depth.