Holden A C L, Gibson B, Spallek H. Embarrassing realities: the portrayal of dentistry in reality TV 'dentertainment'. Community Dent Health 2019; 36: 46−54.

Is 'reality' any better than fiction?

Fictional screen accounts of dentists tend to portray members of the profession as 'incompetent, immoral, disturbed, sadistic or corrupt'. Reality TV in the form of makeover shows, however, have the opportunity to show dentistry in a different light.

Using 14 cases from the 'Embarrassing Bodies' series, broadcast in the UK between 2007 and 2014, the authors carried out a qualitative analysis of the programmes' transcribed texts as well as the way in which participants interact with each other and with the camera. Other factors examined included potential interaction between the viewer and the screen (the influence of camera angles and the commentary, and the similarities between the programmes as a whole and reality. Five themes emerged:

  1. 1.

    Professional values and portrayal of cosmetic dentistry - there is limited display of straightforward restorative dentistry, with the presentations focussing mainly on complex procedures such as implants to restore aesthetics. Implants are described as 'posh' promoting the idea that they are a symbol of affluence. In contrast to the medical issues portrayed in other programmes, risks and prognosis for treatment are rarely discussed

  2. 2.

    The presentation of oral health and disease - disease is presented as 'dark' and 'dirty' with dentitions described with war zone alliteration as 'devastated' and 'decimated', often accompanied by 'mournful, yet comedic' music

  3. 3.

    Dental physiognomy - participants are often depicted as 'failed' because of their dental appearance, with this view reinforced by camera angles which frequently look down, allowing viewers to be in a position of judgement and power

  4. 4.

    Dentistry as empowerment - in post-treatment interviews, participants speak directly to camera, reinforcing the view that they have now attained equality and empowerment as a result of their dental makeover. Lifestyle change to prevent future disease is given little emphasis within the programmes

  5. 5.

    Unequal professional relationships - the clinician is portrayed as clean, in white and in expensive surroundings, with multiple certificates in view and as a high status professional in contrast to participants who initially appear drab and disempowered.

Whilst acknowledging the difficulties of portraying complex dental treatment within a short TV programme, which suggests that the treatments viewed are a quick fix for dental disease, the authors regret the lack of preventive focus within the programme, that the future costs of maintenance are not discussed and that the portrayal of dentists' power does not reflect a healthy, consenting patient/clinician relationship.