Poster for the movie Novocaine (Artisan Entertainment, 2001)
In the rhythm of a relaxed summer season, we invite you to look at dentistry a little differently: dentists are everyday heroes with a steady hand, empathy, and a keen eye for detail. But did you know that they also look great on screen? Often timid in real life, on screen they turn out to be surprisingly versatile. Charming heroes, tragic romantics, or quirky, amusing characters—dentistry has always found its way into cinema.
And if the fear of injections is a sweaty reality for someone in the waiting room, on the big screen this very association evokes a whole range of emotions—sometimes laughter, sometimes teeth-gritting. It is precisely the tension between precision, hygiene, and interpersonal closeness that makes a dentist such a compelling character: he or she is forced to enter the most intimate space of the human body—the open, defenseless mouth. And it is up to the genre whether this evokes awe or romantic sparks. For the audience, it is always fascinating.
From Nuisances to Heartthrobs
Recent films and series especially show that this profession is more than fillings and fluoride. In romantic comedies like Ghost Town and Yes Man, dentists appear as insecure yet charming characters with sharp edges—people who are experts in their field but sometimes confused about their own emotions.
A new generation of female dentists has also emerged—confident and independent. An example is Dr. Yoon Hye-jin from the popular Korean series Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, who not only performs root canal treatments but also heals the hearts of an entire village. Here, the dentist is no longer a supporting character but a main character with depth. Dentistry in the serial format is warm, smart, and charming.
Dentists Are More Than They Seem!
Whether as objects of jokes, romantic interests, or even saviors, dentists have firmly established themselves on the movie screen. And even if in real life we prefer to avoid the dentist’s chair, in cinema we happily recline in the viewer’s seat upon hearing: “Open wide… and enjoy!”
Modern cinema acknowledges that dentists are much more than a cavity diagnosis or polishing paste. They are trusted people, neighbors, friends—with their own dreams, weaknesses, and big hearts. Suddenly, the dental office transforms into a stage for big emotions, small dramas, and abundant humor. The message for all viewers is simple: when you go to a dentist, you meet not only a professional but also a wonderful person.
A Selected Collection of Five Films Where Dentists Play Important Roles
Finding Nemo (2003)
Dr. Philip Sherman works as a dentist in Sydney. At the beginning of the story, he catches a small clownfish, Nemo, with a net and brings it home as a gift for his niece Darla, who is known for being rough with fish. Nemo ends up in a large aquarium in Sherman’s office, where other fish already live. They call themselves “the gang” and together with Nemo devise a clever plan to escape to the ocean to reunite with his father, Marlin.
Although Dr. Sherman has no ill intentions from a human perspective, to the fish he is a threat. He is shown as forgetful, somewhat chaotic, and indifferent to his niece’s behavior or the needs of the animals—a humorous portrayal of human disregard for nature.
Yes Man (2008)
Peter (Bradley Cooper) is a dentist and the best friend of the main character Carl (Jim Carrey). Peter is a family man, responsible and stable, contrasting with Carl’s crisis period. While Carl struggles with isolation and heartbreak, Peter has a happy marriage, children, and a successful practice. He serves as a moral compass for the film and embodies the normal life Carl runs from. A positive portrayal of a dentist: likable, competent, and caring.
Novocaine (2001)
A black comedy with thriller elements, starring Steve Martin as dentist Frank Sangster. His life is calm and orderly: a successful practice, stable relationships, societal respect. But everything changes after meeting patient Susan (Helena Bonham Carter), who fakes a toothache to obtain prescriptions for painkillers.
His relationship with her draws Frank into a web of lies, theft, drugs, and even suspicion of murder. One impulsive decision turns his life upside down. The film combines tension and dark humor, showing an unconventional and grim portrayal of a dentist.
The Hangover (2009–2013)
Dr. Stuart “Stu” Price (Ed Helms) is one of the main characters and a dentist by profession. Intelligent but nervous and overly cautious, he is under the control of his despotic girlfriend. His friends joke that dentists are “not real doctors.”
In the first film, after a wild night in Vegas, Stu wakes up missing a tooth and even unexpectedly married. Over the trilogy, he matures, becomes confident, and finds true love. His portrayal is one of the most endearing in the series.
The Whole Nine Yards (2000)
Matthew Perry plays Canadian dentist Oz. His life is unhappy: a failed marriage, a quarrelsome mother-in-law, and mundane routine. When a hitman, Jimmy “The Tulip” (Bruce Willis), moves into the neighboring house, Oz becomes embroiled in a whirlwind of mafia intrigue and dangerous adventures. His profession constantly highlights the contrast between the “ordinary guy” and the criminal world.
The comedic tone, witty dialogue, and dark humor make the film a vibrant mix of crime comedy and farce.
Mr. Handy, Mr. Hong (2004)
A Korean romantic comedy. Dentist Yoon Hye-jin (Uhm Jung-hwa), after a professional failure, leaves the city and starts a new life in a seaside town. There she meets the good-natured “Mr. Handy” Hong Du-sik (Kim Joo-hyuk). Initially, conflicts arise between them, but a romantic story gradually unfolds. A light and warm film about love and new beginnings.
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021)
A South Korean rom-com series. Yoon Hye-jin, an ambitious dentist from Seoul, leaves the city after an ethical conflict and opens a practice in the coastal village of Gongjin. There she meets the charismatic “Chief Hong.” The series combines humor, romance, and serious themes (loss, mental health). A bright and deep story about mutual support and love.