Delta Dental of Oklahoma makes a $1.25 million gift to Science Museum Oklahoma
This gift will fund the overhaul and revitalization of Science Museum Oklahoma's Mighty Mouth exhibit, reopening in February 2026.
For nearly four decades, Mighty Mouth has sparked curiosity about the science of smiles and inspired generations to care for their teeth. Now, this iconic Science Museum Oklahoma exhibition is preparing for a brand-new chapter.
The museum hosted a closing ceremony on November 10 to honor the Mighty Mouth the public has known and loved since the 1980s.
The revitalization of Mighty Mouth is made possible by a $1.25 million gift from Delta Dental of Oklahoma and our Foundation. Together, Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation and Science Museum Oklahoma are reimagining this Oklahoma favorite for the next generation of explorers, future dentists, hygienists, orthodontists, and beyond.
“As the state’s largest contributor to dental health and education-related initiatives, Delta Dental of Oklahoma and our Foundation are committed to empowering the youth in our state to understand the importance of caring for their oral health,” said John Gladden, chairman, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Oklahoma. “We are thrilled to help refresh the treasured Mighty Mouth exhibition so it can benefit Oklahomans for generations to come.”
When it reopens in February 2026, coinciding with National Children’s Dental Health Month, the new Mighty Mouth will offer even more hands-on opportunities to learn about oral health and prevention. Visitors can expect new interactive elements that expand on the exhibition’s original mission of education and fun while keeping the nostalgic, larger-than-life teeth that families remember.
“Mighty Mouth has been part of Oklahoma’s story for decades,” said Sherry Marshall, John E. Kirkpatrick President and CEO at Science Museum Oklahoma. “Thanks to the support of Delta Dental of Oklahoma and their Foundation, this new era of Mighty Mouth will continue its legacy of smiles, science, and prevention education.”
Since opening in 1987, Mighty Mouth has welcomed more than 10 million visitors from across the state and beyond. Its towering 29-foot smile has been a place to climb, explore, and discover the importance of caring for your teeth. The upcoming renovation ensures this Oklahoma favorite will continue inspiring curiosity for decades to come.