original late 1930's american vintage medical "dento-form" instructional manikin or phantom head designed and fabricated by the columbia dentoform corp., new york city. ny. the columbia dentoform company dates back to 1917 when ben spitzer sold articulators and attachments to dental laboratories. he created the first manikin for dental teaching and practice, and sold it to the university of california at san francisco. it was subsequently used in course work and, for the first time, provided an effective means to ensure basic competency before providing treatment to patients. mr. spitzer further developed products that simulate the density of skin, gingival tissue, and dentition that accurately replicates permanent human teeth. mr. spitzer also invented radiopaque plastic teeth for use in teaching proper radiographic techniques. columbia dentoform continues to develop a wide range of models and teeth, including teeth with caries and abnormalities, in order to provide the dental community with patient education models. the single lightly polished aluminum dental manikin head retains an interchangeable articulated teeth model or "dentoform" with patented ivorine teeth. various models outfitted in various configurations were used to train students by simulating conditions they will encounter in practice. the hollow skull plate and face mask are affixed to opposed jaw frames with hinged pivots. the pivoting dentoform mounts onto a post in a similar fashion as the skull or head piece. the hardened plastic jaw, bright red composite gums and removable indexed numbered teeth remain in great overall condition. measures approximately 6 x 8 x 9 inches.