Dr. Kate McGrath studies and teaches tooth development and stress histories, which are complicated processes for learners to understand. The arrangement of cells, the way they lay down deposits of enamel, and the resulting structure of layers of deposit, all contribute to a complex 3-dimensional picture of tooth development.

Researchers can pinpoint times of physiological stress (like famine) in an animal’s lifetime by looking at the structure of its tooth development, because stress is indicated by specific formations in the 3D structure. Dr. McGrath reached out to collaborate on a series of educational animations that would bridge understanding between a cross-sectional and 3-dimensional view of tooth development, and enable students to better understand the relationships between tooth development, stress, and structure.

We developed a series of silent animated clips to give Dr. McGrath full flexibility of use. Each clip focused on one key concept in normal and abnormal tooth development. The animations could be embedded into Dr. McGrath’s PowerPoint presentations, and could be talked over, replayed, or paused.