“The Dentist” skit from The Carol Burnett Show is a timeless gem in the history of television, reminiscent of fine wine that only improves with age.
Its enduring appeal continues to evoke laughter from audiences across generations, establishing itself as one of the most humorous television moments of all time.
In its eleven-year run, The Carol Burnett Show garnered an impressive 25 Emmy Awards and eight Golden Globes, catapulting numerous comedians to fame and cementing its status as one of the most esteemed programs in television history.
Among its iconic sketches, “The Dentist,” featuring comedians Tim Conway and Harvey Korman, remains a standout. The enduring appeal of this skit is evident in its continued circulation and its ability to induce uncontrollable laughter, even from the performers themselves, making it unforgettable for viewers.
In “The Dentist,” patient Korman suffers from a severe toothache and seeks treatment on a Sunday, only to find Conway, the nephew of his regular dentist, standing in for him. As Conway’s first patient fresh out of dentistry school, Korman becomes increasingly nervous as he attempts to persuade his reluctant patient to either leave or opt for simple cleaning.
Resorting to lies, Conway claims he only performed tooth extractions on animals during dental school and received mediocre grades. Despite the excuses, Korman remains in excruciating pain and is unswayed by Conway’s attempts to dissuade him.
In the skit, Conway, feeling overwhelmed, resorts to consulting a manual to extract the patient’s tooth, leading to a series of hilarious mishaps, including mistakenly injecting Novocain into his hand. The resulting numbness causes further comedic chaos during the procedure, with Korman frequently breaking character due to uncontrollable laughter.
Conway later revealed that Korman found the scenario so amusing that he wet his pants during filming. Additionally, Conway admitted that the inspiration for the skit came from a real-life encounter with a military dentist.
By the end of the comedic chaos, nearly everything was numb except for the audience’s laughter and the patient’s mouth. While the primary goal of the skit is to entertain and elicit laughter, viewers are left wondering whether the patient’s tooth is ever actually pulled out.
The relatability of enduring a dreadful dental experience resonates with most people, making this skit universally appealing. From 1967 to 1978, The Carol Burnett Show captivated audiences with its relatable, family-friendly, and non-partisan humor. It’s no wonder that this timeless piece of television history continues to delight viewers of all ages.
Experience the hilarity for yourself by watching the video below: