DENTISTS AND THE WAR.

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2586, 7 October 1915, Page 9

DENTISTS AND THE WAR.

Sir,—ls it true that in England there is a lack of anaesthetists, and that many operations of sufficient importance to demand a general anaesthetic are performed on wounded soldiers without the necessary anaesthesia? If this is so, 'then there is a big- call for men capablo of giving anaesthetics, and as it is well to be prepared for eventualities it. is time that tlie Government in New Zealand should think it out, and nßt help to add to the horrors of the battlefield tlie torrors. of an operation table without means of obtaining insensibility. Every case for operation is a case for anaesthesia, and a$ medical moil are growing scarcer why not turn to the dental surgeons, wlio are acquainted with, such work, for tlioy are usually good anaesthetists, put them through additional hospital; experience for anaesthetics and minor work, and give them the rank of lieutenant. Such a- procedure would free many medical men for otlier important. 'work. Many dental surgeons are enlisting in the ranks; others are going to England, where they will doubtless be employed in the manner indicated. Specialisation is a most important tiling in organisation, and it is not good to think that brav© men have to go through additional suffer-■ ing for lsluk of anaesthetists, when tliere are men available for such work enlisting unrecognised in the fighting rank and file. Trusting that tlies6 suggestions may find recognition in practical official circles,—l ant, ctc.y ROLAND POWELL. -