THE PUBLIC INTEREST

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3010, 22 February 1917, Page 6

THE PUBLIC INTEREST

DOCTORS AND DENTISTS NEEDED. IN NEW ZEALAND. , . (To the Editor).

gjr ; _Will you allow me a little spacfl to ask a question of considerable importance to young New Zealanders/, Are the- authorities acting wisely _ in permitting so many, doctors and dentists to leave with the Expeditionary Forces, either in their professional! capacity or in tho fighting ranks? The terrible effects of this war are gradually being brouglit home to us. Should we not, then, do all we can to foster the health of our little ones. How can this be done' if experienced professional men axe to be replaced by others less qualified and far less experienced? ■ Perhaps the general public is not aware of the suggestion to allow dental students to take- a shorter course of study before qualifying, so as to fill the shortages that already exist. And yet three dentists who have recently appealed have had their appeals dismissed, and they have to go into camp. ~ It is a difficult matter to decide which professions or trades should be exempted on the ground of public interest, but I venture to think that doctors and dentists are quite as necessary to the general wellbeing as priests, clergy, customs officials, railwaymen, and policemen.—l AN ANXIOUS MOTHER.