STATE DENTISTRY

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3062, 25 April 1917, Page 6

STATE DENTISTRY

COMING IN DOMINION?

AN INTERESTING OPINION

In his presidential address to the Dentists' Conference yesterday, Mr. Maurice Denniston remarked on the indications of the coming State dentistry.

"Some of us may i.ild up our hands in horror at the idea," he said, "but if there be any of us so iuchned 1 would merely draw your attention to the quite demonstrable fact that there are now several of our own members who are State dentists. Are not all tho members of the New Zealand Dental Corps State dentists in the sense of the word? The only reservation in their case is the imposed condition that they must treat soldiers, and soldiers alone. Are not those of us who are salaried dental officers attached to public hospitals and paid by hospital hoards State dentists? I would assort that, I am correct as to my prognosis of future events, and on this assumption I ask: What attitude are we as an association going to adopt when the time comes?

"A statement was furnished to the Wellington papers on March 24 by the Honourable G. W. Russell, Minister of Publio Health. Mr. Russell, points out the present and impending shortage of students to a 'profession which is understood to be an exceedingly lucrative one, and states that if the education authorities would arrange for the dental inspection of the schoolchildren (the children attending all schools), I. would be prepared, as Minister of Health, to" arrange for the treatment required to correct the dental troubles of the scholars.' This offer the Minister made to the Auckland Education Board with a proviso that it may apply to 'any other education hoard in New Zealand which chooses to avail itself of it.' Gentlemen,_ if that is not State dentistry, what is? It is something concrete at last from a Minister of the Crown supported by the authority with which his position endows him. From what the Minister has said, it would seem that he has considered the question, but not his ways and means, as it appears obvious to mo that with the large withdrawal (and a possible further one), and the undue strain on those remaining of attending to intending soldiers, returned soldiers and the civilion population always seeking our aid, the time is inopportune for launching ■ a scheme of. suoh magnitude. By all means let us all consider it, as I have urged on you, as a post-war problem, so that we may bo prepared. "Now, the Government, in considering this question, must either tako into their confidence the' dentists of New Zealand and ask their assistance, or they must leave them out of the matter altogether. This association is nonpolitical, and has in tho past proved itself willing and eager to assist to the.utmost of its power the Government of this country. If I know your feelings, gentlemen, I feel sure that now, if we are asked, wo will render all the aid we can. But are we prepared to undertako this work as proposed by the Honourable Minister 'at very low rates'? This is not a question for,me to answer. I might, however, ask you if you think the Minister is prepared to invite medical .practitioners (not only lodge doctors), chemists, tailors, grocers, boetmakers, and booksellers to offer their services 'at a very low rate.'

"AVo must impress upon the respon- 1 sible authorities of this country that the State dentist, to he a success, must receive full and adequate payment for his services. His work will be arduous, unending, and at times highly objectionable, and will bo an appalling failure if ■ unsuitable men are appointed. I do not say State dentists must be chosen exclusively from the ranks. of this association, which numbers as its members four-fifths of the practising dentists, hut preference should he given to New Zealanders, It is an axiom that cheap work is nasty work. Let this truism sink well into, the minds of all those in. authority and others whose thoughts mn on this projected scheme. .If 'State dentistry' is instituted, it will of necessity be a growing force, and will require an increasing number of recruits as workers under its banner. Can we from our number offer to the Government sufficient men ready, and eager, and enthusiastic, to carry on this most important work, or will the* projectors of the scheme require to invoke the assistance of mPTi outside the Dominion?"

In congratulating the "resident on his address, Dr. Cox, s of Timaru, said ihat he felt that it was only a rentier of time when State dintistrv would-be established in New Zealand.