DENTISTRY IN THE SCHOOLS

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 67, 13 December 1920, Page 7

DENTISTRY IN THE SCHOOLS

Sir,—Your leader on tho above is timely and opportune. The N.Z.D.A. critics of the scheme havo on every possible ocea■sion never missed the opportunity of oordemning almost vehemently tbo State's proposal, but what have f*hcy offcred'as a practical alternative? Nothing. Theso bostilo extremists have dono their utmost to belittle the scheme, and have, foolishly endeavoured to stir up public indignation, an agitation In which they have miserably failed. . It appears that they are up against everything that will tend to upsot tilie security of tftcir'own privato interests. What care they if the little children havo to suffer for a few more years? They are not. doing anything "to alleviate that suffering, only wasting their misdirected energies , in loud and blatant protests. 'They protest ftsainst the proposal to train women for State school dentistry. They protest aqainst Eho proposal for facilities to enable flfo unregistered men to become qualified' and registemf, men that _vhcy alone are responsible for having trained. They protest against any interference with tho Dentists' Act, a statuto Which has been proved to bo about as "watertight" as a sieve. And where will all these protests-land Wiem? Into tho most undignified position imaginable. The Minister of Public Health is to lie heartily congratulated for determination to carry through the schemo so ably and so carefully conceived. Tho health and welfare of tho community.nro of far more importance than private,interests. The appalling' condition of tho school children's tooth demands immcdi'ato attention. Mr. Hunter should have the loyal support of every dental practitioner, Instead of all this antagonism. But, thnnk goodness,'tho N.Z.D.A. nro not the, alpha and omoca of nil thims dental. By their words, not their deeds, aro they laiown.—l am, etc., T LAMBTON QUAY.