1940: Dentistry

Dental Centenary.

The year 1940 marked the centenary of American dentistry as an organized profession. It was in the winter of 1839-40 that the first dental college in America, the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, was established, the American Society of Dental Surgeons, the first dental society in America, was organized and The American Journal of Dental Science, the first dental periodical in America, was founded. A formal celebration of the aforementioned events was held at Baltimore in March 1940. Dentists from all over the United States, Canada, South and Central America and from other foreign countries attended. In addition to the scientific program of the Centenary meeting, there was an historical exhibit and a theatrical pageant depicting the evolution of American dentistry from earliest times to the present.

Progress of Dentistry.

A topical review of the discoveries and developments in dentistry and their relation to human welfare during the past hundred years indicates that the profession evolved from a purely mechanical calling to an established branch of scientific health service. Medico-dental relationship has become an accepted fact during this period and diseases of the teeth have become recognized as possible focal areas for the spread of infection to other parts of the body. The treatment of affections of the gums, usually referred to under the collective term 'pyorrhea' has become more effective. The practice of orthodontics (straightening of the teeth) has been extended and improved so that it is no longer a question of mechanical pushing of the teeth, but has now become a process of stimulating growth of the jaws in keeping with biologic principles. Prevention of malocclusion (crooked teeth) and early treatment of dentofacial abnormalities is steadily gaining adherents and promises to become a major phase of dental practice. The role of nutrition and the vitamins in the development of sound teeth in children has become well established, with the importance of prenatal and early infancy nutritional care receiving general support. Oral hygiene, especially as it relates to children has assumed such importance that a new, auxiliary profession, that of dental hygienist, has been established, whose chief duties are to teach mouth hygiene and practice oral prophylaxis.

Instruments and tools used in dentistry have undergone tremendous change and on a par with the highest type of precision instruments, far surpassing those of similar use developed in other countries. The use of the X-ray has become routine in the practice of dentistry and the taking and interpretation of X-ray films has become generally standardized. Asepsis in dental operations is taken as a matter of course.

Role in Anesthesia.

Perhaps the greatest advancement of which dentistry may justifiably feel proud lies in the field of anesthesia. The importance of the adaptation of general and local anesthesia for operations of the jaws and teeth is overshadowed only by its acceptance in general surgical procedure. H. G. Wells of Hartford, a dentist, was the first to employ nitrous-oxide as an anesthetic in 1844 when he had one of his own teeth extracted while under the influence of this gas, known as 'laughing gas' at that time. Well's contribution has since been eclipsed by the claims of W. G. T. Morton, also a dentist, and Crawford Long, a physician, in recently published popular books. However, the role of dentistry in the introduction and development of anesthesia is well-established and universally recognized.

Public Health and Education.

As further evidence of the significance of dentistry in the public health field, it can be pointed out that more than three-quarters of the states now employ dentists in the capacity of public health officers. Dental organizations, in cooperation with the foregoing are conducting refresher courses in the practice of dentistry for children, for those who desire to perfect themselves in this work. A number of universities are now conducting courses in dental public health. The number of hospitals with dental services has been steadily increasing. Many boards of health and of education employ dental hygienists and teachers of dental hygiene in public schools and in health education departments.

It may be indicative of the trend of dental education that Harvard University has seen fit to rename its dental school 'Harvard School of Dental Medicine.' Students are to attend lectures in this school and at the Harvard Medical School, taking three and a half years of the same medical courses as regular medical students, and in addition, one and a half years of specific dental training. Whether this foretells the absorption of dental education by the medical schools remains to be seen.

Endowment and Research.

Endowment for dental purposes, while still grossly deficient at present, has grown apace during the past century. Although significant research in dentistry was being carried on as early as the 1880's, endowment for this purpose dates back not more than the past twenty-five years. Many foundations and philanthropists, notably Eastman, the Guggenheims, Zoller and Samuels, have established dental clinics or donated funds for providing dental care for underprivileged children. Grants in support of dental research are steadily increasing. The Rockefeller Foundation, the Commonwealth Fund and the Carnegie Corporation have materially aided by establishing graduate fellowships and teaching positions. Recently a bill introduced by Senator James E. Murray of Montana, for appropriation of funds by the Federal Government for dental research by the United States Public Health Service, was passed by the Senate. This Bill will make available over $600,000 for research in dentistry.

National Defense.

Although dental requirements of applicants for enlistment into the armed forces are extremely low, a recent survey of rejections of voluntary applicants for enlistment in the Second Corps area, including Greater New York, showed rejections of 23 per cent because of failure to meet dental standards. The foregoing findings are without doubt indicative of the poor dental condition of men throughout the country who come within the compulsory military age limits.

At its Annual Meeting held at Cleveland, the American Dental Association officially offered its full cooperation to the Federal Government in the program of National Defense. The following activities have since been undertaken at the suggestion of Major General James C. McGee, Surgeon General, United States Army: (1) a survey of available dental personnel for military and civilian service: (2) dental service programs which would be conducive to reducing the number of rejections due to dental defects and (3) a program of postgraduate courses for dentists which would familiarize them with the requirements of military dental surgery. According to Brig. Gen. Leigh C. Fairbank, ranking dental officer of the United States Army, the number of military dentists will be increased to 3,000 in order to meet the needs of the enlarged Army following the induction of men under the Compulsory Service Act.

A community plan for dental care, in relation to a national health project, has been published, comprising a report by the Committee on community dental service of the New York Tuberculosis and Health Association, and contains proposals as to organization, salaries and types of service to be rendered, and the method of selection of those to be served in the attempt to raise dental health standards of children and those within the compulsory military age range, as well as the population in general.