Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery - Dental Columbian Yearbook (New York, NY)

Page 25 text:

ADOLPH BERSER, D. D. S. William Cam Professor of Oral Surgery In a recent issue of the Journal of the Amer- ican Dental Association an editorial appears bearing the caption, Dentistry Written Out. ' ' It relates the incident that years ago the editor of a dental journal resigned his position because he felt that dentistry could develop or achieve nothing more worthy of publication. No doubt, the statement was made with no derogatory in- tent but because of limitations of vision and un- derstanding. Such contemplations, nevertheless, force numerous thoughts upon our mental vision. As I am addressing these lines to a graduating class the first one is naturally, what a dismal and bar- ren future such a prospect would offer to men who are about to enter upon the study and prac- tice of dentistry. A problem in which the dead end has been reached and offers no further op- portunities for progress and achievement would be scarcely worthy of a life ' s devotion. Such an outlook would be certainly disheartening not only to the men who have creative aspirations, for it is not given to all of us to make notable or out- standing contributions, but even those passively inclined to live within and be a part and parcel of an activity which is not dead or dying, but still retains the seeds of growth, and in which the fountains of achievement have not been dis- sipated. Analysis of that utterance, nevertheless re- flects more than merely an individual state of mind. It seems to reveal the contemporary status of dental education and by and large the gen- eral attitude of the dental profession of the day. It is well known that during an important period of its development, dental education and dentol practice have been dominated by a very definite technical outlook. We are just about beginning to emerge and to emancipate ourselves from this retarding influence. If we were to conceive den- tistry as a purely technical vocation, such a view- point may find a degree of justification, for there are limitations to technical procedures and to technical perfection. I wish to remind you that since those days the functions of the dental profession have been vastly extended. In those days there was little scientific grasp of the problems. The study of the pathology of dental disorders had scarce- ly begun; there was no x-ray, no casting pro- cedures, etc., all of which not- only revolu- tionized the practice of dentistry but also brought about a more definite and finer social responsibil- ity and relationship. The biological problems inherent in the path- ological conditions and abnormalities which the dentist is called upon to diagnose and treat are being more carefully studied and better recog- nized. A very important part of dental educa- tion and dental practice is being not too speed- ily but gradually directed into these channels. Recent research findings, though inconclusive, definitely point to the fact that caries of the teeth is not a purely local problem, and that with fuller knowledge its prevention and treatment will essentially entail constitutional considera- tions. The different lesions grouped under the heading of periodontoclasia offer abundant and highly complex constitutional considerations of which the surface has scarcely been scratched as yet. Orthodontia has accomplished a great deal in the way of technical procedures but still offers a fertile field for more accurate study from the standpoint of heredity, pediatrics, endocrinology, dietetics, etc. Many pathological conditions which come under the grouping of oral surgery still require a careful study and a better under- standing from a biological standpoint. Briefly, dentistry has scarcely begun its larg- er and more important mission. This statement is not to be construed, however, that much has not been achieved especially when we consider the thwarted and meagre beginnings. We stand before those who have brought the profession to its present stage with a tribute of gratitude and humility. By all means, try to remember that DEN- TISTRY IS NOT WRITTEN OUT. We look to our younger graduates to take up the task of carry- ing the torch and holding it high. There is more than one way of helping and enhancing advance- ment. All can help by aspiring, by attempting, and doing when the opportunity presents. Above all, let us lend encouragement to those who have dedicated their lives to the advancement of the profession so that its members may be bigger in outlook, nobler in their attitude, richer in re- sources for service, and more useful in their activities. I hope that upon graduation you are carry- ing with you not only an exceptional preparation for the pursuit of your professional obligations but also a strong incentive to add to what is al- ready ours. Carry with you, also, my very best wishes for a useful and happy life.

Page 24 text:

Osier has said: See to it that you have also an avocation — some intellectual pastime which may serve to keep you in touch with the world of art, science or of letters. Begin at once the cultivation of some interest other than the purely professional. The difficulty is in a selection and the choice will be different according to your tastes and training. No matter what it is, have an outside hobby. Our concern over the proper orientation of dentistry and of ourselves within it, tends to alienate us from other intellectual pursuits. I know of no better way to begin the acquisition of a wider and freer general education than by the adoption of a hobby. Well planned alloca- tion of time for vocation and avocation allows for mental and physical equilibrium, so necessary for life ' s desirable perspective. The young pro- fessional man has it before him to create a suit- able environment for right living; his philosophy of life will be shaped according to the extent of his study of things and men about him, and the ability to put this knowledge to practical use. This essential phase of his education begins with the search for, and more intimate acquaintance with, some outside interest to which his native inclinations may lead him, his avocation. Every- one should feel the need of pleasurable occupa- tions in life besides the pursuit of wealth, of ACQUIRE A HOBBY! E. C. McBEATH, M.D., D.D.S., B.S. Professor of Dentistry some absorbing activity aside from means of livelihood. Again to quote from Osier: You are to be members of a polite as well as of a liberal profession and the more you see of life outside the narrow circle of your work, the better equipped you will be for the struggle. The enjoyment and happy relaxation de- rived from a gratifying diversion give added energy for further investigation and develop- ment. Aside from increased avocational effici- ency, adequate compensation lies in a lenient, generous and understanding attitude toward all men, and a more kindly devotion of the profes- sional man to his patients; his general ability, which they are able to evaluate, impresses them and makes them regard his learning and judg- ment with greater confidence. Doctor Johnson has said: The day has passed when we can be obscurely wise and coarsely kind. May I suggest to those who have not yet chosen a hobby that the art of conversation, now sadly neglected, is one of the most pleas- urable, exacting, refining and universal of all diversions? The comprehensive search for pre- paratory material may lead one to distant fields and to his own true avocation. You will be a better man and not a worse practitioner for an avocation. — Osier.

Page 26 text:

HISTOLOGY SAMUEL R. DETWILER Ph.B.. A.M., Ph.D., M.Sc. Professor of Anatomy PHILIP E. SMITH A. E. SEVERINGHAUS R. LE G. CARPENTER B.S., M.S., Ph.D. B.S., A.M., Ph.D. B.S., Ph.D. Professor of Anatomy Assf. Prof, of Anatomy Asst. Prof, of Anatomy ANATOMY WILLIAM M. ROGERS HARRY H. SHAPIRO ABRAHAM FIRESTONE B.S., Ph.D. D.M.D. A.B.. M.D. Asst. Prof, of Anatomy Instructor In Anatomy Instructor in Anatomy HENRY MILCH ELIAS L. STERN JULIUS K. LITTMAN A.B., M.D. B.S., M.D. M.D. Instructor in Anatomy Instructor In Anatomy Instructor in Anatomy NEUROANATOMY OLIVER S. STRONG ADOLPH ELWYN R. M. BRICKNER A.B., A.M., Ph.D. B.S., A.M. B.S., M.D. Prof, of Neurology and Assoc. Prof, of Neurology Instructor in Neurology Neurohistology L. VOSBURGH LYONS M.D. Instructor in Neurology