Temple University School of Dentistry - Odontolog Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

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orer 934 The Record of the Temple University School of Dentistry Published by The Class of 1934 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Copyright 1931 by Samuel I. Sachs EdUor-in-Chiej Edward . Sherman Business Manager •

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Department of Pedodontology A WORD of Greek derivation meaning the science of the teeth of children; in other - - ■ words, dentistry for children. But why apart from the dentistry for adults? The child is in many ways different from the adult in his normal state and in the pathological conditions which affect the body. His reaction to disease and therapeutic agents differ from those of the adult. So his teeth are also different in many ways—susceptibility to caries, response to treatment, resistance to infection, etc. Therefore, the capability of diagnosing and treating, from an operative point of view, of an adult's teeth does not necessarily mean that the same dentist who is successful in this will also be successful in treating conditions to which children's teeth are subjected. Not only docs the technic and therapeutics differ, but the psychology of the child is different. The adult has an understanding as to the conditions and probable lesults if certain operative treatment is not done. He follows directions, opens his mouth and permits the operator to proceed until the operation is completed, even though he may at times suffer some discomfort. But the child does not realize nor understand what is best for him and has to be handled in an entirely different manner. Confidence in the operator must first be established. Certain information has to be given to him in such a way that he will understand what is about to be done and will realize that it is for his benefit that the operation is undertaken. Of course, there are many children who take things for granted and make very satisfactory patients, permitting all work to be done without any fuss or rebellion. These are ideal patients. On the other hand, some children need a little coaxing, persuasion or coercion in order that the operator accomplish his task with any degree of certainty or satisfaction. Our ideal should be to perform every operation for children, from the simplest to the most difficult, with such precision and thoroughness that it will be as permanent as possible—not with the idea that deciduous teeth need only a very temporary treatment because there will be other teeth to replace them. The condition, alignment and function of the permanent teeth are greatly dependent upon the deciduous teeth and the attention and care they receive. Sound teeth and healthy gingivae in a child's mouth predispose to sound teeth and healthy gingivae in youth and adult life of this same child. I ask that you, the members of the graduating class of nineteen hundred and thirty-four, go forth from this department beginning to appreciate the necessity of dentistry for children and the value of a child's teeth to him. Beady to do all you can for these little tots, so that their immediate suffering is relieved and any future suffering prevented. Black has said, “Extension for prevention, and now I say, “Prevention by extension —extension into the field of children's work. Be always ready to observe, learn and increase your present knowledge in order to understand children and help them to appreciate the necessity and value of a perfect set of teeth in a healthy mouth. With every good wish for your success, B. Elizabeth Beatty, D.D.S., Associate Projessor of Roentgenology and Pedodontology. 130