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

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THE HANDPIECE I. NORMAN BROOMELL, D.D.S., LL.D., F.A.C.D. Dean of the Dental School Fourteen

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To the Class of 1939 Dentistry is a science still undergoing varied phases of development. and the opportunities it provides each one of you to become more than a mediocre dental practitioner are exceptionally alluring. Impress your own individuality and initiative upon your profession, and thus rise above the commonplace, for you will not have attained success until you have passed this dangerous pitfall of mediocrity. In its ninety-five years of organized development. Dentistry has made substantial progress along scientific lines, and has come to be recognized as an outstanding division of the public health service. This advancement includes practical anaesthesia; highly successful research in bacteriology and immunology; antiseptic and aseptic surgery; X-ray and radium; astonishing progress in procedures for the conservation of public health; the development of oral hygiene as an auxiliary to the profession; and the advancement of bio-chemistry and specialism. All these present definite challenges to young men and women entering this absorbing field. The surface of dental lore merely has been scratched, and, by assiduous application and enterprise it is within the power of each of you to make notable contributions to the progress of an increasingly-useful profession. In the realization of this objective I wish you every success. Very truly yours, CHARLES E. BEURY, President. Thirteen

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To the Class of 1939 During the coming month of June the dental profession may And itself enriched by the addition of many newcomers to its ranks. While this statement is made with a good deal of confidence it is well to pause and consider how justifiable may be the hope that dentistry will actually be enriched by this new addition to its numbers, and in order to achieve this certain fundamental principles must be recognized and carried out. You should from the very beginning appreciate the fact that your graduating day is really and truly the “commencement” of your career and that your future interests should be of such a character that you will not cease In your desire for further knowledge, a desire which up to this time has been the chief impetus which has finally carried you to your coveted goal. The habit of study required while in college should not end with your graduation and you should realize that the years which have passed were years of preparation, the seed time of your life, and that the harvest is yet to come. Naturally and of necessity your first thought will be to put into practice those principles which are essential to your professional success, therefore you must make the best use of your knowledge and skill. If you desire to eventually become proficient as a specialist, prepare for this by first becoming familiar with the general practice of dentistry without depending too much upon help from extraneous sources. If possible take some interest in research in an effort to assist in solving some of the unsolved problems which confront the dental profession today. To do this you must be a student and a thinker, and in assuming this role you will soon awaken to the fact that in the conscientious practice of dentistry there are many golden opportunities to prevent disease, relieve suffering, and prolong the life of your fellow man. During the days spent in this grand old institution your training has not been confined entirely to those things which directly apply to your professional work, but an effort has been made to instill into you certain characteristics of diligence and of observation which should stimulate you to become leaders in the civic, religious, and social life in the community in which you live. If you will carry out these suggestions, and if you will properly apply your knowledge and skill, the dental profession will be enriched by your association and the laity will sing your praises. —1. Norman Broomell Fifteen