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

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THE HANDPIECE THEODORE D. CASTO, D.D.S., F.A.C.D. Faculty Advisor Sixteen

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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

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To the Class of 1939 Ethics is the science of human duty, the body of rules of duty drawn from this science; the rules of practice in respect to a single class of human action; as political, social, medical or dental ethics. I have seen here at school many of the things done which prove you are all trained in correct rules of duty to each other, namely, your tolerance of the religion and nationality of the other classmate. You must be aggressive here, where laboratories and operative space is at a premium, but I have never seen any of you take advantage of one another. This leads me to believe that your Fathers and Mothers have instilled in you the Golden Rule— “Do Not To Others That Which You Would Not Have Them Do To You.” Temper your judgment with charity. Do not be indignant when the patient wishes to discuss the Dentist on the other corner. It is preferable to be evasive without offence, better to praise than to condemn. The patient should be treated in all fairness, be an honest professional man. not a salesman of shining, highly polished gadgets, the service of which is highly problematic. Do not recommend restorations or charge fees that you would not consider fair for your brother or sister, if they were living where they were unable to have your advice. You owe to your Community the duty of being the most proficient Dentist it is possible for you to be. Each year take a course in one of the subjects related to Dentistry and study it diligently. This College cannot teach you all that should be known of the Practice of Dentistry. Forty or fifty years from now you should still be learning and studying. Come to the Dental Meetings, buy a new book every two years, a new Dictionary every eight years. Conduct yourself so that you can join the best Lodge, Church and Dental Organization in your neighborhood, and then you will be numbered with the Blessed. All good wishes to all of you! Meph: You are just what you are-may-never doubt it; Keep piling curls in million on your head; on socks— a cubit high-plant your proud tread. You are just what you are—that’s all about it.” (Faust) THEODORE D. CASTO. Seventeen