The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1911-06-21

Florida will have thorough, dental in
spection and competent instruction in
oral hygiene. The time has now ar
rived when the up-to-dat dentist is
not only caring for the diseased con
ditions of the oral cavity, but is giving
careful study to prophylactic treat
ments which will arrest or prevent dis
eases. AS great, if not a greater part
of our labor lies IN the field of proven
ton than of cure. To maintain a
healthy condition of the oral cavity and
it's secretions. it is not only to prevent
the invasion of bacteria but also those
conditions which invite disease. And
something might be said concerning
the essential problems, to encourage
and stimulate cooperation, that we
might overcome and prevent these con-
ditions that threaten to make and are
indeed making human mouths and
teeth a menace to beauty, comfort and
health. Taking a broad and compre-
hensive view of our particular field of
thought and action, 1t will be seen that
our talk is not an easy one That it is
best with some difficulties. As special
lists in the treatment of pathological
and irregular conditions of the oral
cavity, we must possess a variety of
natural aptitudes. combined with a d.
verse and complete training: a good
general medical knowledge; thorough
knowledge of the principles governing
modern surgery and asepsis, and ma
nipulative skill required in the most
delicate surgical work. While it is
necessary to be an expert mechanic of
artistic and constructive talent, most
especially must we possess such char
acteristics as gentleness, patience, tact
and abstemious habits Our purpose is
to establish and maintain a sound and
normal state of the teeth, and in the
young watch that the growth of these
parts are symmetrical and regular, and
in uniformly with the type of the indi-
vidual.
Dentistry as a Healing Art.
It has been said that dentistry is
part of the healing art, that teeth are
subject to the laws of health and dis
ease, then he is the best dentist who
gives to his patients the greatest COM
fort for the longest time.
True success in any calling is not
alone dependent on what we might
term scientific and technical ability;
common sense, the rarest Of all senses,
most essential in the successful and
pleasing practice of dentistry.
And again the man who enters a
profession with the primary idea that
it shall serve him as q medium for
making money, enters that profession
upon false basis. And while it is
possible that he may to a certain and
perhaps marked extent succeed to that
end, yet he by no means gets at the
real essence Of his profession or serves
himself to his patients as well as may
be done. When money making is held
subservient to professional excellence
and recognition, then and only then is
It a fitting reward. And it is true that
the reward of money compensation
oil FoI1
anced professional career. The salts
ia ction gained by the mastery of an
art or profession in which one has ca st
his lot, far outweighs in the normal
mind all other considerations, and the
good one does his fellow man is the
reward most sought and considered. It
is the reward which leaves no bitter
ness, no sting. 1t is the reward which
brings that peace which passeth IN
derstanding builds for man an endur-
ing name, makes him endeared by his
fellow man and honored by fellow
workers in the profession.
ROUTINE WORK.
A committee composed OF Drs. Chase
Dorsey and Barnett was appointed to
consider the presidents address.
DR.. w. r. Snead. of Mariana, who
was one of the pioneer dentists in
Florida and also took an active part in
the organization of the Florida State
Dental Society was, by a unanimous
vote, made a life member of the So
ciety and exempted from paying any
dues. ~
Drs. vanBrent, Barnett and S. w. AL
len were added to the members OF the
executive committee. filing the places
of Dr. r. I. Anderson of Plant City
and DR.. T. B. Hannah, Jr.. OF Leesburg
BY unanimous vote the following Wis
itors were elected honorary members OF
the society:
DR.. c. L. Alexander, Of Charlotte
n. G.
DR.. James Ely OF Atlanta, Ga