The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-10-27
WHERE DENTISTS ARE NOT DOCTORS

WHERE DENTISTS AXE NUT DOCIOhS
 A correspondent whose letterhead is printed like this "Dr What Ami," begins his letter thus
 'Re: Correct Usage"
 He then proceeds to enlighten me about the right of dentist to the title. Ironic. call it.
 Until quite recently received almost daily anxious inquiries about the dangers of using aluminium ware for cooking and kitchen pur- poses. The folks were alarmed by bit of shrewd antialumipum or antialum propaganda paddled by an obscure dentist who invariably used the title of Doctor and never divulged to the gullible folk the fact that he is not phys ician but merely a dentist. That sort of hon. esty would not help his work much nor bring in the regular check from his sponsors, who seek to make a profit by soaring people about alum baking powder. So this shrewd dentist carefully follows what my correspondent calls "correct usage" and all his letterheads, circu- lars. pamphlets and books about the alleged risks of using aluminium ware bear the mans name in that way, and regret to say 1t de- ceives a lot of people who consider themselves intelligent
 Whenever I find an individual signing or designating himself "Dr John Smith" in pro- fessional in academic way, immediate ly suspect the fellow is a faker or an ignor- sional or academic would be John Smith, D. D. or Ph. D. or whatever degree it may be- and I am sure any doctor entitled to the dis tinction knows this
 Every time renew my appeal to the den- lists to give up the professional use of the title of "Doctor"-which many of them have as-
  so that the primary significance of the title may be restored, for the welfare of the public, few dentists of the grade of my correspond ent undertake to enlighten me in similar fash ion. It would be public benefit, l am sure, if the original significance of the title were re- stored Then when a Doctor" is called for in any emergency when "Doctor! Is referred to as in attendance. people would know what it meant. Moreover there would be little chance for such hanky- panky as that Of the anti-aluminum dentist alluded to-and there is an astonishing amount of just such humbug being practiced the people to-day.
 From Cape Town comes news of the agita- ton of the dentists there to be allowed to use the title of Doctor. It seems that of more than 500 dentists on the register only SS have the right to the title of Doctor, being holders Of the degree D. D. s., which all registered den- lists in this country have. All the other dentists in Cape Province hold lower degree, L. D. S.. On receiving the petition of the dentists the pro- vincial medical council passed aresolution to the effect that the council would not interfere with dentists who pleased to call themselves doc tors on their plates But later the council ac- knowledged this was against the public inter- est, and attempted to rescind the resolution but without success So from now on the Cape Town people will have to scrutinize self styled Doctors" closely as we do here in the land
 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
 Another Goof Had His X-ray Taken
 About three months ago I found out from X-ray that I have diycrticulum in the csophagus. No doubt 1t has been there for some time without my knowledge. What can
 
 atiOn? GA. O. CD
 Answer-You remind me of the Pennsyl- vania Dutchman in whose interior the doctors found one of those old fashioned conical ink bottles. When he was asked how in the world he grunted, "Well. they hadn't ought to leave it around" As long as the diverticulum doesn't trouble you, why worry about 1t? This trick or having your X-ray picture taken Is bad busi- ness, If you want my health advice. Never monkey with x-rays unless your doctor advises it.
 Which Cheek
 What would be the normal reaction of 2 woman aged 50 when slapped by relatEe when she Is out of tune or docs not like what Is said or done? Is 1t deccncy cowartiice that do not return the slap? (Mrs H. ". Wo Answer--If the slapper is not definitely in- sane and hence not responsible. the normal re- action is for the slappee to slap right back. at it.
 Hemorrhoids
 My business takes me regularly to Bridge port. I have suffered from what assumed to be something like piles for about two years. have lost. 1. 53 years old. lL. w. ID Answer-A Bridgeport rectal specialist states that examination in his office frequently shows that a condition purporting to be piles is ac- tually much more serious perhaps cancer. This same proctologist gives his method of choice for the treatment of piies--blocking the nerve- supply of the field, and under this anesthesia he finds he can clamp, excise and cauterize painlessy and almost without the patients knowledge. It is unwise for anybody to trifie examination and advice. It Is dangerous for q person of your age to drift along without such attention.
 To protect my eyes in my work \ have Co wear safety goggles nine hours day. VIII the common safciy glasses have bad eifect on my eyes2 sL P; M)