DENTAL TRAINING.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19155, 24 April 1924, Page 11

DENTAL TRAINING.

THE DISCUSSION IN SENATE.

REPORT TO UNIVERSITY COUNCIL

At yesterday's meeting of the University Council Air \V. J. Morrell read the following report on the April meeting of (be Senate which read as follows: — Dr Pickerill stated the requirements for a sound training in dentistry, and the conditions under which these requirements could be satisfied. He dwelt on the need for keeping the standard sufficiently high, in order that the recognition of the degree by the Genera! Medical Council may be retained. Ho emphasised tho point that if tins recognition were lost by inefficient teaching in any of the subjects our graduates would not be able to practise or pursue advanced study in any other part of the Empire, oven in Australia; the degree would be of value only in (he dominion. He dealt with the question of “clinical material.’’ and explained the arrangements he him been able to make with the Dunedin branch of the Dental Association in order to provide for the use of the precious metals by our students, showing that difficulties similar to those previously felt hero existed even in a city like Afelbourne. The Minister of Education's letter had asked (hat mechanical dentistry should be allowed to be taken eitner with a registered practitioner r.r at o dental hospital, so as to reduce the time at the Otago school. Dr Pickerill pointed out that this was already possible, and that a special clause had been inserted in the amended Statute which was before the Sienate at its annual meeting in February. Students, that is, may take two years’ work in maehanie' dentistry elsewhere, though that periodu will only count as one year’s work at the Dental School, ns is the universal practice under the Regulations of the General Medical Council. Ho explained, in answer to questions, why that proviso was necessary. At the Dental School there was a graduated, systematised, and scientifically planned course of instruction in theory and practice conjointly, from the start, whereas at an ordinary hospital or with a practitioner the students worked by rule of thumb, repeating the same thing and without definite and systematic teaching. Asked whether, if a proportion of the students wore to take such training at one or all of the other three centres, less provision would be needed at Dunedin. Dr Pickerill renlied that the same accommodation as estimated would he required in the new Dental School buildings-- the full number would he working at dental mechanics for part of the course, as the subject was carried on through practically the whole of tuo four of five years. The question was asked whether there could be six mouths elsewhere for clinical wora after (he course in Otago. In answer lo this Dr Pickerill said that after looking into the, matter he had found that it was w.-.i the present four years’ course practically impossible so to arrange the professors’ lectures as to leave the six months free. He could not speak with absolute certainty as to tho lengthened course till, say, tour years hence, but so far as he could say he thought it unlikely—the new Regulations threw extra stress not only on practical mechanics but on tho general medical side of the work, which uad to bo at a medical SUhool. The grottiest number of questions were asked by Mr Caughlcy (Director of Education)). though other members joined m. Dr Pickerill pointed out. in answer lo questions, that tuition given at a hospital could not Ire accepted except under the recognition of tho General Medicttl Council, which implied recognition of a school. It was asked whether that council would recognise the dental departments of the larger hospitals elsewhere as parts of the Duncdm Dental School. This question Dr Pickerill was unable to answer definitely, but pointed out that the General iAledical Council before recognition made searching inquiry into all details; recognition would therefore be, towiv the least, very doubtful. 'Hie outcome of tho Senate s meeting leaves us very much where we were, though the position was to some extent cleared up. Dr Piekerill’s answers being generally regarded as very informative. A rnoiioti by Sir R. Stout (hat steps l>c taken to ascertain from the General Medical Council if time spent on dental mechanics outside the Dental School can, with the Senate’s approval, lie taken as a full equivalent (instead of one-half) for time at Dunedin was displaced by an amendment by Professor Hunter of ‘Wellington, which purported to bn simply a clearer wording with the same intention. It was lo the effect that tho British Medical Council be asked whether attendance for mechanical dentistry at the dental department of a public hospital elsewhere can be taken as fully equivalent to attendance at Dunedin, “provided that such denial department of a public hospital be recognised by the University Senate for the purpose of lea<4iing dental mechanics for the degree of 8.D.5.” The phrasing of the amendment was strenuously opposed by Profeusbr Benham, who pointed out the dangers involved. Air Morrell also dwelt on tho ufo that might lie made of tho word “recognised,’’ and Professor Hunter finally agreed to substitute the word “approved.” This did not remove all objections, but the amendment with this alteration was finally carried by 15 to 8. The reply sent to the Minister merely indicated the concessions already embodied in the Statutes, and the inquiry to bo made of the General Medical Council. SENIOR .SCHOLARSHIPS. Other business concerning ns was (ho award of senior scholarships. Of (he names originally coming first for the various scholarships Otago had four, against five to Auckland, four to Victoria, and two to Canterbury As finally settled (no candidate 1 icing allowed to hold more than one) Otago and Southland take live ouch, the names being: Botany, Miss Louisa Todd; Latin, AA 7 . Lang: mathematics, Miss Christina Boll; philosophy, Aliss Annie Todd; physics, R. R. Nirnmo. The postgraduate scholarships in arts and in French went elsewhere, but one of the free passages was awarded to our student, F. H. M'Dowall. M.Sc. Tho Von -Haast prize for geology went, to R. S. Allan. The report, was received and tho compilers of the report thanked.