DENTAL CONFERENCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22052, 7 September 1933, Page 11

DENTAL CONFERENCE

DINNER AT GRAND HOTEL Close on 100 guests attended the twentyfourth annual dinner, given at the Grand Hotel last night. The president of the Association (Mr D. V. Donaldson) occupied the chair, and was supported at the head table by the Mayor (the Rev, E. T. Cox), Messrs K. C. Morpeth, F. B. Adams, M. Paulin, W. J. Morrell (Chancellor of the Otago University), T. A. Hunter, J. N. Rishworth, J. L. Saunders, Professor J. Reid Burt, and Professor Dodds. Mr K. C. Morpeth (Wellington) proposed “The City of Dunedin,” declaring that Dunedin was greatly favoured of the gods, ivith its calm harbour and the beautiful encircling hills. A feature of Dunedin, in his opinion, w r as the extensive and well-planned rock garden at the Botanic Gardens. The city authorities were to be congratulated on their encouragement of native flora, and in this respect a particularly happy inspiration was the rock garden. The speaker enumerated in an appreciative way the many beauty spots of the city and its surroundings, and finally declared that, after all, it was the spirit of a city which counted, and in this respect Dunedin was a favoured place. The Mayor, in responding, said that their city was always ready and willing to welcome to its arms the people from the north. The speaker related some humorous stories, one finding particular favour with his hearers. He said that many years ago he had been in Wellington and- had attended a church service. The preacher had delivered an inspiring address on “Benevolence,” and he had been so impressed with it that he had made up his mind to put the precepts info practice. The next morning he had met a man who appeared to be in want, and taking his purse out of his pocket, he had handed him a couple of pound notes. The man appeared rather surprised and, asked what the notes were for. He had replied for “ Charity,” and the man took the money and disappeared. The follorving day the man had called at his hotel and had handed him a roll of notes. He had also been somewhat surprised and had asked what the money was for, and he had received the answer “ For Charity; _ you were the only one that backed him.” The speaker said that he had told them he was speaking with poetic license. Had it been- a true story he would probably have been a bookmaker’s tout for the rest of his life.— (Loud laughter.) Mr J. H. Don (Timaru), in proposing the toast “The Allied Professions,” remained that dentists as students were closely connected with the medical profession. Their future outlook, too, was the same, because their.ideal was the prevention and cure of disease. Dentists fully realised their responsibilities to the public, and endeavoured to work in harmony ivith the medical profession for the public welfare. He would also couple with the toast the legal profession, which so regulated our lives as to promote happiness. Truly they were the great healers. (Laughter.) Mr P. B. Adams replied to the toast in humorous vein, and in conclusion said that there was a real alliance between the legal, medical, and dental professions. They were all out to serve the public. The dental profession had a very high public duty, more especially in taking care of the teeth of the children, so that their health would be maintained as they grew to adult life. He hoped they would not be discouraged by the apathy of the public, and would continue to strive to educate the people in the great good which would result by looking after the teeth of the children.

Mr J. N. Rishworth (Auckland) submitted "The Otago University and the Dental School,” and humorously reminded his hearers that many years ago he made a valiant attempt to have the' Dental School established in Auckland. He felt that in Otago the claims of the medical profession received preference, doubtless because of its great need; the dental side of the University was the Cinderella. However, he had learned that the Dental School had a good friend in the chancellor, Mr Morrell. Otago had one of the finest equipped schools he had seen, and this statement was made, with personal knowledge of schools in other parts of the world. He had been extraordinarily impressed with the excellence of Cue Dental College, and it had provided facilities for the most successful conferences he had attended.

Mr Morrell, in replying, said he was pleased to hear Mr Kialnvorth say that the Dental School was in its right position and to listen to his tribute to the efficiency of the school. The University Council was endeavouring to do its best for the school, but they must realise that the council was handicapped to some extent through lack of finance in carrying out all it would like to do for the school. However, they were doing their best, and with better times they would probably be able to do more. The speaker paid a tribute to the manner in which Dr Pickerill had laid the foundation for the operations of the school and to the manner in which Dr Dodds and his staff were carrying out the work to-day. The speaker said that the school was turning out students who were doing thoroughly good work in all branches of dentistry, and it was interesting to record that Mr Donaldson was the first student at the old Dental School. It was very gratifying to realise the great interest the dental profession was displaying in the school. It was recognised that the dental profession should be in close touch with medical training, and that the dental profession was itself a special department of medicine. He was sure the University Council recognised the value of research, but here again the council was handicapped by the lack of ins speaker, in conclusion, said he wished the Dental Association every success in its excellent work.

Dr Dodds also replied to the toast. He said that if lie' received encouragement he would be prepared to introduce a refresher course at the school. He had no doubt that the University Council would support the movement. Referring to the status of the profession the speaker said they were steadily increasing it all the time. He held that their school was not too large, as it was to-day working very nearly to capacity. There were 100 students at the school at the present time. The school was big enough for the needs of the Dominion for many years to come. The school was doing a little research, and .was not lacking in attention to this important matter. Mr Eishworth said he had not intended to say that the school was too large. He would like to correct, that statement, so that any false impression should be given. Professor Burt proposed the toast of “ Foundation Members of the New Zealand Dental Association. 5 ’ It had been formed, he said, in Wellington in June of 1905, and probably marked the most important milestone in history of the profession. The speaker detailed the history of the association, and paid a tribute to the members who had taken a leading part in guiding its destinies in the past decade.’ The toast was responded to by Mr I. A. Hunter, formerly director of dental hygiene, who gave some reminiscences of early efforts to secure legislation which would impose a higher standard of qualification in dentistry. The Dental Association was formed, and it received great

help from the late Sir Thomas Sidey. The pioneers worked hard, and they showed creat vision, and that evening -he had been greatly pleased at the remarks of Professor Dodds. Dr R. E. T. Hewat (Wanganui) pro-c posed the toast of The Central Executive,” Mr Millen Paulm (Wellington) reSP The ID proceeding 9 were concluded with the toast of the chairman, which was drunk with musical honours.