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(d) Great discomfort is caused by ill-fitting dentures,
and the consequent impossibility of adequate
mastication of food.
(e) Deaths from unskilful administration of anesthetics.
(f) Cocaine poisoning is frequent.
(g) Sound teeth are frequently needlessly extracted.
Sir Donald MacAlister, the President of the General Medical
Council, in has recent address made the following statement:-
"The report of the Committtee appointed by the Lord
President at the request of this Council to inquire into the
extent and gravity of the evils of dental practice by persons
not qualified under the Dentists' Act was issued in
February, and has been circulated to members. the
Dental Education and Examination Committee have had
the report under consideration, and will have a communication
upon it to make to you.
The Departmental Committee agrees with the Council in
several significant conclusions. It is not needful to-day that
I should mention more than the following:-
(1) That very grave evils are associated with the
unqualified practice of dentistry.
(2) That the supply of qualified dentists is at present
insufficient to meet all public requirements.
(3) That the main causes of this shortage are the
unsatisfactory state of the law in regard to unqualified
practice, and the duration and cost of training for a
dental qualification.
(4) That to meet the evils disclosed the legal prohibition
of dental practice of unregistered persons is
essential.
(5) That, under prescribed conditions, unregistered
persons who have reputably practised dentistry for five
years should, in the event of prohibition being enforced,
be admitted to registration, as "dentists" or "dental
practitioners" by a special (ad hoc) committee, including
members of this Council.