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Dental radiology—Specialty status
c)Rd?iL
SURGERY
ORAL
MEDICINE an& . . . ..*...................................*...
VOLUME
13
NUMBER
10
OCTOBER.
ORAL
1960
PATHOLOGY
EDITORIAL DENTAL
RADIOLOGY-SPECIALTY
STATUS
present time certain specialty groups have been recognized by the American Dental Association; others are endeavoring to obtain recognition. In order to avoid undue compartmentalization, consideration is being given 10 the grouping of certain reasonably compatible activities. Where does dental radiology fit into the composite situation? In order to develop and teach the science of radiology most effectively, one should have a suitable *background in oral pathology, oral diagnosis, and oral medicine. In addition, because of the physical aspects of the science, a knowledge of basic and radiation physics as well as of biology and genetics is important. If a grouping were to be developed, perhaps the most suitable combination for the dental radiologist would be with the oral pathology and/or the oral medicine groups. It is entirely possible, and quite understandable. that a reciprocal sentiment may not exist. Perhaps this is not a proper time to “pressure” for specialty status. There is serious question whether the body of knowledge called “dental radiology ’ ’ is sufficiently large to justify the claim for specialization. Furt,hermorc, t 11e number of persons who could be classified as bona fide specialists is small. Research activities dedicated to the development of new knowledge arc limitr~l. This is not to suggest that a specialty of dental radiology could not or should not be developed. Actually, the ‘potential scope of the science is s~tfficiently broad to warrant a specialty classification per se. The number 01 persons becoming active in the field is increasing slowly, and the quali18y OI the work shows substantial progress. Dental school administrations have t ~*aditionally considered their x-ray departments to have a service function am1 have restricted development through excessive demands which could have beml filled by technical personnel. To some extent, this attitude is changing. Teachers of the subject are recognizing the need for a basic understanding of the physical and biologic sciences and are preparing objectively for t.heir teaching. Graduate education opportunities have become available. Only recently a noncommercially supported literary outlet has been developed specifically for the publication of material on dental radiology. The science of dental radiology is growing!
A
T THE
1151
1152
EDITORIAL
O.S., O.M. & OP. October. 1960
It might be entirely advisable for those interested in dental radiology to bide their time, develop their science, and make their demands at a later date. There is no deadline; specialty status comes to him who waits-and works! Arthur
H. Wuehrmann
SURGERY
ORAL
MEDICINE an& . . . ..*...................................*...
VOLUME
13
NUMBER
10
OCTOBER.
ORAL
1960
PATHOLOGY
EDITORIAL DENTAL
RADIOLOGY-SPECIALTY
STATUS
present time certain specialty groups have been recognized by the American Dental Association; others are endeavoring to obtain recognition. In order to avoid undue compartmentalization, consideration is being given 10 the grouping of certain reasonably compatible activities. Where does dental radiology fit into the composite situation? In order to develop and teach the science of radiology most effectively, one should have a suitable *background in oral pathology, oral diagnosis, and oral medicine. In addition, because of the physical aspects of the science, a knowledge of basic and radiation physics as well as of biology and genetics is important. If a grouping were to be developed, perhaps the most suitable combination for the dental radiologist would be with the oral pathology and/or the oral medicine groups. It is entirely possible, and quite understandable. that a reciprocal sentiment may not exist. Perhaps this is not a proper time to “pressure” for specialty status. There is serious question whether the body of knowledge called “dental radiology ’ ’ is sufficiently large to justify the claim for specialization. Furt,hermorc, t 11e number of persons who could be classified as bona fide specialists is small. Research activities dedicated to the development of new knowledge arc limitr~l. This is not to suggest that a specialty of dental radiology could not or should not be developed. Actually, the ‘potential scope of the science is s~tfficiently broad to warrant a specialty classification per se. The number 01 persons becoming active in the field is increasing slowly, and the quali18y OI the work shows substantial progress. Dental school administrations have t ~*aditionally considered their x-ray departments to have a service function am1 have restricted development through excessive demands which could have beml filled by technical personnel. To some extent, this attitude is changing. Teachers of the subject are recognizing the need for a basic understanding of the physical and biologic sciences and are preparing objectively for t.heir teaching. Graduate education opportunities have become available. Only recently a noncommercially supported literary outlet has been developed specifically for the publication of material on dental radiology. The science of dental radiology is growing!
A
T THE
1151
1152
EDITORIAL
O.S., O.M. & OP. October. 1960
It might be entirely advisable for those interested in dental radiology to bide their time, develop their science, and make their demands at a later date. There is no deadline; specialty status comes to him who waits-and works! Arthur
H. Wuehrmann