DENTISTRY AND THE LAW

LETTERS DENTISTRY AND THE LAW

I want to congratulate Peter Sfikas on his fine article, "Patient Rights, Provider Rights," that appeared in the July issue of JADA. It is a most lucidly written summary of present court positions, but the interpretation "direct threat to the health and safety of others" leaves a large gray area of uncertainty. Robert E. Herlands, D.D.S. Stamford, Conn. VOLUNTEERISM FOR RETIREES

We of Dentists for the World have followed with interest the discussion on the retiree and volunteerism. We have been involved with volunteers for the

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past 20 years and agree with Dr. Lipschutz (Letters, August JADA) that nonreciprocity in this country is a terrible situation. But there are ways for the retiree to use his or her honed skills of many years in a most rewarding way-that is, to volunteer out of the country. Dentists for the World has been doing this for many years quite successfully. Many of our volunteers have been retirees. Their experiences have been so rewarding that we constantly get repeats. We have to disagree with Dr. Smith that only Christian and missionary organizations send volunteers. We are a nonsectarian, not-forprofit organization associated with the United Nations. We have 25 sites along the Gulf

coast of Mexico; a number of clinics in Republic of Trinidad and Tobago; two orphanages in Danang (China Beach), Vietnam; a clinic in Israel where we send dentists; and, when available, Native American reservations. We usually send groups of 10 or 12 dentists a few times a year. Others, if they wish, can go solo. There are lots of opportunities for young dentists and retirees. All you have to do is look for them. The need worldwide is

inexhaustible. Howard Newmark, D.D.S. Irma Newmark, Ph.D. Co-directors Dentists for the World Pompano Beach, Fla.