- Email: [email protected]
The Ethic of Sharing
O p in io n of O th e r Jo u rn a ls
The ethic of sharing ■ ■ I n discussing Pierre Fauchard, the founder of modern dentistry, B. W. Weinberger states . . . “ He became impressed with the importance of the diseases of the teeth and mouth in rela tion to bodily health, and accordingly deter mined to devote his efforts to elevating dental practice to the dignity of a profession. His first step toward that ideal was directed to the edu cational aspect, and he expresses regret that so little pertaining to the art had been left in the written records of his predecessors, and there fore had materially handicapped the develop ment of his chosen profession. “ It is from the writings of Fauchard that we obtain our best picture of what constituted the art of dentistry of that period, for prior to his time those practicing it, either out of sentiment or jealousy, refrained from revealing their art. Determined to break down this practice, Fau chard published the results of all their studies and experiences, including the technical details, theretofore closely guarded, which according to the times constituted the secrets of the profes sion.” Thus, in the beliefs of Pierre Fauchard (1678-1761) was born the professional ethic of sharing knowledge. There are some similarities within the profes sion today. We have a group of professional clin icians who are willing, in fact eager, to inform their peers, but for a price. The concept of shar ing knowledge as a professional privilege and responsibility escapes these Madison Avenue evangelists. The fault is not exclusively theirs because the problem would not exist if societies and schools refused to pay their exorbitant fees. Societies attempt to stimulate interest and at tendance by presenting popular lecturers, and some dental schools throughout the country augment their budgets by offering continuing education programs staffed by clinicians who, it is believed, will attract the biggest crowds. It is distasteful and unprofessional when a den tist demands from $1,000 to $3,000 to spend a day or an evening sharing his ideas with col leagues. This abuse is not a problem in the med ical or legal professions where it is evidently re garded as an honor to be asked to speak to one’s peers. These excessive fees are rationalized by re lating them to office overhead that continues when the clinician is away from his practice, or to the income he produces for an organization through enrollment fees or tuition. Neither ra tionalization is a valid excuse. As with any den tist, a clinician must decide how many days he can afford to be away from his office and refuse
additional invitations. The decision becomes difficult only when he can make more money on the circuit than he can caring for patients. On Oct 11 a group of Michigan dentists, hygienists and assistants, invited to participate in a conference organized by the MDA Commit tee on Scientific Program, took a courageous and, perhaps, historic stand on the issue of ex cessive fees for clinicians. Two recommenda tions emanated from the day-long discussion of the problem. The first establishes a maximum fee or honorarium of $100, plus actual expenses, for clinicians and speakers appearing on any pro gram in the state. All component societies and all other dental organizations that offer scien tific programs for their members will be asked to cooperate. Also, associations in surrounding states will be apprised of the action and asked to support the policy. The second recommenda tion asks the Board of Trustees to consider the introduction of a resolution to the A D A House of Delegates amending the Principles of Ethics to make it unethical for a dentist to charge for sharing professional knowledge. There is another very tangible, but less ob vious, benefit that will accrue provided these two recommendations become fact. The oppor tunity for sharing ideas through the presenta tion of clinics, essays and seminars will become available to more people. It will be healthy for the profession to be exposed to a broader spec trum of philosophy and scientific thought than that presented by the relatively small stable of performers who have such a distorted selfimage. There are many highly qualified dentists in private practice and in academic dentistry who are eager to share their knowledge, but who are never called upon. References are avail able to program chairmen through several sourc es. Dental schools, study clubs, academies, so cieties, and state and federal agencies can pro vide names of competent lecturers and clin icians. Furthermore, the A D A maintains a list of participants in the scientific program of each annual session with an evaluation of the reac tion to each presentation. This attempt to return balance, perspective and dignity to an important facet of continuing education can be successful only if it receives the support of the profession. Stand up and be counted! What better time than during this hol iday season that represents the true meaning of sharing. Robert E. Doerr T h is e d ito ria l a p p e a re d in th e N o v e m b e r 1972 is s u e o f th e
Jo urnal o f the M ichigan Dental Association.
JADA, V o l. 86, J u n e 1973 / E D ITO R IA LS ■ 1211
The ethic of sharing ■ ■ I n discussing Pierre Fauchard, the founder of modern dentistry, B. W. Weinberger states . . . “ He became impressed with the importance of the diseases of the teeth and mouth in rela tion to bodily health, and accordingly deter mined to devote his efforts to elevating dental practice to the dignity of a profession. His first step toward that ideal was directed to the edu cational aspect, and he expresses regret that so little pertaining to the art had been left in the written records of his predecessors, and there fore had materially handicapped the develop ment of his chosen profession. “ It is from the writings of Fauchard that we obtain our best picture of what constituted the art of dentistry of that period, for prior to his time those practicing it, either out of sentiment or jealousy, refrained from revealing their art. Determined to break down this practice, Fau chard published the results of all their studies and experiences, including the technical details, theretofore closely guarded, which according to the times constituted the secrets of the profes sion.” Thus, in the beliefs of Pierre Fauchard (1678-1761) was born the professional ethic of sharing knowledge. There are some similarities within the profes sion today. We have a group of professional clin icians who are willing, in fact eager, to inform their peers, but for a price. The concept of shar ing knowledge as a professional privilege and responsibility escapes these Madison Avenue evangelists. The fault is not exclusively theirs because the problem would not exist if societies and schools refused to pay their exorbitant fees. Societies attempt to stimulate interest and at tendance by presenting popular lecturers, and some dental schools throughout the country augment their budgets by offering continuing education programs staffed by clinicians who, it is believed, will attract the biggest crowds. It is distasteful and unprofessional when a den tist demands from $1,000 to $3,000 to spend a day or an evening sharing his ideas with col leagues. This abuse is not a problem in the med ical or legal professions where it is evidently re garded as an honor to be asked to speak to one’s peers. These excessive fees are rationalized by re lating them to office overhead that continues when the clinician is away from his practice, or to the income he produces for an organization through enrollment fees or tuition. Neither ra tionalization is a valid excuse. As with any den tist, a clinician must decide how many days he can afford to be away from his office and refuse
additional invitations. The decision becomes difficult only when he can make more money on the circuit than he can caring for patients. On Oct 11 a group of Michigan dentists, hygienists and assistants, invited to participate in a conference organized by the MDA Commit tee on Scientific Program, took a courageous and, perhaps, historic stand on the issue of ex cessive fees for clinicians. Two recommenda tions emanated from the day-long discussion of the problem. The first establishes a maximum fee or honorarium of $100, plus actual expenses, for clinicians and speakers appearing on any pro gram in the state. All component societies and all other dental organizations that offer scien tific programs for their members will be asked to cooperate. Also, associations in surrounding states will be apprised of the action and asked to support the policy. The second recommenda tion asks the Board of Trustees to consider the introduction of a resolution to the A D A House of Delegates amending the Principles of Ethics to make it unethical for a dentist to charge for sharing professional knowledge. There is another very tangible, but less ob vious, benefit that will accrue provided these two recommendations become fact. The oppor tunity for sharing ideas through the presenta tion of clinics, essays and seminars will become available to more people. It will be healthy for the profession to be exposed to a broader spec trum of philosophy and scientific thought than that presented by the relatively small stable of performers who have such a distorted selfimage. There are many highly qualified dentists in private practice and in academic dentistry who are eager to share their knowledge, but who are never called upon. References are avail able to program chairmen through several sourc es. Dental schools, study clubs, academies, so cieties, and state and federal agencies can pro vide names of competent lecturers and clin icians. Furthermore, the A D A maintains a list of participants in the scientific program of each annual session with an evaluation of the reac tion to each presentation. This attempt to return balance, perspective and dignity to an important facet of continuing education can be successful only if it receives the support of the profession. Stand up and be counted! What better time than during this hol iday season that represents the true meaning of sharing. Robert E. Doerr T h is e d ito ria l a p p e a re d in th e N o v e m b e r 1972 is s u e o f th e
Jo urnal o f the M ichigan Dental Association.
JADA, V o l. 86, J u n e 1973 / E D ITO R IA LS ■ 1211