- Email: [email protected]
The Policies of the Research Institute
EDITORIAL DEPARTM ENT.
389
maintained, not only as a vehicle to convey to the profession matters of interest, but also to publish the work of the Research Institute. These objects cannot be met without the active support of every local and state society. By careful management, the present dues of two dollars per member can be made to pay the expense of conducting the association and THE JOURNAL and should not at this time be raised. Many states have already expressed a desire, by an increase in their dues and other wise, to contribute to the support of the Research Institute. This ac tion or any others of a similar character that may be taken, meets with the cordial and hearty approval of the officers and Trustees of the National Dental Association and Research Institute, and it is hoped that there may be a ready and generous response to any appeals which may be made for individual or state society aid for the Research work. The knowledge on the part of the National Membership that in the future, propositions for an increase in dues for specific purposes will be discouraged, as unbusinesslike and not for the best interest of organized dentistry, should result in a large increase in membership in state and local societies, with the fear removed of a continuous asking for amend ments to by-laws to provide more money. The matter of raising dues should be discouraged for a time at least, until the smaller and weaker state societies have had an opportunity to become strong in financial matters. The profession is to be congratulated upon the adoption of the pol icy above mentioned because it insures an earnest, enthusiastic and har monious working arrangement which will be of great benefit to the National Dental Association and affiliated bodies. THE POLICIES OF THE RESEARCH INSTITUTE. On March 10, 1917, there was held in Cleveland, Ohio, probably the most momentous meeting in the history of the Research Institute of the National Dental Association, since its inception. There was in attend ance at this meeting, the Trustees of the National Dental Association, the Trustees of the Research Institute and the Research Commission members. These various boards met in conjunction in a special called meeting, which had for its object, the formation of definite policies, for the Research Institute, and a better co-operation of all bodies for its future success. This conference was characterized by the serious re sponsibility resting upon the officers of the various organizations repre sented. Some of these men had come a great distance and at consider able sacrifice of time and money in order that they might have a part in the deliberations of this very important meeting.
390
THE JOURNAL OF THE NATIO NAL'DENTAL ASSOCIATION.
All present were agreed that the National Dental Association must first perfect the parent organization and establish on a firm financial basis The Journal of the National Dental Association. From resolutions passed and incorporated in the editorial on “NATIONAL DUES NOT TO BE INCREASED IN 1918,” it was understood that no activities should be promulgated that would in any way jeopardize the future success of these two vital, fundamental basic principles, which underly the very foundation of organized dentistry; viz., THE NATIONAL DENTAL ASSOCIATION and THE JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL DENTAL ASSOCIATION. When all the plans for the perfecting of these two gigantic undertakings are consummated, then the National Dental Asso ciation will be in a position to financially assist the Research Institute, as well as other activities. However, during this developmental period, the National Dental Association will assist the Research Institute in a propaganda, looking to the establishment of this scientific work on a more permanent financial basis. No profession is going to advance and be recognized as a scientific pro fession, unless it is in a position to do real scientific work. Thus the permanent establishment of the Research Institute on an endowment plan, must be the next big undertaking of the dental profession. We must have this Institute permanently endowed, so that the dental pro fession may be able to carry on its own research work, under the leader ship of men who have the necessary vision to know our scientific prob lems. The responsibility for the securing of ample funds to continue our present researches, belongs to the dental profession. We must as indi viduals, and as component and state societies, go down into our own pockets and treasures to pay the bills. If the profession itself shows a willingness and a disposition to make the' necessary financial sacrifice, as well as the business sagacity, to carry on such research work, it should only be a short time until our researches attract the attention of philanthropists. Every dentist is under an obligation to assume his moral and financial responsibility to his profession and to humanity in this worthy cause. The Moses that is to lead the dental profession out of the unscientific wilderness and into the light of scientific truths, was born with the in ception of the Research Institute. However, if this Moses is to lead us out of “Egypt” and over the “Red Sea” of difficulties into the land of true scientific attainment, it must be thoroly established on a scientific and permanent financial basis. Every man that attended this conference went away from it, feeling that the plans and policies adopted would meet with the hearty co-opera-
EDITORIAL D E P A R T M E N T .^ o
^ '■ c> ^
^
.391 ^
tion and support of every member in our profession. With this co-ope^ ration, it was felt that a systematic campaign should be inaugurated, which would secure the enthusiastic financial support from every state society and individual member. We must measure up to that larger success, which will for all future time, place dentistry on an enviableprofessional basis. The Slogan should be “FINANCIAL CO-OPERA TION FROM EVERY SOCIETY AND INDIVIDUAL MEMBER.” Thus the proper financing of the Research Institute is one of the big undertak ings now before the dental profession. The question is, Will the den tal profession rob humanity ? Great self-sacrifices are now being made by some of our officials for the advancement of the cause of the dental profession; sacrifices that no tongue will ever be able to satisfactorily describe; sacrifices in money, time and obligations to wife and children, as well as great sacrifices in health. These sacrifices are being cheerfully made that the dental pro fession may in the future reap a scientific harvest of such great truths, as will be able to establish dentistry for all time to come, on a strictly and truly professional basis. With these great sacrifices being made, we would urge you as an individual member to discharge your financial obli gation in contributing to the Research institute an amount that will mean a real sacrifice to you. Your state society will be urged during the next few months and you as an individual will be asked to contribute to this worthy cause. We trust that when this proposition is presented to you that you will not “side step,” but that you will make a financial offering that will be commensurate with what you think is your duty and responsibility to your profession and to humanity. Many of the subscriptions that have been made to the Research Institute of the National Dental Association are now expiring. It will be necessary for us to renew these, and secure others from those who have not contributed to this Institute, if we expect to continue to carry on the present policies of the Research investigations. We must not, and the officers of the various organizations do not expect, to let the “Moses,” that is to lead us out of unscientific developments into the establishment of scientific truths die in the “bulrushes.” It must continue to grow and develop into a scientifically recognized institution. The work done by the Research Institute of the National Dental Association must be, and will be of such a scientific nature, that the reports emitting from it will carry weight with other recognized scientific researches in other profes sions. The future policy of the Research Institute will be to affiliate and work in conjunction with various Universities, Hospitals and Dispen saries. This policy will open up a much larger field of activities, and
392
THE JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL DENTAL ASSOCIATION.
make it possible for us to secure the active co-operation of a larger num ber of scientific men, thruout the entire country. To recapitulate, this conference decided on the following policies : First—The National dues not to be increased for the Research In stitute. . . Second—State Societies recommended to increase their dues $1.00 for Research Institute—paying same direct to the Treasurer of the Re search Institute. Third—Urging private contributions for Research Institute. Fourth—The Affiliation of the Research Institute with Universities, Hospitals and Dispensaries. THE CHRISTMAS SEALS— DELINQUENT MEMBERS. There are still a few members of the National Dental Association that have not sent in their checks for the Christmas Seals. The Relief Fund Committee are anxious to settle up all accounts as soon as possible. The immediate settlement of these accounts by the delinquent members will save the Committee considerable money in the way of postage, labor, etc., in the mailing of statements. The loyalty and co-operation of the members of our profession to this worthy cause is most commendable, and we trust that the few who. are still delinquent, will not neglect to comply with the wishes of the Relief Fund Committee. Therefore, if you are delinquent, kindly send your check immediately, for which due credit will be given.
389
maintained, not only as a vehicle to convey to the profession matters of interest, but also to publish the work of the Research Institute. These objects cannot be met without the active support of every local and state society. By careful management, the present dues of two dollars per member can be made to pay the expense of conducting the association and THE JOURNAL and should not at this time be raised. Many states have already expressed a desire, by an increase in their dues and other wise, to contribute to the support of the Research Institute. This ac tion or any others of a similar character that may be taken, meets with the cordial and hearty approval of the officers and Trustees of the National Dental Association and Research Institute, and it is hoped that there may be a ready and generous response to any appeals which may be made for individual or state society aid for the Research work. The knowledge on the part of the National Membership that in the future, propositions for an increase in dues for specific purposes will be discouraged, as unbusinesslike and not for the best interest of organized dentistry, should result in a large increase in membership in state and local societies, with the fear removed of a continuous asking for amend ments to by-laws to provide more money. The matter of raising dues should be discouraged for a time at least, until the smaller and weaker state societies have had an opportunity to become strong in financial matters. The profession is to be congratulated upon the adoption of the pol icy above mentioned because it insures an earnest, enthusiastic and har monious working arrangement which will be of great benefit to the National Dental Association and affiliated bodies. THE POLICIES OF THE RESEARCH INSTITUTE. On March 10, 1917, there was held in Cleveland, Ohio, probably the most momentous meeting in the history of the Research Institute of the National Dental Association, since its inception. There was in attend ance at this meeting, the Trustees of the National Dental Association, the Trustees of the Research Institute and the Research Commission members. These various boards met in conjunction in a special called meeting, which had for its object, the formation of definite policies, for the Research Institute, and a better co-operation of all bodies for its future success. This conference was characterized by the serious re sponsibility resting upon the officers of the various organizations repre sented. Some of these men had come a great distance and at consider able sacrifice of time and money in order that they might have a part in the deliberations of this very important meeting.
390
THE JOURNAL OF THE NATIO NAL'DENTAL ASSOCIATION.
All present were agreed that the National Dental Association must first perfect the parent organization and establish on a firm financial basis The Journal of the National Dental Association. From resolutions passed and incorporated in the editorial on “NATIONAL DUES NOT TO BE INCREASED IN 1918,” it was understood that no activities should be promulgated that would in any way jeopardize the future success of these two vital, fundamental basic principles, which underly the very foundation of organized dentistry; viz., THE NATIONAL DENTAL ASSOCIATION and THE JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL DENTAL ASSOCIATION. When all the plans for the perfecting of these two gigantic undertakings are consummated, then the National Dental Asso ciation will be in a position to financially assist the Research Institute, as well as other activities. However, during this developmental period, the National Dental Association will assist the Research Institute in a propaganda, looking to the establishment of this scientific work on a more permanent financial basis. No profession is going to advance and be recognized as a scientific pro fession, unless it is in a position to do real scientific work. Thus the permanent establishment of the Research Institute on an endowment plan, must be the next big undertaking of the dental profession. We must have this Institute permanently endowed, so that the dental pro fession may be able to carry on its own research work, under the leader ship of men who have the necessary vision to know our scientific prob lems. The responsibility for the securing of ample funds to continue our present researches, belongs to the dental profession. We must as indi viduals, and as component and state societies, go down into our own pockets and treasures to pay the bills. If the profession itself shows a willingness and a disposition to make the' necessary financial sacrifice, as well as the business sagacity, to carry on such research work, it should only be a short time until our researches attract the attention of philanthropists. Every dentist is under an obligation to assume his moral and financial responsibility to his profession and to humanity in this worthy cause. The Moses that is to lead the dental profession out of the unscientific wilderness and into the light of scientific truths, was born with the in ception of the Research Institute. However, if this Moses is to lead us out of “Egypt” and over the “Red Sea” of difficulties into the land of true scientific attainment, it must be thoroly established on a scientific and permanent financial basis. Every man that attended this conference went away from it, feeling that the plans and policies adopted would meet with the hearty co-opera-
EDITORIAL D E P A R T M E N T .^ o
^ '■ c> ^
^
.391 ^
tion and support of every member in our profession. With this co-ope^ ration, it was felt that a systematic campaign should be inaugurated, which would secure the enthusiastic financial support from every state society and individual member. We must measure up to that larger success, which will for all future time, place dentistry on an enviableprofessional basis. The Slogan should be “FINANCIAL CO-OPERA TION FROM EVERY SOCIETY AND INDIVIDUAL MEMBER.” Thus the proper financing of the Research Institute is one of the big undertak ings now before the dental profession. The question is, Will the den tal profession rob humanity ? Great self-sacrifices are now being made by some of our officials for the advancement of the cause of the dental profession; sacrifices that no tongue will ever be able to satisfactorily describe; sacrifices in money, time and obligations to wife and children, as well as great sacrifices in health. These sacrifices are being cheerfully made that the dental pro fession may in the future reap a scientific harvest of such great truths, as will be able to establish dentistry for all time to come, on a strictly and truly professional basis. With these great sacrifices being made, we would urge you as an individual member to discharge your financial obli gation in contributing to the Research institute an amount that will mean a real sacrifice to you. Your state society will be urged during the next few months and you as an individual will be asked to contribute to this worthy cause. We trust that when this proposition is presented to you that you will not “side step,” but that you will make a financial offering that will be commensurate with what you think is your duty and responsibility to your profession and to humanity. Many of the subscriptions that have been made to the Research Institute of the National Dental Association are now expiring. It will be necessary for us to renew these, and secure others from those who have not contributed to this Institute, if we expect to continue to carry on the present policies of the Research investigations. We must not, and the officers of the various organizations do not expect, to let the “Moses,” that is to lead us out of unscientific developments into the establishment of scientific truths die in the “bulrushes.” It must continue to grow and develop into a scientifically recognized institution. The work done by the Research Institute of the National Dental Association must be, and will be of such a scientific nature, that the reports emitting from it will carry weight with other recognized scientific researches in other profes sions. The future policy of the Research Institute will be to affiliate and work in conjunction with various Universities, Hospitals and Dispen saries. This policy will open up a much larger field of activities, and
392
THE JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL DENTAL ASSOCIATION.
make it possible for us to secure the active co-operation of a larger num ber of scientific men, thruout the entire country. To recapitulate, this conference decided on the following policies : First—The National dues not to be increased for the Research In stitute. . . Second—State Societies recommended to increase their dues $1.00 for Research Institute—paying same direct to the Treasurer of the Re search Institute. Third—Urging private contributions for Research Institute. Fourth—The Affiliation of the Research Institute with Universities, Hospitals and Dispensaries. THE CHRISTMAS SEALS— DELINQUENT MEMBERS. There are still a few members of the National Dental Association that have not sent in their checks for the Christmas Seals. The Relief Fund Committee are anxious to settle up all accounts as soon as possible. The immediate settlement of these accounts by the delinquent members will save the Committee considerable money in the way of postage, labor, etc., in the mailing of statements. The loyalty and co-operation of the members of our profession to this worthy cause is most commendable, and we trust that the few who. are still delinquent, will not neglect to comply with the wishes of the Relief Fund Committee. Therefore, if you are delinquent, kindly send your check immediately, for which due credit will be given.