The Claims of Dentistry Upon Dentists. [Volume: 2, Issue: 2, September, 1860, pp. 59-62]

THE CLAIMS OF DENTISTRY UPON DENTISTS.

59

THE CLAIMS OF DENTISTRY UPON DENTISTS.
BY J. FOSTER FLAGG, D.D.S.
[Read before the American Dental Association, Washington, D. C., Aug. 1860.]
IN this country, during the past few years, and within the recollection
probably of every member of this Association, earnest efforts have been
made for the elevation of dentistry, as a science, by those whose attainments were of that character which enabled them to fully realize the
importance of that branch of medicine which they practiced, and the consequent value which should be accorded it, as promoting in no slight
degree the enjoyment of personal comfort and health, while bestowing its
acknowledged benefits in the direction of personal appearance.
That these labors have been fruitful is apparent to all practitioners, in
the enviable position accorded to American dentistry by the whole civilized
world; but, I believe that, to the minds of those who have labored most
fervently and with the highest aspirations, an assurance of even more
worth and more solidity is now afforded, in the present gathering together
of a body of dentists having the customary requisite for the establishment
of authority, in the fact that they are regularly delegated to represent the
combined interests of the local associations throughout our land.
This act has, at length, afforded a tangible foundation for the erection
of a superstructure which shall prove the truth or the fallacy of the claim
of our specialty to that high position which has been demanded for it, in
the assertion of its worthiness to be regarded as a legitimate scion of
that boon to humanity, the Practice of general Medicine.
This act may well be regarded with pride, as the consummation of the
exertions of our predecessors. It now rests with us to fitly prosecute a
work so nobly begun, and it has seemed to me that it would be well for us
were we at this time to devote a few moments to the presentation and
thoughtful consideration of what the proper (I use the word in its highest acceptation) prosecution of our calling, for which we have claimed
so much, demands in return from us.
It claims from its practitioners a degree of combined moral, physical, and general intellectual attainment, equal to, if not greater, than
that of any other calling.
I present the position in this plain manner, knowing that at first it will
seem arrogant and untenable; but I think that careful scrutiny will show
alike its apparent arrogance to be but due appreciation, and the propriety,
at least, of the actions and qualifications of its legitimate practitioners
being such as to warrant the assertion.
Called to associate in very intimate professional relationship with the
old and the young of both sexes, with the wealthy and the comparatively
poor, with the educated and the ignorant, with the amiable and th