Medicine: The Curious Dentists

Some dentists can’t see the patient for his teeth. Occasionally, says Dr. (D.D.S.) Harold G. Ray of Northwestern University, the dentist ought to forget about molars and bicuspids and take a good look at the surrounding territory. In his preoccupation with cavities, the dentist may be overlooking other points of interest (such as signs of early syphilis) that the patient ought to know about.

To encourage this inquiring spirit, Dr. Ray joined with 56 “intellectually curious dentists” last week at Baileys Harbor, Wis., for a seminar on dental medicine above the grind-and-fill level. The main idea, says Dr. Ray, is that dentists examine a lot of people who think that (except for tooth troubles) they are perfectly well. But the mouth is lined with delicate mucous membrane which often shows signs of deeper-lying ailments. If the dentist is alert and informed, he can spot hints of syphilis, leukemia, Addison’s disease, many other ills. He is thus in a position to send the patient to a physician before unsuspected trouble becomes more dangerous.