CONVERSATION 2: DENTIST and TECHNOLOGIST

Dentist: Mr John how are you?
Technologist: I am very fine and was just reminisce  on our discussions in the last meeting.
Dentist: What is it to talk about or deserving so much attention?
Technologists: Suggestions and discussions on forming a discussion group/forum to chart a new course for the future of dentistry. It was heated and interesting.
Dentist: That was a thoughtful reminder. I think we need to really discuss the future of dentistry. It cannot be done successfully except in a larger house.
Technologist: All hands must be on deck but one thing I observed is apathy towards meetings and it cut across. Sometimes I wondered what is the problem with dental professionals top to bottom
Dentist: I do agree with you but what do you think is the way out?
Technologist: Tenacity of purpose, focused leadership and mutual regard for every member of the team.
Dentist: Suggestions on a common regulatory body has been muted by some of us but how prepared are we to make this happen?
Technologist: Big question.
Dentist: In Britain a good example has been laid. Although there are dissenting voices but on average dentistry faired well. We cannot compare our dentistry with theirs in all ramifications. They have their own issues though but they were reduced to surmountable sizes.
Technologist: It will take a huge sacrifice and mutual respect. Honestly, the dental profession suppose to be the most lucrative profession given our population and the poor prevalence of oral hygiene in our population. Every human being has teeth and hence he is a potential patient.
Dentist: I am not sure we are prepared to leave Medical and dental Council. Feelers show that there are many benefits accruing to us and leaving for a general dental council might rob us of the those benefits.
Technologist: I said earlier that it will require a huge sacrifice by all. Other members of the profession already have regulatory body and if they have to merge to form a general dental council it is indeed a huge sacrifice.
Dentist: Leaders of thoughts in the dental profession would have to get the process started.
Technologist: Who then will bell the cat? I observed painfully that dental departments in our establishments nationwide are treated as second fiddle when compared with our medical counterparts. Our demands for facilities and things to work with generally are often placed behind the burner. This is obvious truth if we are prepared to face the truth. Sometimes I wonder what is the problem with the dental profession.
Dentist: Indeed we have an axe to grind.
Technologist: Let me suggest we approach some of our elders in the profession for advice. But if we eventually have a general dental council in Nigeria do we all have the right attitude and mutual respect for one another to foster a great future for dentistry?