THE OSTEOPATHS BILL [To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.]
Snt,—The article published in last week's issue of The Spectator regarding the Osteopaths Bill appears to indicate that the writer is not fully familiar with the position of the practice of dentistry in relation to medicine.
In the first place, the practice of the dental surgeon comes under the control of the General Medical Council, through the Dental Board, on terms similar to those of medicine. Also, in order to obtain the Diploma in Dental Surgery the student is required to study anatomy, physiology, pathology, medicine and surgery in addition to his own special subjects. He is examined in the general subjects by surgeons and physicians.
The preliminary education required of the dental student, which includes chemistry, physics and biology, is identical with that of the medical student.
Furthermore, the professional curriculum, though con- siderably modified in comparison with the full medical course, contains the essential elements upon which the sciences of medicine and surgery are founded. '
With such a basis the dentist is prepared for the diagnosis of the various maladies which come within his speciality.
So far, I have not seen any scheme of education suggested on behalf of the osteopaths which corresponds with such requirements.
I believe many osteopaths possess considerable skill, and some have rendered valuable service in manipulative surgery ; but the method by which they now seek the recognition of the State is likely to involve, not only discredit to themselves, but also serious risks to the community.—I am, Your obedient [We agree that a minimum basic knowledge of such subjects as anatomy and physiology ought to be required of all registered osteopaths.—En. The Spectator.]
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