It seems that a lot of dentists do not have a sense of humour or style in realizing that being able to see that the picture of Miss Karaca (Oral Health, April 2007) is an expression that a smile adds to the totality of a beautiful woman. Or God forbid that our libidos may actually be a driving source for good in this world.
As a way of placating those dentists who were critical of the cover, I would like to suggest that for the next Aesthetics issue you have a picture of a smiling Mr. Universe from the waist up. I am sure the protest would not be there. Besides, it would serve as a reminder to me that I need to work on my stomach muscles or other pysical shortcomings.
Dr. H. David Burstein
Toronto, ON
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I am surprised with some of the negative comments in the June, 2007 issue concerning the model-cover of the April ’07 edition. The model was a beautiful human with a really great smile. That’s the majority of our dental efforts. After treating pain and restoring function, cosmetics is an essential aspect of modern, Western dental practice.
It’s not white or straight teeth; it’s a youthful, healthy appearance (including the smile) our patients demand. The old fuddy-duddies who complained about the photo, attire and cleavage have not gotten the message and I feel sorry for them, their staff and their patients. People want to look and feel good, head to toe and as dentists, we must help in this effort. The photo was that of a beautiful woman which editorially sent an important professional message. Study the smile, face shape, hair design, etc. carefully. There are lessons to be learned. The editor and staff should be congratulated and encouraged to do more.
Of course, Oral Health could be like so many of the dental journals and feature some old, ugly, politically- connected dentist with a mis-shapened face, crooked yellow teeth, dental-school restorations and a cheap, ill-fitting suit.
Which would you rather look at?
E. J. Neiburger, DDS
Editor, Journal of the American Association of Forensic Dentists
Clarification
The article by Mark Rotsaert that appeared in the July 2007 issue of Oral Health (“Communication: The Key to Predictable Restorations”) contained nine previously published figures that were used without the consent of the authors or publisher, Quintessence Publishing Co, Inc, in direct violation of copyright laws. No reprints of this article will be issued. The publisher regrets this error.
