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Show Local dentist to head state association I ' "j'""'" 4a ' J cv' ! j 7 If i : f i , 1 Vowing to "let the people of Utah know what good dentists we have here in Utah," Dr. Paul Lunt, D.D.S., took the reins as president of the Utah Dental Association this past week. Dr. Lunt, in practice locally for 19 years, said Southern Utah is especially blessed to have a high calibre of dentists. "For a small town, there are very few dental problems that have to be referred out," Dr. Lunt explained, "and that is because of the calibre of dentists here. Utah has some of the best in the United States, some of the best known and well-travelled dentists den-tists in the world." Having a local dentist serve as head of the 800-plus member group is a feather in the cap of the southern district of dentists, Dr. Lunt said. The southern district has about 30 dentist members as compared to the 400 plus in Salt Lake City alone. Education Goal Another major goal for the new president for the coming year is one of letting the consumer know of the advances and changes in dentistry. "Teeth were meant to last a lifetime. I really believe that," Dr. Lunt said. "If we use a little judgement in what we eat and utilize the education and technology available at our fingertips, we should never lose our teeth. "But motivation is the key to better dental health-Motivating people." Among the advancements and changes in dental technology listed by Lunt were teeth banks, one of which has been started by Dr. Lunt and his son Ray at their local office, transplants, tran-splants, artificial implants and techniques which save the original canal and enable a new cap to be "snapped on." New Generation "The generation being raised up now," Dr. Lunt said, "will never have to have false teeth." The tooth bank, the two dentists said, involves freezing the good teeth from persons who had to loose a good tooth for orthodontic reasons. When needed, the bank is called upon to supply a needed replacement. "It's just not like it was a generation ago," Dr. Lunt stated. "We now have a generation of youngsters who like to come to the dentist. We are thought of more now as someone who can relieve pain, not inflict it." Dr. Lunt father of five children, said he originally went into pharmacy work and used his skills to put himself . through dental school. A graduate of BAC, Lunt went on to Utah State (continued on page 3) DR. PAUL LI NT local dentist (continued from page 1) University, Idaho State University and graduated with his dental degree from the University of Missouri at Kansas City. Background Helps renewal early as do dentists, Dr. Lunt said, and yet are able to practice in many states. "There are on y three labs in Utah where they are operating right now," Dr. Lunt said. "We are not affected by it here yet, but it's the public I'm concerned about." He said the various chapters of the ADA are also concerned about proposed national health plans. These, he said, would double the cost of health care. Wife released Dr. Lunt said he was particularly pleased to have a congratulatory telegram from Cedar City Corporation Cor-poration read at his installation banquet. The City's support was well received by the group, he said. Released as Wornens Utah Dental Auxiliary president at the recent gathering was Naomi Lunt, the new presidents wife. She was in charge of the auxilliary portion of the convention, con-vention, receiving raves for her program. Mrs. Lunt arranged for the Shakespearean costume show, as presented by Dr. Fred Adams and SUSC studnets, for the women. After the presentation, the national auxilliary president, who was in at-tendnace, at-tendnace, said she now had definite plans to visit Cedar City and the Shakespearean Festival this summer. "My background in pharmacy has helped in many ways. So often people can have a reaction to drugs that the dentist should be aware of. But I don't want to go back to pharmacy. I like this profession because you are able to help people. If they have a pain, we are able to relieve it." Several resolutions were passed by the dentists gathering in Salt Lake City this past week, including one endorsing flouride as a cavity preventative. Language in the resolution, however, did not spell out specific steps for school districts to follow in administering flouride, as some have espoused. But, Dr. Lunt said, the flouride resolution was only one of 15 motions passed by the group. A major resolution in the eyes of the profession is one dealing with illegal dentistry, those who make dentures, practice in the state. No Training The denturist does not have any real training or education in the field, nor does he have to get a license |