Dear RDH:
Well, you have finally done it. I should probably thank you for it. Indeed, thank you. You`ve succeeded in sufficiently irritating me into writing you. I refer to you article, "Everybody`s a Critic" (Septem-ber 1996).
Webster`s Dictionary defines the following:
Criticize: Evaluation of comparative worth; finding fault, censuring; disapproval.
Subordinate: Inferior to or placed below another in rank, power, importance, etc.; secondary; under the power or authority of another; subservient or submissive.
I have held my peace with the articles, letters, and editorials that generally appear in your publication which attempt to build up your target audience (hygienists) while tearing down dentists and/or organized dentistry. This time you have crossed the bounds of tolerance. You have attempted to aggrandize hygienists at the expense of the dental assistants on the team. Dental assistants are not subordinate to hygienists, period. All staff are subordinate to the owner of the practice as the owner is the one who writes the checks and is ultimately responsible to those that engage (hire) the practice to care for their dental needs. Indeed, those to who we all are subservient, the patients.
R.P. Lansdowne, DDS
Wichita, Kansas
