Semi-Professional Phase

From about 1880 major technological innovations revolutionised dentistry throughout the western world, and these were soon taken advantage of in Nelson. The most important was the introduction of the engine operated foot pedal, which enabled dentists to drill teeth and fill them on a large scale, and surpassed the old hand-held drill. At about the same time a new adjustable dentist chair became available, increasing the range of operations a dentist could perform. Conservative dentistry was made more feasible by the introduction of cheaper and improved filling materials such as guttar percha and various amalgams. Gold, however, continued to be used, as it was a long term material and the old dentists were skilled in its use.

Vulcanite rubber became available at this time, which helped bring about an improvement in denture construction. It was cheaper and lighter as a base for false teeth than the older carved ivory or metal bases. The availability of coal gas at this time, as a source of heat and energy, meant dentists could carry out a greater range of metallurgical work, using gold and other metals, for the construction of complex bridge work. Finally, dentistry benefited greatly from the innovation of nitrous oxide. Direct control of pain was now possible, and the range of operating possibilities greatly increased.

These various technological advances enabled dentists to become more highly skilled operatives, dentistry became more profitable and the esteem in which the profession was held was raised. The first Dental Act was passed in 1880, by which time there were about 50 dentists practising in New Zealand. By 1901 there were 282 registered and by 1905, when the New Zealand Dental Association was founded, there were 464 registered dentists.

Arthur Pitt, Member for Nelson City, was instrumental in promoting an amending Dental Bill in 1904 in the Lower House with TKS Sidey. The purpose of the bill was to provide for registration of the profession and it led to the establishment of a high standard of conduct and professionalism, and greater protection for the public. It introduced matriculation as a page 13prerequisite for undertaking the dental course, which was to be at the University of Otago in Dunedin.