Nazis Lack Dentists

With many of the country's dentists in military service, toothaches are becoming widespread in Germany. The Koelnische Zeitung of Cologne reported ‘There simply are not enough dentists.’ The paper urges the people to be patient, to consult a dentist only when absolutely necessary, ‘as for example when the pain becomes too great or chewing is impaired seriously’.

Further steps were taken in 1943 to stabilise the dental service to civilians. A Dentists' Employment Order, 1943, was written into the Industrial Manpower Emergency Regulations, 1942. Briefly, this order, operating from 9 September, prevented any registered dentist from ceasing practice, changing his type of practice or setting up practice at any other place or places without prior consent in writing of a District Manpower Officer. This order served two useful purposes. It helped the work of the dental sub-committee by simplifying the organisation of dental manpower and it protected those dentists already serving with the NZDC from unscrupulous opportunists who might seek to filch their practices from them in their absence.