I am asking for your help. If, after reading this article, you form an opinion which you care about, please express that opinion to either myself or to Jack F. Conley, D.D.S., Journal of California Dental Association, P.O. Box 13749, Sacramento, California 95853
Here Is What Happened
In the Journal of the California Dental Association (JCDA), 20(11):November 1992, there appears a book review by Guy Giacopuzzi, DDS of TMJ: The Jaw Connection, The Overlooked Diagnosis, authored by Greg Goodard, DDS.
Here are some of the comments made by Dr. Giacopuzzi in his book review: "... once again I found myself spitting out bones. While physical therapy and counselling/support groups are certainly helpful, chiropractic, acupuncture and cranial osteopathy are highly questionable (especially chiropractic TMJ care)."
Later, in that same article there appears remarks by Dr. Giacopuzzi that are even more inflammatory. I cite the following: "Most PTs would probably take offense at being mentioned in the same light as DCs, to say the least." I might add, at this point, that a physical therapist wrote the foreword to this book.
Here Is What I had to Say
As a member in good standing in both the dental and chiropractic professions, as well as being an educator in the field of orofacial pain, I am astonished by the shallow and inflammatory comments made by Dr. Giacopuzzi as he presented them in his book review.
As an educator in chiropractic and having provided instruction to approximately one-third of the chiropractors world-wide, I can state with much greater authority than Dr. Giacopuzzi that the chiropractic management of TM disorders is as fine of care as that seen in dentistry.
May I remind the good doctor that it is dentistry, and not chiropractic, that brought questionable (and occasionally morbid) procedures into the TM domain, such as Proplast implants and the grossly expensive so-called "computerized EMG" therapies.
With all due respect to Dr. Giacopuzzi, I understand that his behavior is somewhat typical of many clinicians. We often lack a good working knowledge of someone else's profession. From this perspective, certain allowances can be made when ignorant remarks arise. Yet, in spite of this, one can hardly defend the actions of the editors of the JCDA for allowing these inflammatory remarks which are prejudicial in nature and which appear to promote disharmonious relations between two honorable professions -- DC vs. PT.
May I ask the editors of the JCDA, "What is responsible journalism?" Is it to encourage responsible attitudes or is it to encourage the perpetuation of negative myths, prejudice or holier-than-thou attitudes? I, for one, believe in the former and I abhor the latter. As a long-time member of the JCDA, I have come to appreciate their leadership in the promotion of ethical and moral conduct among its ranks.
May I also take the opportunity to inform Dr. Giacopuzzi that many physical therapists are enrolling in our chiropractic colleges and their numbers are increasing every year. As an associate professor of the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic, in the Division of Clinical Science, Department of Diagnosis, I extend an invitation to Dr. Giacopuzzi and the remaining editors of JCDA to visit our campus. I trust that you will find, as have numerous others, that we offer a very fine education, including a clinically sound education "Chiropractic TMJ."
cc: President, California Dental Association; President, American Dental Association;, President California Chiropractic Association; President, American Chiropractic Association
Here Is What I Want You to Do
Write a letter! Make a phone call! Talk to your dental colleague with whom you work so well. Do something.
With each article I encourage you to write the questions you may have, commentaries on patient care since attending the TM seminars, or thoughts to share with your colleagues, to me:
Darryl Curl, D.D.S., D.C.
2330 Golden West Lane
Norco, California 91760
Please include your return addressed, stamped envelope.
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