Dr. Robert Nara: Freedom from Dental Disease

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NARA: The major change I foresee is that organized dentistry will be forced—by public opinion—to create a special field for preventive dentists. There are over 15,000 physicians in this country who are board-certified in preventive medicine . . . but not one dentist who is so recognized.

Therefore, I feel that the dental associations will have to develop some form of certification for those dentists who wish to specialize in treating the cause of the disease rather than simply repairing the damage that the illness does.

When this recognition becomes available, there will probably be a split between those people who are interested in prevention and those men and women who are more concerned with prosthesis . . . dentures, partials, that sort of thing. In fact, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see a violent parting of the ways occur, a split that would—in effect—create two specific professions.

Another, although less significant, change will take place on the legislative level: Dentists will be allowed to advertise in all parts of the country. Some states, of course, already allow medical advertising, but almost every dental ad that's placed—today—is denture related . . ."Plates: In by 10, Out by 5", that sort of thing. You'd have to look long and hard to find a dentist who advertises him- or herself to be a proponent of curing the disease!

PLOWBOY: Is this lack of "preventive" advertising due to the fact that the profession doesn't certify prevention as a specialty?

NARA: That's one of the reasons. Primarily, however, our shortage of dentists who practice prevention is due to the fact that the "system" places an economic premium on the repair and replacement of teeth. Even the insurance companies that are now involved in dentistry are mainly offering assistance in getting fillings, bridges, and repairs in general. Most dental policies will cover little if any preventive care . . . they are only an aid in cleaning up the mess left by the disease.

PLOWBOY: Dr. Nara. the very fact that you've held up in the face of 10 years of harassment proves that you believe in what you're doing. Can you tell me why you've stuck with it... what do you hope to accomplish in your career?

NARA: The principles that I'm operating on today are based on the belief that one person with the truth can constitute a majority. I believe the truth is that dental disease can be eradicated. Of course, this will only happen if the "healers" are able to reach the public. The message must be presented in such a way that people find it valuable. Sadly enough, though, we can't—at this time—count on the dental profession to relay that message.

So, one of my immediate goals is to solicit the aid of allied health professions. There are for example, several chiropractors who are, already, practicing Oramedics, and I plan to take the whole concept of preventive dentistry out of the hands of the dental profession . . . if that's what's necessary to get the job done.

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