Dental artistry

Are dentists managers, technicians or artists? The role seems all encompassing, from managing patients' oral health, providing technical expertise with precise dental procedures and having an artist's job of creating work of aesthetic beauty. An artist isn't just someone who paints pictures after all it is anyone who works creatively or is skilled at something. The definition of the word was highlighted recently when the film The Artist premiered and some viewers asked for their money back claiming they 'didn't know it was going to be like that'... presumably they were disappointed there were no paintings on show.

The Oscar winning movie is black and white, silent, and filmed in a different aspect ratio than modern films. Does it spell the start of a new era for film? No. It was a one off flashback to a bygone era – there will not be a plethora of successful silent movies again, and we can never go back to the classic era of the Silver Screen. Whilst the film-going experience of The Artist is incredible, technically it is out of step with the continual march of progress which can be seen in all areas of life and work.