Metal casting.
Orthodontia or regulating appliances.
Special Fields.—There are special fields in dentistry where the dental mechanic may adapt himself to a new class of work now very much in demand, that of dental radiography, or the taking and developing of X-ray pictures. Persons having had previous experience in any branch of photography will fit into this work easily.
Other special lines are the making of orthodontia appliances, gold and porcelain inlays, castings, clasps, bridges, and plates, crown and bridge work, and gold plate work.
Disabilities.—The physical qualifications and disability restrictions of a dental mechanic are not very exacting.
Persons with one good eye and the control and manipulative ability of both hands or at least two fingers and a thumb on each hand; defective hearing, with one or no legs (provided locomotion is not impaired), such diseases as hernia, kidney trouble, affections of the liver or heart will not be too seriously disabled to enter this profession.
Tuberculosis, on the other hand, is a serious handicap, both on account of the sedentary life, and because it might be difficult to secure or hold permanent employment because of the fear of contagion. Other infectious diseases would be more suitable to some other type of employment.
Very few vocations are open to such a wide number of disabled men. The opportunity for them seems to be one which will continue to increase with the increase in scientific dentistry, and the growing comprehension of the people of the important relation of the mouth and teeth to their general health.
Each of the following plans has a specially arranged list of occupations and business opportunities which have not been placed in the main index and should be consulted in connection with the index.