Congratulations to Dr. Jeffcoat on her position as JADA editor. I compliment her on the format and content.
I have never met Dr. Jeffcoat, but I do respect her from afar based on her publications and reputation. She is a very influential dentist and can effect change more than most. In that regard, I am writing about her June editorial, "Ah, That New Car Smell."
Dr. Jeffcoat mentioned that gold foils are "about as common as vacuum tubes, and no one mourns their passing." Also, that they are "technically demanding and physiologically questionable."
I, like Dr. Jeffcoat, was required to do a foil or casting in order to pass my boards, and in some areas of our country it still is required. Unlike most, I am one of the growing number of dentists who continue to do many gold restorations of all kinds, including direct gold. I did a small occlusal recently to close an access opening in an existing casting following an endodontic procedure, rather than redo the casting or remove more tooth structure for a crown.
I am a member of the American Academy of Gold Foil Operators and belong to an operating cast gold and gold foil study club where we continue to demonstrate and improve our skills. Our numbers are increasing, and many more dentists are discovering that gold is still the best material.
The Academy of Richard V. Tucker Cast Gold Study Clubs now has close to 50 operating study clubs worldwide, including clubs in Germany, Italy and Canada as well as many in the United States. Yes, it is very technically demanding—proper training is required and continuing mentorship is suggested—not unlike many of the difficult and demanding procedures periodontists perform.
I am concerned about Dr. Jeffcoat’s statements as mentioned above. I am concerned that her statements may affect our younger dentists in a negative way, and steer them and their patients away from enjoying the benefits of potentially lifelong restorations. Most dentists with experience have seen well-diagnosed and well-placed foils and castings in patients’ mouths last for well over 50 years.
I have to disagree with Dr. Jeffcoat and say that gold foils are common for some of us—I have two in my mouth. There is no mourning; rather, there is excitement about learning more about them from my mentor, Dr. Warren Johnson of Seattle, the incoming president of the American Academy of Gold Foil Operators. The operative and hand-eye coordination skills we learn by placing foils can be transferred to all other procedures.
The other statement about gold foils being physiologically questionable needs references. Gold, as far as I know, is the most biocompatible material we have to place in patients’ mouths, and gold foils have lasted for decades. How then is gold physiologically questionable?
In summary, thank you to Dr. Jeffcoat for spending the time and energy to be the JADA editor, but please be aware that what you write affects many.
