Medical theories and professional development: The theory of focal sepsis and dentistry in early twentieth century Britain

Gilles Dussault and Aubrey Sheiham

Social Science & Medicine, 1982, vol. 16, issue 15, 1405-1412

Abstract: This paper traces the history of the theory of focal infection--which related a number of general conditions to septic foci from which toxic products spread to different parts of the body--and its application to dental diseases in early 20th century Britain. Bad teeth were said to be one of the major sources of infection and a cause of many diseases. The paper focuses on the social and professional context in which the theory emerged and flourished. It shows that in spite of its lack of scientific foundation. The theory of focal sepsis was readily accepted by the dental profession and used to advance its claims for professional recognition. Thus the paper attempts to illustrate the point that the acceptance of a medical theory by health practitioners is as much determined by social and economic factors as by its therapeutic potential or its scientific validity.

Date: 1982
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