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REVIEW OF DENTISTRY. 319 '

and two dentists, who are especially appointed by the govern-
ment. The examinations take place semi-annually.
" The law came into effect on June 4, 1875, and two years' time
was given in which to pass those who did not possess a ' permit
from the government. Before that time dentists could establish
themselves on procuring a ' permit/ but very few availed them-
selves of the privilege. After the two years' grace no one could
establish himself without passing this examination.
" No foreign title is acknowledged in Spain, with right to

practice; all must pass this examination.
"The University issues diplomas for a 'Surgeon-Dentist' on
presentation of a certificate, given the applicant if successful.
This certificate is exchanged at the University for the diploma,
on payment of $40. The certificate does not entitle one to prac-
tice; it must be exchanged for the diploma.
"The dentists, like all professions and trades in Spain, pay
taxes in proportion as they are classed. In dentistry there are
three classes. The government gives notice that a certain
amount of money, in the form of taxes, is required from the dental
profession. A syndicate of dentists is formed, and the amount is
divided among them, according to the ' class,' or rather, paying
powers. All American or English dentists belong to Class i,and
consequently pay more, in order to compensate for the smaller
payments of Classes 2 and 3; while, I believe, some inferior
dentists are let off. I, as one of five or six in Madrid who are
distinguished by belonging to class 1, have paid, for years, 809
pesetas ($161.40) annually.
"All foreign as well as native dentists must possess a per-
sonal ' cedula,' without which you are not considered as one
and cannot operate. The ' cedula ' is taken out every year, and
is paid for as a part of income or house rent tax, as dentists have
no settled income, from $15 to $25 being the average. The
cedula ' proclaims who you are, and gives you citizenship and
*
a right to vote. The syndicate (elected annually) is authorized
to ' vigilance ' the profession and look up ' backsliders ' and
prosecute.
" When the applicant appears for examination he is required
to show: I. The personal 'cedula.' 2. A copy of the certificate of
his birth and baptism, to be translated into Spanish by the State
Office. 3. Permission on duly stamped paper, from the Dean of
the University to present himself for examination. The examina-