The Molar Extraction Debate: Adhuc sub iudice lis est

Recent reports of conflict between dentists and orthodontists over the extraction of second molar teeth prior to orthodontic treatment raise a number of questions; one of which is: not whether or not to extract, hut which teeth to extract.

So that this controversial topie may he dehated further, the Editor of this Journal has sought contributions from several quarters. Dr Harry Orton of the United Kingdom has written and lectured widely on this suhject and recently lectured to the Western Australian Branch of the Australian Society of Orthodontists; his lecture has heen summarised by Dr John Stamatis who has also compiled a review of the literature on the subject.

Both the summary and the review are printed helow together with some clinical experiences of the Editor.