The first task of any aspiring professional is to become acquainted with the terminology of the chosen subject. When the need arises to understand and discuss problems in another professional field, it is, inevitably, the new terminology that forms the largest barrier to communication and which may lead to misunderstanding. Claims of negligence against the professions have been increasing over the last few years. Lawyers increasingly have to deal with the subject of dental surgery in its widest sense. This requires a basic understanding not only of the terminology, but of the scope of the profession, its relationships and its organisation
