Territorial disputes

Sir, I read with interest Mr McArdle's comments (BDJ 2006; 200: 1) on Mr Wood's letter (BDJ 2006; 199: 249). Mr McArdle is a valued member of our team and is correct in his assertion that the OMFS registrars are not exposed to significant dento-alveolar surgery in this centre. This is because Guy's, King's College and St Thomas's (GKT) Hospitals house specialist cleft, head and neck cancer, and trauma services. But only one third of their training time is at GKT, two thirds are at peripheral hospitals where there is a significant exposure to dento-alveolar surgery.

Territorial disputes are undignified and counter productive particularly as market share depends ultimately on the quality of service provided. If there is concern regarding training, it can be quantified by reference to logbooks which should be in the public domain.