POPE ADDRESSES TEACHERS OF ODONTOLOGY

VATICAN CITY, MAR 28, 2000 (VIS) - In St. Peter's Basilica at midday today, the Holy Father received 8,000 participants in the seventh Italian Congress of the Association of Teachers of Odontology.

"The goal of the worthy institution to which you belong," said the Pope, "is pursuing scientific progress in the field of odontology and teaching specialization courses at a university level. Yours is, thus, a vast field, entirely dedicated to bettering the human person. This is why your profession needs to be constantly revised, at both a technical and human level, with special attention given to the ethical and moral questions that emerge in the course of your daily activities."

The Holy Father recalled that during the three days of debate, the congress has considered "how to exercise appropriate forms of solidarity and international cooperation in support of those in need," and evaluated "how to meet the requirements of disabled and elderly patients."

"Use every opportunity," he concluded, "to promote solidarity in Italy and in other countries by training and updating the skills of new generations of disciplined and responsible professionals. Study the best ways to give those countries that do not have access to up-to-date dental assistance, the scientific and technical aid they need."

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