ช่างทำฟันในบ้าน : พื้นที่การต่อรองและการถูกสร้างให้เป็นอื่นภายใต้การบริการทันตสุขภาพของรัฐ

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate construction of otherness for traditional dentists in terms of knowledge and law under dental services provided by the government. Data for this qualitative research were collected using in-depth interviews, and participant and non-participant observations from 45 informants. The data were categorized, deciphered, interpreted concluded and presented with analytical description. The study found that Chinese migrated to Hat Yai districts brought with them wisdom in using medicinal plants to treat diseases including oral diseases and denture construction. Traditional dentists used their home as a service place and called themselves "Dentists Who Work at Home". When the town becomes modernized and dentistry is taught and learned in the school system, professional modern dentists play the role of providing dental services and treatment supported by law to legalize and protect the profession. Consequently, "Dentists Who Work at Home" who work outside the professional system become "the other" in society in terms of knowledge and law. As a result, they have to adapt themselves by limiting the scope of their work by refusing certain types of dental work. Their outstanding characteristics are access that is easy, convenient, fast, and communication using a dialect. Regarding negotiation, traditional Chinese dental technicians send their children and grand children to study dentistry in the university system so that they will have a license to legalize their shop and to display there. They also renovate and upgrade it into a dental clinic.