IT IS almost unthinkable that dentists, of all professionals, would be fighting tooth and nail for their survival and not making bundles of cash out there as we all expect them to

After all, medicine, including dentistry, has always been known to be one of the highly rewarding careers in the world.

But Guluva recently read somewhere that not all is well in this sector these days.

Instead of basking in luxury and opulence, there is reportedly a lot of a gnashing of teeth in many dentist-headed households in Mzansi as the country still battles to shake off the devastating effects of the global economic meltdown.

"Dentists in South Africa are by no means smiling," says Dr Jeff Michelson, chief dental officer of the South African Dental Association.

Snarling sounds more like it.

As a result of these economic difficulties, many of the dentists who used to make a good living out of the profession have abandoned their practices and are now working as tour guides or garden services providers, a politically correct term for "garden boys", to survive.

You could, if you like, say they are now cutting their teeth in completely new professions.

At least no one can accuse them of being "toothless" in the face of adversity.

Ridiculous Igesund

GORDON Igesund, who helped Moroka Swallows avoid relegation from the Absa Premiership last season, known in soccer circles as "Mr Dial A Quote" for his penchant of rolling out pearls of wisdom off his tongue in rapid succession, especially in post-match TV interviews, is an honest coach who is not scared of self-criticism.

After the Dube Birds gained their three points of the season following their victory against Santos away, a confident Igesund warned the club's next two opponents - Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns - that his immediate focus was to achieve seven points in the first three games.

Speaking on the eve of their game against Sundowns - a few days after failing to secure three points from their home game against Chiefs - Igesund made a big U-turn, saying: "I will be happy with a point.

"To go around saying Swallows will beat Chiefs, Sundowns and Pirates is ridiculous."

Just like in politics, a week is too long in soccer. Only if politicians could also admit it every time they make ridiculous statements.

Lost identity

ORLANDO Pirates supporters are an unhappy lot these days.

The problem is not about winning games - the club have only lost one match since the beginning of the season - but it is all about the identity of the traditionally black and white outfit that is making them hot under the collar.

The fans say they can't recognise their team anymore, especially when their idols play away from home.

With its new distinct red and white away strip, the team could easily be mistaken for an amateur outfit campaigning in the Gauteng Occasional League, with a name such as Vodacom Prepaid Roaming Stars, Absa Football Club or South African Post Office XI.

E-mail Guluva on: thatha.guluva@gmail.com