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approach of the dentist at thechairside when the child attends for treatment. More and more emphasis is being
given to teaching oral hygiene with the use of disclosing tablets to show the child where plaque collects on the
teeth and how to remove it.
Most children in their first year at school have been given dental health packs as an introduction to the
sch'ool dental service. It is hoped that it will be possible to continue this scheme in future years.
Premises and Equipment
Every effort is being made to maintain a high standard of hygiene. All surgeries have been washed down
thoroughly and several have been redecorated.
A programme of re-equipping surgeries has been started which will permit and encourage seated dentistry.
The surgery at St. Dunstan's School Treatment Centre was the first to be re-equipped. It is hoped to continue
this programme in future years thus enabling the School Dental Service to attract good dental officers.
Statistics
The amount of treatment being provided has increased this year despite a reduction in the total number of
sessions worked. It is particularly encouraging to report an increase in the amount of work carried out each
session. In particular the number of children attending for treatment and completing their treatment has
increased markedly.
In order to show the changing pattern of work a new range of treatment is shown under the heading
"prevention" as it is felt that proper recognition must be given to this aspect of dentistry. It is essential however
that a proper balance is kept between prevention and treating established dental disease.
Conclusion
This has not been an easy year for the dental staff particularly as the reorganisation of the health services
looms ever nearer. This has inevitably created an atmosphere of uncertainty and unease as to the future. It is
indeed a tribute to all the dental staff that despite this uncertainty they have made every effort to improve the
service. In addition a high turnover of staff tends to have an unsettling effect on the other staff. I am most
grateful to all the dental staff for their excellent work throughout the year.
Finally I wish to thank the Dental Adviser of the I.L.E.A. and all the staff for their support and guidance
throughout the year.
D14