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dedicated and experienced dental officers deplored the professional
isolation which prevented them from profiting from a mutual
exchange of observations and ideas with their service colleagues.
It was clear from this analysis that a continuance of the present
'set-up' was unlikely to lead to an efficient dental service and, until
the requisite staff had been obtained, it seemed politic to improve
premises and equipment where this could reasonably be achieved and
at the same time to attempt to re-shape the existing staff and organisation
in order to create a team on the lines of a 'teaching hospital'.
Such a radical change became more pressing when it was learned
that we were to lose three dental officers in the early part of the year.
Subsequently, the policy of concentrating on equipping suitable
premises coupled with the maintenance of a minimal service as a
temporary measure, proved successful and the opportunity of joining
a team of dental surgeons genuinely dedicated to provide a first class
dental service in well-equipped, pleasant clinics has attracted the
right type of officer. A publication entitled 'Children's Dentistry
without Tears' compiled by your own dental officer serves as a
clinical guide to the members of the team.
Without the understanding and assistance of the I.L.E.A.,
work on many Borough problems could not have been undertaken
and detailed discussions and policy planning continued throughout
the Spring. These culminated in an I.L.E.A. Report in June which,
together with that authority's sanction of our own new policy, were
ratified by the Greenwich Council in October 1966.
I.L.E.A. policy embracing the School Dental Service not only
in this Borough but in all other Inner London Boroughs, was
officially promulgated in a letter from the Medical Adviser in July
of this year which may be summarised as follows:—
General Policy
1. That annual routine dental inspections in school for all
children attending the Authority's schools be introduced as soon as
possible, starting in the autumn term 1966.
2. That a further report on the school dental service be submitted
by the Medical Adviser and the Education Officer in the
summer of 1967.
3. That the Department of Education and Science be informed
of the recommendations in the report.
Staff
4. That the Inner London Borough Councils be asked to review
the establishments of dental officers jointly employed by them and
the Authority with a view to expansion to the extent needed to
permit the full introduction of annual dental inspections in schools
and the treatment work resulting from this.