London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
View report page
Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Bexley 1970
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Bexley]
This page requires JavaScript
DENTAL SERVICES
STAFFING
The major problem of recruitment of staff was apparent again this year, Dental Officers
being compelled on many occasions to work unaided, through shortage of Dental Surgery Assistants,
thus creating difficulties for all staff. This is the result of the poor salary scale at present
offered by Whitley Councils.
The school and other priority dental services share staff and premises so all aspects of this report relate to both school health and care of pre-school children and expectant and nursing mothers. Statistics are, however, recorded for each service.
| Establishment | 1970 | No. in post 31st December (whole time equiv.) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Designation | No. of Posts | 1969 | 1970 |
| Principal School Dental Officer | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Senior Dental Officers | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Dental Officers | 4.25 | 4.0 | 4.4 |
| Dental Auxiliaries | 4 | 1 | 0.8 |
| Supervisor Dental Surgery Assistant | 1 | - | 1 |
| Dental Surgery Assistants | 6.25 | 6.0 | 5.8 |
| 19.5 | 13.0 | 14.0 | |
Although there is an apparent improvement in the staffing by dental officers, it is regrettable
that we are unable to attract younger applicants, as the average age of dental officers is 55
years, which includes a dentist of 72 and one of 26. It is hoped that with improved working
conditions and installation of modern equipment this situation will be remedied
DENTAL SURGERY ASSISTANTS
As result of internal training, voluntarily organised in the evenings by the Supervisor Dental
Surgery Assistant, 4 Surgery Assistants obtained the National Certificate of the British Dental
Surgery Assistants Association. All are to be congratulated.
CLINICS
The replacement of obsolete dental equipment, over a period of 3 years, was commenced.
Modern equipment being installed at Danson and Sidcup Hill Clinics. It is essential to maintain
this policy if we are to attract dental surgeons of the righ-t calibre.
159