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* An emergency extraction by the Chief Dental Officer.
PREVENTION
The London Boroughs Association in November 1969 drew the Council's attention to their
decision that fluoridation is such an important national issue that it should be taken out of the
area of local government, and since there seems little prospect of achieving total unanimity, they
are informing the Minister that he should himself decide whether or not it should be nationally
implemented.
It is gratifying to report that this recommendation was strongly supported by this Council,
and it is hoped that such a well proven preventative measure to add fluoride to the water supply,
raising the level to an optimum of one part per million will soon be implemented.
TREATMENT
During the year 4,432 (4349—1969) school children received treatment, an increase of 2%
over 1969. 6,232 courses of treatment were completed which was 80% of those commenced (7545).
The continuing conservative nature of treatment is indicated by ratio of teeth filled to
extracted, which was 20.5: 1 in permanent dentition, which does not include extractions for
orthodontic treatment, and 3.6: 1 in deciduous dentition. It was only found necessary to fit 2
dentures.
In the specialised field of orthodontics 56 removable appliances were fitted and 1 fixed
appliance.
The Thamesmead Temporary Health Centre developed rapidly and was used for 4 sessions a
week to meet present demand on Local Authority services.
INSPECTIONS
The number of pupils inspected at school was 28,976, of whom 42% were found to be in
need of treatment.
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