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From inspections it was ascertained that approximately 36% of school children did not
receive regular dental care from general dental service or local authority services.

However, it is encouraging to note from the 1961 Annual Report of the Medical Officer of
Health for the Boroughof Bexley, the dental need in schools at Welling was 69% whereas at the
moment it is 35%.
For various reasons including building extensions, inadequate accommodation etc. 3 schools
were not inspected.
Once again we must thank the Head Teachers and their staffs for their co-operation, sometimes
under great difficulty due to individual environment in schools.
DENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION
In July the Council approved a dental health project involving the issue of simple dental kits
to 2,000 children of pre-school and school entrant age in order to encourage them in the care of
their teeth. The kits, obtainable from Messrs. Gibbs at greatly reduced cost consisted of a plastic
beaker, a tube of toothpaste, a tooth brush and a standard letter to parents giving the relevant
points relating to dental health. In the absence of a fluoridated water supply, this scheme was
considered to be of more than usual value.
No. of talks and Nos. involved 1969 1970
Infants & Junior Schools 27 30
Pupils instructed 7,300 6,249
M. & C.W. Clinics 35 70
Public instructed 345 1,011
Mothers' Clubs etc. 3 8
Public instructed 45 149
MATERNITY & CHILD WELFARE
This was continued as an integral part of an overall activity to follow the policy of "family"
care.
Approximately 7% of the dental service was devoted to this priority group. The treatment
pattern here is indicated by the ratio of teeth filled to extraction 7.9 : 1 in pre-school children.
With increased use of topical fluorides and increased time spent on Dental Health Education in
priority groups, it is hoped, in the long term to reduce the incidence of dental disease.
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