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161
Forms from Head Teachers.
The number of forms issued by Head Teachers for emergency
treatment was 1,913 compared with 1,764 in 1946. Black
lists of those not accepting treatment at inspections continue to be
supplied to Teachers in Charge, together with instructions that
unless adequate reason be given, such children shall be precluded
from obtaining "special" forms, should toothache subsequently
intervene.
X-Ray Examinations.
The number of cases referred to Mayday Hospital for the
above purpose was 110, compared with 158 in 1946.
Orthodontic Treatment.
Though substantial progress continues to be made, it is
still impossible to deal adequately with all those requiring attention,
and preference must therefore be given to those where
treatment is likely to bestow the maximum individual benefit. In
view of the highly specialised nature of the work, such treatment
places a heavy demand on the dental officer's time, and must
of necessity be carried out along certain radical lines whenever
this is indicated.
In the case of gross irregularity attention is directed to
improving the general harmony of the arches, rather than producing
a perfect assthetic result. Certain more complicated
deformities, needing expert diagnosis and treatment, are referred
to one or other of the major teaching hospitals. In conformity
with the provisions of the Education Act, 1944, all such treatment,
including any necessary appliances, is supplied free of
cost to patients.
As this work expands the Committee will have to consider
at some future date the appointment of a special Orthodontic
Surgeon who, in the first instance, could be employed on a parttime
basis.
Treatment sessions devoted to this work were 248 against 260
test year.