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Other dental centres are provided at Duppas Hill (South
Croydon) and at South Norwood. In the case of the latter
surgery space is very limited, and it is hoped that an extension
to these premises will be possible in the very near future.
Additional clinics have also been planned to serve the Woodside
area and the New Addington Housing Estate; suitable
premises are at present available, but at the time of writing
shortage of dentists is holding up developments.
To meet future Education commitments a further long-term
expansion was formulated in 1946, but with one exception these
undertakings have not yet advanced beyond the blue-print stage.
The following Table illustrates the probable yearly increase
in the school population, together with the requisite staff likely
to be required:—
PRESENT AND FUTURE COMMITMENTS.
Probable Increase
Estimated Increase in in Dental
Year. School Population. Total. Officers Required.
1946 Present Population 25,680 1 (Woodside)*
1947 Plus 14-15 age group, 1,855 27,575 1 (Addington)*
1948-9 Plus 15-16 age group, 1,855 — (Lodge Rd.
Plus Housing Estate 5,260 34,690 2 Extension)
1950 Plus County Colleges, 7,000 —
and Plus Nursery Schools, 800 42,490 1-2
onward
Total: 5-6
* Now behind schedule.
Staffing.
Shortage of dental man-power continues to present a formidable
problem and seriously complicates the day-to-day administration
of the service. The more far-reaching result, however,
has been to hamper the plan of post-war expansion so vitally
necessary to keep pace with increased commitments under the
Education Act.
Early in 1948 the establishment of the local services was
increased to provide for two additional dental officers: unfortunately,
owing to lack of clinic accommodation at that period, it
was not possible to fill these posts. Since then the service has
sustained the loss of two full-time members of the staff, and to