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This Clinic showed a decrease upon 1949 in numbers submitted
to refraction. A total of 3,127 attendances was recorded.
SCHOOL DENTAL SERVICE.
The above service deals chiefly with the routine inspection
and treatment of those attending Borough Primary, Secondary,
Technical and Special Schools. "Free-place" scholars at certain
non-maintained schools approved by the local Education Committee
are also eligible for treatment.
In addition to the above, facilities are also provided for
those referred under Maternity and Child Welfare and Mental
Deficiency Schemes. Particulars of work carried out in connection
with the former will be found in the appropriate Report.
Since the inception of the National Health Service Act on 5th
July, 194S, the dental care of those suffering from Tuberculosis
is no longer the responsibility of Local Authorities, and treatment
of the above patients ceased in the early months of 1949 when
alternative arrangements, provided through the Regional Board
began to operate.
Staffing.
The work of the sub-department continues to be seriously
handicapped by lack of professional staff. Since last year's Report
the services of two further part-time dentists have been secured,
giving an added seven sessions weekly. Though this indicates
some measure of improvement, the present total of four full-time
and four part-time dental surgeons only represents the equivalent
of 5.4 full-time officers, compared with the normal establishment
of nine full-time dental surgeons necessary to deal with the school
population of approximately 29,500.