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119
Inspections.
The number of children on the register at maintained schools
within the Borough at the close of 1954 was 35,083. Including an
additional 60 free-place scholars at grant assisted schools,
this represents a sum total of 35,143.
During the year 75.7 per cent, of the school population were
examined compared with 88.4 per cent, in 1953, indicating a reduction
of 12.7 per cent. This decline was brought about by loss
of staff during the early part of the year and the necessity of
concentrating on areas where treatment was outstanding.
According to recent returns some 6,570 children received no
examination during 1954, Because of inequalities in staffing
certain schools were revisited at approximately 13 months interval,
whilst in less fortunate areas this still extends to 18
months.
At those schools visited 26,613 were inspected and 12,961
(48.7 per cent.) referred for treatment, compared with 30,319
inspected and 14,998 (49.4 per cent.) referred in 1953.
In view of present limitations relating to work which can be
carried out on temporary teeth, the above figures should not be
regarded as an index of the incidence of decay, which is naturally
appreciably higher. For practical purposes a mouth is classed as
"healthy" unless the case is actually referred for treatment.

Compared with last year this represents a further fall of 5.
per cent, in the acceptance rate, and a total decrease of some
20 per cent, since the peak of 1949. The corresponding figure
for 1937 was in the region of 57 per cent.
Acceptance Rate.
The introduction of free treatment for children under the
National Health Service has as anticipated had its repercussions
on the acceptance rate at School Clinics. The fact that the
above decline coincides with areas where private treatment is
readily available may therefore be regarded as a natural corollary,
and not to any increased neglect on the part of the parents.
Provided treatment obtained is of a regular and systematic kind