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The total number of appointments made, not including birthdays,
was 4,195.
The total number kept was 1,441.
It will be seen that there is a very big falling-off in the percentage
of appointments kept when the child reaches its third and
fourth birthday. This is indeed regrettable, for the aim of this
scheme of routine examination is to treat children for those
ailments which otherwise would have to be treated when the child
attends school. The earlier this treatment can be obtained the more
the child can be saved unnecessary suffering. This especially
applies to dental caries; if treatment can be commenced when
only a small defect is present, that defect can be remedied without
pain to the child, but if the teeth be neglected until they are bad,
the child has to suffer pain during a large filling, or alternatively,
the tooth has to be extracted.
Although I would like to see a bigger percentage of appointments
kept, I am, nevertheless, satisfied that the scheme is successful.
2,231 full examinations have been made of children under
five years of age and a large amount of treatment obtained before
disease became serious.
The routine carried out in 1934 was the same as that carried
out in 1933, children being invited to attend for examination on
their birthday, and in certain cases, during the year as well.
The work of routine examination was augmented by the
examination of all children who, in the opinion of the Health Visitors
or in their parents' opinion, were not doing well, and for whom
medical advice was considered necessary.
AURAL TREATMENT.
The scheme whereby children under five years of age found