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52
In February, 1952, a restricted scheme was introduced to deal with children who had not reached
their ninth birthday, in order to prevent the deterioration of dental conditions which would only lead to
more work in the future. In the early formative years the first permanent teeth erupt and the foundation
of dental health is laid, and malformation of jaws and irregularity of teeth can be prevented by conserving
temporary teeth. Also it is generally more difficult for younger children to obtain treatment outside the
service.
In 1953, the first complete year in which the restricted scheme was in operation, all the children
in the selected age group (approximately 10,000) were inspected in the schools and offered treatment. In
addition, direct application for treatment at the clinics was made by 2,251 children, 60 per cent, of whom
were from the older age groups.
There has been an increase in the number referred for treatment and in the number actually treated.
Although 4 out of 5 children are found to require dental treatment, more permanent teeth are being saved.
Between 1950 and 1953, the total number of teeth conserved has almost doubled, increasing from 5,732 to
10,647.
The scheme is now giving an efficient service for young school children, but it is essential to
provide more staff and accommodation to give similar facilities for all age groups.
The difficulty in obtaining dental staffs is still acute but the opening of an additional surgery in
Monks Park Clinic in 1951 eased the situation in the Stonebridge area, and the new clinic at Brondesbury
Villas will help in the Kilburn area. The clinic at High Road, Willesden is still heavily overburdened with
work.
The Priority Dental Service
There have also been improvements in the Dental Service for mothers and young children. It is
especially encouraging to note the rise in the attendances of children under five years of age. The treatment
carried out for this age group has almost doubled since 1949; fillings have increased from 693 to 1,107.
Every opportunity is taken while treating expectant and nursing mothers to explain the value of early
and regular treatment for children from the age of two and a half years.