View report page

104
Prior to this, however,, a great deal of treatment had been
given to cases in these categories; complete treatment was given
including, when necessary, the fitting of dentures; these were
supplied at charges based on those of the dental hospitals and as
most of the patients were only able to repay gradually, a good
deal of extra clerical work and account-keeping was involved.
Orthodontic treatment for school children was commenced in 1921
and has continued without a break since then. Until 1938 all
appliances used in this work were paid for in the same way as the
dentures, in both cases, where the income was below a certain
scale no payment was made.
It seems ironical that in pre war days with much less in the
way of first-class buildings and equipment than today, there was
no difficulty in obtaining dental staff,, whereas now any loss is
very difficult to replace. It is to be hoped that something will
be done to see that the service becomes a real priority again and
is put on a proper basis before it is too late".
The following tables show the work carried out during the
year:-

Number of pupils treatment commenced 9575
Number of pupils treatment completed 7648
Number of attendances made by pupils for treatment 21130
Number of appointments not kept 5205
Number of half days devoted to (a) Inspection 171
(b) Treatment 2979
Fillings. Permanent Teeth 15515
Temporary Teeth 3577
Number of teeth filled. Permanent Teeth 13340
Temporary Teeth 3253
Extractions. Permanent Teeth 1003
Permanent Teeth for Orthodontia 179
Temporaiy Teeth 6011
Anaesthetics (a) General 1732
(b) Local 2580
(c) Regional 243
Other Operations (a) Permanent Teeth 2327
(b) Temporary Teeth 4839