View report page

139
The number of children referred for treatment has averaged
sixty-four per year. The response at the toddlers' inspections
has been most disappointing, only about 225 children per year
being seen. It is obvious from the results of the dental inspection
of young children upon their entry into school that a considerable
amount of preventable dental illheath exists among
" toddlers " but we have not hitherto dealt with more than a
small portion of this evil. The problem may be resolved into the
following elements and possible remedies :
(a) Dental education :
There is a lack of appreciation among parents of the
importance of early attention to the care of the teeth
and of the need for inspection by a qualified dental
surgeon to see that the teeth are sound and developing
in a satisfactory manner. There is an erroneous idea
that it is not worth while taking care of the first teeth.
This state of things might be altered by more advice
about dental hygiene being given as a result of increased
visitation by health visitors and by the distribution of
suitable literature.
(b) facilities for inspection and treatment:
The same remark applies here as to the ordinary
Welfare Centre consultations—that the mother of a small
family finds it difficult to attend with her children at
a Centre which is some distance from her home.
If therefore, additional Welfare Centres should be
provided, consideration should be given to the desirability
of installinga Dental Clinic in one or more of them.
Meantime, I think that arrangements should be made
for a third weekly session by one of the Dental Surgeons
at the Cornwall Road Centre.
6 The arrangement with the Queen's Hospital for the diagnosis
and treatment of Orthopædic cases is working satisfactorily and
I do not feel that the time is opportune to recommend any alteration.
7 The same applies to the services of the Masseuse at the
Welfare Centre.
8 The provision of Milk for necessitous expectant and nursing
mothers and young children have been in operation for 17 years
and has been the means of improving and maintaining the
nutrition of large numbers who would otherwise have suffered
serious deterioration in this respect through their economic
misfortune. The number of cases dealt with has not varied
greatly during the past few years, but it is difficult to say whether
they include all the mothers and children in need of such assistance.
The Committee have anticipated the suggestion that meals
should be provided for expectant and nursing mothers and we
may perhaps await experience of the working of the arrangement
with the Invalid Kitchen before considering any extension of
this service.