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297
Staff
4. Review of Establishment of Dental Officers
For the institution of a satisfactory school dental service, a
survey of the conditions in this Borough suggests a ratio of one
dental officer per 3,000 school children and, on this basis, the Borough
would require the equivalent of 12 full time dental officers to
provide the comprehensive service envisaged. During 1966, the
staffing situation was critical and no significant progress in this
direction was possible although the early part of 1967 showed a
slight improvement.
5. Introduction of' '10-Session' Week
This recommendation was implemented as from 1st January,
1967.
6. Post of Senior Dental Officer
The Council considered that the creation of this position
should be deferred until such time as additional dental officers had
been appointed.
7. Recruitment of Dental Officers
It would appear that recruitment is mainly affected by two
practical considerations:—
(a) Financial—This is largely governed by Whitley Council
Awards.
(b) Conditions—Working conditions need to be made as attractive
as possible by the provision of modern dental surgeries
with opportunities for post-graduate training to ensure the
maintenance of a high standard of professional competence.
8. Dental Records
Although not maintained by the former L.C.C., separate
dental record cards are considered necessary. Insufficient professional
staff necessitates the division of the scheme into 'near-future' and
'long-term' policies. Moreover, a collection of 37,000 case cards,
containing no relevant dental information would be of little practical
value. It was decided, therefore, that in addition to the existing
dental record cards of children treated at the clinics, every child
examined at school dental inspections should be provided with a
record card on which the findings at the inspection are to be noted.
This, together with a survey of diseased, unsaveable, missing and
filled teeth will furnish us with constant information about the school
children's individual and collective state of dental health.
Accommodation for Dental Surgeries
10. Standards for New Dental Surgeries
Standards suggested for new dental clinics were accepted by the
Council which agreed that standards for future improvements
should be those contained in the Ministry of Health Building Notes.