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teeth showed increases over the previous year from 7,882 to 8,220 and 5,203 to
5,767 respectively. The treatment pattern shows that over 12 permanent teeth
were conserved for each permanent tooth extracted. This is a less satisfactory
proportion than in 1966 (when it was 16 to 1). The difference is probably due to
the inclusion in 1967 of children who, but for the increased number of dental
inspections, might have remained untreated. A contributory factor may have been
the reduction in the number of children referred to dental schools, which resulted
from the improved arrangements for general anaesthesia in school dental clinics.
Although 84% of dental inspections took place in schools compared with 29% in
1966, with a consequent saving of valuable surgery time, it was difficult, particularly
at some clinics to meet demands for treatment following inspections.
The acceptance rate at different schools varied widely; four produced less than
15% acceptance, while several showed over 50%. The acceptance rate has generally
increased since the extension of dental inspections, evidence of the value of the
revised system.
Orthodontics
No children's dentistry service can be complete without adequate provision
for orthodontics and it has been possible to meet these needs including the full
use of special orthodontic sessions at one centre. The arrangements for this
service have worked well and it is now possible for a child to commence orthodontic
treatment within about a month.
Advice and acceptance of new cases is always available at the Orthodontic
Department of Kings College Hospital Dental School and the assistance of the
Consultants is greatly appreciated. The continued attendance of the Principal
School Dental Officer on one half day per week has helped to maintain a personal
contact and close co-operation.
Dental health education
As in previous years one month was devoted by the department specifically
to dental health education. Pierre the Clown was booked for one week in November
to give talks to schoolchildren. The response of head teachers to the suggestions
that Pierre might visit their schools was overwhelming and many had to be
disappointed. The week commenced with an official opening at a school at which
we were priviledged to have the Mayor and Mayoress of Lambeth in attendance. The
week's programme was most useful in focussing attention and arousing interest in
dental health, and in gaining press publicity.
Premises and Equipment
The additional surgery which it was hoped would be opened to meet the needs
of children in the north of the borough was unfortunately not ready by the end of
the year. Each of the existing surgeries had been equipped by the end of the year
with an airotor and a new general anaesthetic machine.