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100
PRIORITY DENTAL SERVICE
There has been a marked imcrease in the provision of dental treatment for
the priority classes, expectant and nursing mothers and pre-school children. In
1966,46.2 sessions were devoted to this service and in 1969, 78.7 sessions (i.e.
equivalent half days).
As one would expect, the highest proportion of treatment is provided at
the Norwood Treatment Centre, where there is provision of other services for
these groups. The number of attendances has increased by ⅓rd since 1966 and
the number of fillings almost doubled, and completed cases risen from 78 to 115.
Three visits have been made to creches in order to give simple instruction
in dental health to pre-school children.
As a pilot scheme, birthday cards have been sent to children on their
third birthday to invite them to have a dental inspection at a child health
centre. The results so far have been encouraging and apart from the opportunity
to invite parents to seek treatment, provision has been made for instructing
parents and children in dental hygiene.
Provision is also made for dental treatment at Shirley Oaks, one of the
Children's Department's homes. Sessions take place once a week and inspection
and treatment provided for a large proportion of the children in residence there.
Instruction has also been given to the children on dental health.
B.M. Spalding, L.D.S., R.C.S.(Eng.)
Chief Dental Officer