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135
Handicapped Children
Arrangements were made for notifications to be sent to dental surgeries of
all relevant medical conditions of children on the Handicap Register. While dental
officers always have a responsibility to ensure that their patients are fit to receive
the recommended treatment, it is helpful to receive prior notification of medical
conditions.
Visitors
Two Overseas students studying for the Diploma in Dental Public Health
spent a day in the Borough and were given an outline of the organisation of local
authority dental services. A student dental auxiliary also spent a few days gaining
first-hand knowledge of dental services in the area.
Mobile Dental Surgery
One of the I.L.E.A. mobile surgeries was used to provide dental treatment
for children at an E.S.N. school. Previous experience had shown that the object
in using a mobile surgery at a school is largely defeated unless the treatment
programme is so devised that treatment of the maximum number of children is
completed during the visit. Further use of a mobile surgery is envisaged for future
years, particularly for special schools.
Courses and Conferences
Staff attended a number of courses and conferences, including a course for
the Diploma in Dental Public Health, the Annual Conference of the British
Dental Association and a Health Education Council Symposium sponsored by
World Health Organisation.
Dental Health Education
Dental Health education is an important part of the school dental services.
During the year 33 schools (7.400 children) were visited, with either a puppet
show or an illustrated talk. A successful dental care exhibition was arranged with
assistance from the School for Dental Auxiliaries and King's College Hospital
School for Dental Surgery. The exhibition was opened by the Mayor of Lambeth
accompanied by other distinguished guests. It was held at Nettlefold Hall, which
is a purpose built building opened in 1969 and specifically used for exhibitions,
social functions, etc.
Although directed mainly at schoolchildren, the exhibition was open to the
public, and some 5,000 people in all attended. Advice was available on all aspects
of dental care; student dental auxiliaries and dental hygienists explained their
work to the children and they had an opportunity to take an active part by