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200 anaesthetics were administered by the P.S.D.O. during the year. There is
also an increase in the number of new orthodontic cases accepted for active
treatment.
Prevention and Dental Health Education
In the absence of fluoridation of the public water supply, topical fluoride
gels have been applied to the teeth of suitable patients and a limited number of
patients have had fissure sealants applied to permanent teeth. The published
reports on this preventive measure are encouraging, especially the material
being used, which involves activation by ultra violet light. It will be interesting
to observe how long the sealants we have used remain in situ. Plaque control
has also been adopted for many patients with the use of disclosing agents in
combination with oral hygiene instruction.
After two dental care exhibitions, our programme of dental health education
in schools were restricted this year, largely due again to staff shortages. Pierre
the clown visited a number of schools and this was followed by a questionnaire
to a limited number of schools to try to assess the effectiveness of the visits.
The results of this small survey are published at the end of this report. One visit
was made to a parent/teacher association and this proved to be an interesting and
rewarding evening.
Liaison with King's College Hospital Dental School
This helpful liaison has been maintained and as a result orthodontic advice
or treatment is readily obtainable from the senior staff of King's. Occasional
lectures are also given to senior dental students as a result of the Principal School
Dental Officer continuing to be a lecturer at the Dental School.
Courses and Conferences
The following were attended during the year:
The E itish Dental Association Conference
Child Dental Health Course
Dental Anaesthesia Course
The borough were hosts for the I.L.E.A. and other London boroughs'
dental auxiliary training session held on one afternoon. Hospitality was provided
and a guest speaker held the attention of the auxiliaries with his lecture.