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REPORT OF THE CHIEF DENTAL
OFFICER 1971
Borough Dental Services
Maternity and Child Welfare Dental Service
The number of M.&.C.W. sessions held during the year showed a 50% increase
over the previous year. The treatment given rose by a comparable amount. The proportion
of time of the total Dental Services of the Borough given to M.&.C.W. sessions
was 5%, which is close to the national average. More than 400 children under five
commenced on a course of treatment during the year and 300 of these completed their
treatment. This increase was largely due to more activity in the field of dental health
education. The figures also show an improvement in the ratio of fillings to extractions.
At St. George's H.S.C. an experimental open session of inspection, dental health
education, and instruction in oral hygiene was held jointly by the Dental Officer and
the Dental Auxiliary. This session was advertised widely and produced a very good
attendance of mothers interested in starting dental care for their young children. The
success of this special session held once a month during the year was reflected in the
increased demand for treatment of pre-school children.
Junior Training Schools
In April, under new legislation, the dental care of children attending Junior
Training Schools became the concern of the School Dental Service. There was however
no interruption in the continuity of treatment for these children. The Guy's Hospital
Mobile Dental Unit continued to operate at both Tuke and Kirkwood Schools and
plans were made to continue dental treatment by Borough Dental Staff when the Guy's
project ended at the end of 1971.
Dental Health Education
Dental Health Education activity was considerable and the number of sessions
devoted to this important aspect was greater than in any previous year. Talks were
given and discussions on dental care were held by the Dental Auxiliary at Mothers'
Clubs and Welfare Clinics as well as in the courses of visits to Day Nurseries. The
amount of dental decay still seen in the youngest children makes it essential to provide
information and advice to mothers on early dental care for their children.
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