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11
Dr. B. C. Hamilton reports as follows on the working of the
Dental Scheme:—
"There has been a general increase during 1933 in the
number of children dentally inspected and in the number of
operations, both radical and conservative, performed at the School
Clinic. The fillings in permanent teeth continue to increase In
number and it is very satisfactory to see that this most
important part of preventive dentistry is becoming increasingly
popular with parents and children. Every effort is made to
encourage early conservative work on the permanent teeth where
necessary, to avoid extensive restoration or extraction at a later
date.
"During the year the Senior Schools have all been visited by
the Dental Board's Demonstrator, and children of eleven years
old and upwards have been given a short talk on the structure
and care of the teeth, followed by an exhibition of models of the
teeth and jaws. It has been noticed that this has tended to
increase the number of acceptances of clinic treatment and to
improve the attitude of the children towards dental work.
"The help of the Head Teachers in organising the Dental
Service on a time-saving basis and In encouraging an early
acceptance of treatment has been very valuable, particularly
in making unnecessary a large number of casual inspections.
These casual inspections consist of those children who have
been absent from school at the time of the dental inspection
and of those for whom for some reason Intermittent
advice or treatment is desired; but the casual inspection
of those who have omitted to take advantage of conservative
treatment offered, and who later apply for radical
treatment on account of pain, unnecessarily delays the routine
of inspection and treatment, and every effort by the Head
Teachers and the nurses is mads to avoid this.
"A general improvement in the teeth of the school children
continues to be noticeable and the number of very septic conditions
and infected mouths becomes smaller each year. It is
hoped that early conservative treatment, advice on oral hygiene
and Improvement in general health of school entrants will
continue to decrease the need for dental treatment."
b. c. hamilton.
Infectious Disease.
The year 1933 was a "quiet" year so far as infectious
diseases are concerned. No outbreak was specially associated
with any of the schools.
Open-Air Education.
In fine weather playground classes are held at several of
the schools. School journeys and camps are becoming more
popular.