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SCHOOL DENTAL SERVICE
During the year the staff position has been as follows:-
5 Full-time Dental Officers
3 Part-time Dental Officers (equivalent to 16 /ll
full-time), with several changes in the
first quarter of the year
1 Part-time Orthodontist (6/11 - 7/11)
The vacancy caused by the illness and subsequent retirement
in February of Mr. V. Sainty, Area Dental Officer, was not filled
until the end of September.
One full-time and one part-time dental officers are re-employed
after reaching pensionable age; and we are grateful for their services,
but they can only be considered as a short term policy, with doubtful
prospects, of replacement.
19,438 children were inspected, and of these 60% required
treatment. There is evidence that many children are receiving
regular treatment through the National Health Service.
The work of the department proceeded steadily during the year,
and the ratio of permanent teeth filled to permanent teeth extracted
as a result of disease was 9.7 : 1.
161 evening sessions were carried out and proved very popular.
The orthodontic clinic continues to have a long waiting list for
treatment and there is urgent need for expansion of the service,
especially in Hornsey. Dental officers themselves undertook cases
in 108 sessions and thereby diverted time required for their basic
dental surgery duties.
A disturbing fact connected with all treatments is the large
and increasing number of broken appointments. They have risen
each year from 19.7% in 1957 to 22.1% in 1960. It is noticeable
that these are fewer where there has been continuity of staff and
where the patient can depend on being treated by the same dental
officer. Equally important in this matter is the dental attendant of
experience.
The old type of surgery is gradually being re-equipped and
brought into line with modern requirements. Good working conditions
are necessary if dental officer staff are to be encouraged to enter
our service. It is also planned to instal five high speed air
turbines in 1961.
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