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REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL SCHOOL DENTAL OFFICER
When considering the Dental Health of a child, one tends to underestimate the damage
which can be caused by poorly aligned teeth. In general terms poorly aligned teeth form
the basic of orthodontic treatment. The causes of teeth being irregular are many and
varied. These causes are looked for by the Dental Surgeon and attempts to eliminate
them are constantly being made. When, however, the teeth are not normally positioned
in the mouth, the proper cleaning of the teeth can be difficult, which leads to eventual
loss. This makes orthodontic treatment a very vital part of dentistry. The more regular
form of the dental arch, does much to eliminate food particles between teeth, and thus
reduces gum disease. The progress of some gum diseases is such that premature loss of
teeth occurs. As much of this kind of disease can be prevented by orthodontic treatment,
it is important that this treatment should have a firm place in our School Dental Service.
With this in mind consideration is being given to increase further this service within the
Borough.
In July 1968 the Cressingham Road Dental Clinic, in common with the rest of that
Clinic, closed down for alterations. Dental Surgery No.2 at Mill Hill Clinic was used as
a base for operations, and the Dental Surgeon carried out her duties for Cressingham
Road Clinic from Mill Hill.
During the year the Quinquennial Survey was conducted in the Borough. The full
result of this is shown on Page 123.
A Pre-School Children's Nutritional Survey was carried out by the Department of Health
and Social Security. The results of this will be made known at a later date.
Equipment
An X-Ray machine and a new cabinet were added to the equipment at Watling Clinic.
Dental Laboratory
The Dental Laboratory continued to supply the various apparatus required by the
dental surgeries and in addition prosthetic work for the London Borough of Enfield and
Haringey; with regard to the latter however this discontinued in September, 1968.
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