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76
To the Medical Officer of Health.
From the Public Dental Officer.
Sir,—
I have the honour to submit the Report on the Dental
Service for the Maternity and Child Welfare Scheme for the year
ending December 31st, 1929.
During the year the administration of the service has been
under the care of three consecutive dental officers, but the changes
apparently have not disturbed the efficiency of the scheme.
Professional views differ in the matter of dental treatment as
in other branches of the healing profession, and where some are
insistent on conservative treatment their colleagues are equally
insistent that radical treatment is the only effective method of
protecting the health of the patient. Both are right, and it is the
judicious combination of the best of both methods with due consideration
of the patient's environment and habits, that makes
for the greatest success at the present stage of public dental
education in this country.
An expectant mother, careless in personal habits, already
possessing a family of size, usually will not tolerate conservative
treatment, and unfortunately her own wish for the removal of
affected teeth is the only possible line of treatment that is of any
healthful service to her. On the other hand a young mother who
still retains the influence of the lessons in hygiene now given in
school will consent to aid the Dental Surgeon in an endeavour to
clear up an unhealthy mouth by faithfully following advice as to
home treatment.
As the girl children of to-day are the potential mothers of tomorrow
the greatest aid to any maternity and child welfare scheme
is to teach hygiene, and to teach NOW, while the future mother is
of school age.