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Another matter of great satisfaction is to see the steadily improving dental
condition of children who have been included in the dental scheme for a period of
years. Undoubtedly some good work has been nullified by indifference on the
part of the patient after skilled treatment has been given, and again in the changeover
from infant to junior schools and junior to senior schools a number of children
unfortunately have joined their new schools after those schools have been finished,
and so missed inspection and treatment for too long a period.
The filling of temporary teeth is always of value and repays both the operator
and the patient, but, although so worth while, one is compelled to regard such work
as of lesser importance when a large school population needing dental attention to
permanent teeth is calculated to occupy fully the time of the staff. Also it should
be borne in mind that failure in the filling of a questionably saveable temporary
tooth can produce a prejudicial outlook in the mind of a parent in the choice of
filling permanent teeth later in the school life.
The teaching of dental hygiene in schools to children of twelve and over,
especially to girls, is earnestly advocated. In some cases where a few children
remain for the last day of a dental examination the privilege of addressing the
children has been sought from the Headmaster or Headmistress, and the results
provoke the greatest enthusiasm. Refusals of treatment have been minimised
and the children have attended for treatment with an enlightened and collected
outlook that has greatly assisted chair-side work. This policy should be furthered.
Again, where the teaching staff have personally reminded the scholars at
frequent intervals on the merits of regular use of the toothbrush, results have been
remarkably good. These methods are most economic. Less time is required in
examining a school where a percentage of sound mouths is high, the treatment of
the school occupies much less time at the Clinic and more frequent inspections are
possible.
It is too early yet to be able to state what dental benefit the supply of milk to
the school-children has produced, but the generally favourable results interest
considerably the outlook of those engaged in school dental work.
The modern school with its light airy rooms, pleasant internal arrangements,
and an educational system with greater mental freedom, in aiding to produce a fitter
child, does so in a general sense, and it is reasonable to expect that an improvement
in the dental condition has been closely related to such fitness. In this matter of
schools and service, Barking is singularly well placed, and it will be of the greatest
professional interest to follow during the next few years the progress which should
present itself.