View report page

55
report of the dental surgeon.
May, 1937.
To the Medical Officer of Health,
Borough of Barking.
Sir,
I have the honour to present the Annual Report for the Dental Service of the
Maternity and Child Welfare work for 1936.
There is an increase in numbers in all branches of the Dental Service for the
year under review, and there seems to be a favourable reaction towards the
conservation of teeth by the younger mothers.
Many mothers between 37 and 40 years of age present themselves for treatment
in which a few teeth could be regarded as saveable if one was sure that some care
would be taken of the oral condition. Each of these cases has to be judged upon the
type of patient and the patient's environment, and it is an unfortunate but true
fact that if many of these saveable teeth were left in good faith, the patient would
presert herself for treatment within two years for the removal of such teeth.
This would involve both the patient and the Council in an uneconomic course of
treatment, and in these circumstances such teeth are removed. With the younger
mothers of course the question rarely arises.
I have to I hank the Medical and Nursing Staff and the Health Visitors for their
very generous help for without their support it is obvious that the Dental Work
for the Maternity and Child Welfare Scheme would not meet with the success it does.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
W. H. FOY,
L.D.S., R.C.S. (ENG.),
Public Dental Officer.