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65
REPORT OF THE DENTAL SURGEON.
May, 1938.
To the Medical Officer of Health,
Borough of Barking.
I have the honour to present the Annual Report of the Dental Work under the
Maternity and Child Welfare Scheme for the year ending 31st December, 1937.
Figures are comparable with those of last year, an increase of approximately
one hundred dentures supplied being the most noticeable variation.
The number of patients attending for treatment at the Woodward Clinic is
larger than that which can be adequately handled and to overcome this, a certain
percentage now attend the East Street and Central Clinics for prosthetic work to
relieve the pressure that is experienced with this part of the treatment. No
patients for extractions attend the Central Clinic from the Woodward area except
in emergency, as a journey following extractions under nitrous oxide anaesthesia is
not considered advisable.
Considerable prejudice still exists against the filling of temporary teeth and it
is difficult to convince parents that very little discomfort is experienced by children
of six years of age and under while such work is carried out.
I have to thank the Medical and Nursing Staff and the Health Visitors for their
very generous assistance and to assure them that the effect of their good offices really
is noticeable in the attitude that parents and expectant mothers are now taking
towards dental treatment.
I have the honour to be, Sir
Your obedient Servant,
W. H. FOY,
L.D.S., R.C.S. (ENG.),
Senior Dental Officer.