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DENTAL SERVICES
SCHOOL DENTAL SERVICES
The school dental service in Barking was able during 1966 to provide full
dental treatment to any schoolchild receiving education under the local authority.
The number of children first inspected at school in 1966 was double that of 1965.
The staffing position in 1966 showed an improvement over 1965. The position
of a Senior Dental Officer was established, and the first Senior Dental Officer
in the borough was appointed on 1st April 1966. An establishment was created to
include a third Dental Auxiliary. I am pleased also to say that two of our
part-time sessional Dental Officers applied for full-time appointments in the
borough and were appointed.
CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT AND ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT
More teeth are being saved from the need for extraction today than ever
before, and I am happy to report that our work in this very important field of
dentistry increased during 1966. The rather specialised field of orthodontic
treatment showed an increase over 1965, and I am pleased to say that many parents
and children were made a lot happier as the result of successful orthodontic
treatment. I would like also to mention the excellent service given during the
year by the Consultant Orthodontist at Whipps Cross Hospital, on the more
difficult cases requiring treatment.
DENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION
The dental staff of the borough, dental officers, dental auxiliaries and
dental Burgery assistants, did a very excellent job in this field. Dental health
talks were given at all school inspections, and instruction was given at the
chairside to all patients. The Principal Dental Officer gave two talks with
demonstrations on orthodontic work to Parent Associations and Young Wives
Associations in the evening. The Senior Dental Officer attended a Dental Health
Conference at the General Dental Council during July, and much was learnt about
the technique required to get dented health education across to the public.
GENERAL COMMENTS
The first major inspection by a dental officer from the Department of
Education and Science of the dental services in the borough was made in
February 1966. His report was sent to the appropriate committees.
The post-graduate courses granted to dental officers by the Health Committee
were all attended; these courses are very valuable to all dental officers.
Ford Road Clinic was closed for nine months during 1966. Two new dental
surgeries were equipped at Annie Prendergast Clinic.
MATERNITY AND CHILD WELFARE DENTAL SERVICES
Dental treatment was available during 1966 at all clinics in the London
Borough of Barking for expectant and nursing mothers and for children under five
years old. It is interesting to note that the number of fillings done in
children (age 0-4 inclusive) was 1,154, compared with 345 in the year 1965.
This achievement is due to the magnificent work done by our dental auxiliaries.
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