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DENTAL SERVICES
I am indebted to the Principal Dental Officer for the following
reportt-
SCHOOL DENTAL SERVICE
The School Dental Service was able during 1971 to provide full dental
treatment for any school child in the Borough receiving education from the
local authority including those in special schools. The number of school
roll inspected at school and at clinics was 21,525, of this number 10,890
required treatment and had treatment offered. Children in the Borough paid
12,235 visits to the various dental clinics for treatment.
CONSERVATION AND ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT
There were 7,419 fillings in permanent teeth and 3,650 fillings in
deciduous teeth a total of 11,069. This is 709 fillings more than in 1970.
The amount of orthodontic trestment carried out during the year was
satisfactory; 44 new cases were commenced, six children were referred to
the Dental Consultant at Whipps Cross Hospital.
DENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION
The experiment started in 1970 of distributing dental hygiene kits to
all new school entrants was continued. The Principal School Dental Officer
visited all infant schools and spoke to all head teachers in infant schools.
Crest interest was shown by head teachers, many asked for dental health
posters and dental literature. Others asked for talks and film shows on
dental health. All this has been done, all agreed that the distribution of
dental hygiene kits was an excellent idea.
STAFFING
The year 1971 had many problems, so far as full time staff was concerned.
We started 1971 with two full time officers short, in February one new full
time officer commenced duty. She stayed until July 31st when she left as
the journey to her home and back each day took over two hours. Two sessional
dental officers were employed in August, both proved to be very satisfactory,
and requested full-time appointments. One was appointed full-time in September,
and one in October. However, the officer appointed in October decided to
return to Scotland in November, so we were, so to speak, "back to square one".
I would at this point, like to say that in my opinion nothing has a more
adverse effect on the dental treatment of children than the continual changing
of dental staff.
MATERNITY AND CHILD WELFARE DENTAL SERVICES
Dental treatment was available at all dental clinics for expectant and
nursing mothers, and children under five years of age. In the year 1971,
this service expanded considerably. Comparing inspections with 1969 and
1970 when 417 and 625 children had inspections, in 1971, 775 children were
inspected. Of these 775 inspected, 507 commenced a course of dental treatment
and 420 completed a course of dental treatment. 772 fillings were completed,
the highest number ever in the Borough.
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