View report page

DENTAL SERVICES
I am indebted to the Principal Dental Officer for the following report
The School Dental Service
The School Dental Service was able during 1972 to provide free Dental Treatment for any
school child in the Borough receiving education from the Local Authority, including those in
special schools. The percentage of the school roll inspected was 74%, this compares well with
the national average which is 58%. It is interesting to note that Headmasters now ring to find
out why we are late with our School Inspection, because they have become accustomed to their
inspection at a certain time of the school year. However, desirable as this is, it is not always
possible, due to staff shortage, to arrange regular inspection. It is also interesting to note that
the percentage of first inspections requiring treatment in Barking is 55%, this figure is also the
national average.
The number of children who commenced a course of treatment in 1972 was 5,059
compared with 4,617 in 1971, this is the first time that we have passed the five thousand mark.
There were 11,620 fillings completed, compared with 11,069 in 1971, and also noteworthy is
the ratio of permanent teeth filled to each extracted (national average 6.6) London Borough of
Barking (11.01).
Orthodontic treatment carried out during the year was satisfactory. It is difficult to
compare figures for one year with those of another year in orthodontics, as of cases commenced
in 1972, some could be completed in months,others may take years. However, the overall demand
for this part of the Dental Service is increasing.
Dental Health Education
The experiment, started in 1970, to distribute Dental Hygiene Kits to all new school
entrants was continued. This scheme is proving a great success, the large majority of Head Teachers
Teachers are very enthusiastic and co–operative. The Principal School Dental Officer visited
all infants schools in 1972 and distributed 2,222 Hygiene Kits. Nine schools requested a further
supply. I would like to thank the Health Education Officer for the various talks and film shows
that she arranged and gave in various Junior and Infants schools during the year.
Staffing
The staffing problem has been a "headache" for years. The common factor that governs
this problem is salary. During 1972 we could not replace a Dental Auxiliary who left at the end
of May, and it was with difficulty that we replaced a full time Dental Officer in February. I
would like to repeat what I said in my 1971 report – the continual changing of Den tall Staff at
any clinic is the surest way to decreasing attendances of children and subsequently the output
of work. Dentistry is and will always be, in my opinion, a very personal service.
Maternity and Child Welfare Services
Treatment was available at all Dental Clinics for expectant and nursing mothers, and
children under five years. During the year 1971 this service expanded well beyond any previous
year and I am pleased to report that in 1972 it has again increased in numbers attending and
output of work. The number of under fives inspected per Dental Officer was 155 and compares
well with the national average of 84. Under fives treated per Dental Officer/Dental Auxiliary
was 73 compared with the national average of 46, and the percentage of children age 3–4 years
treated was 8% compared with 4.5% national average.
51.