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74
the cost of tooth brush and paste. I therefore suggest that
the Education Committee authorise the buying of a quantity
of tooth brushes and the sale of same to the children at cost
price.
Note.—The cost of the brushes would be very much below
the retail price, they would be of good quality and correct
shape, and would be a great advantage to the public, whose
children attend our schools.
lb. Refusals.—It is my duty to make every attempt to
reduce the percentage of Refusals until finally all school
children are under treatment, if, and when necessary.
3. Child Welfare work is absolutely essential, as more real good
can be done in the care of the teeth prior to the age of five years
than could possibly be done subsequent to that age. At present
nothing is done for children between the ages of birth and five years.
4. Mal-occlusion or Irregularity of Teeth.—There are 42 school
children who have been inspected and found to be suffering from
irregularity of the teeth to the extent that immediate treatment is
essential. These children have not been attended to, because the
treatment connected with such cases is long and arduous and could
not be attempted without assistance, except at the expense of other
school children. Mal-occlusion is one of the immediate causes of
decay in teeth, hence the treatment of same is not only advisable,
but essential also.
5. An increase in the number of adults (Women) attending the
Dental Clinic in connection with the Maternity and Child Welfare
Dental Scheme is desirable. Not only for their own benefit, but also
because I consider this scheme should be self-supporting; that is
to say, the fees charged, which have given complete satisfaction to
all those who have already taken advantage of the treatment offered,
should be such that the cost of material and making be included and
even the salaries of those connected with the work.
Note.—The salary derived from the School Dental work is
not included in the above statement. In order, therefore, that