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namely, 9,498 in 1960 as compared with 5,581 in 1959 and
4,172 in 1958. There has, also, been a further decrease in the
percentage of children found at these inspections to require
treatment—75% in 1958, 64% in 1959 and 57% in 1960.
These figures are, of course, still far too high but, at least,
they suggest that we are not losing ground and that there
is room, perhaps, for a guarded optimism.
The development of schemes for the training of dental
auxiliaries may, in the future, relieve the pressure on the
dental staffing position. The questior of the fluoridation of
water supplies still awaits the results of the pilot surveys
which are being carried out in a few selected areas in the
country and which are being carefully watched by governmental
and other agencies.
A further development in the School Dental Service has
been the introduction of the new aii rotor high speed drill
which not only makes dental treatment a much more comfortable
experience for the patient but also, I am informed,
enables more children to be treated per session.
I have to report, with deep regret, the death of Mrs.
Rant, the Speech Therapist, who had been responsible for
this work in the Borough for many years. This matter is
referred to in greater detail on page 66.
I have, also, to report the impending retirement of Miss
M. C. A. Smith, Senior Clerk in the School Health Department,
on September 30th, 1961. Miss Smith has spent 40
years in the School Health Service—15 years in Bexley and
the remaining 25 years in the Borough of Erith. Bearing in
mind that the Service came into being in this country only
54 years ago, such a long period of unbroken service must
be comparatively rare. I should like to take this opportunity
of thanking Miss Smith for the great work which she has
done during these many years of loyal and devoted service
and to wish her a long and happy retirement.
I wish to record also, the excellent team work of all
members of the staff on which the success of the School
Health Service so largely depends and to express my appreciation
of the help which I have received during the year
from the Chairman and Members of the Committee, from
Miss Smith, the Senior Clerk, from the County Medical
Officer and his staff and from the Borough Education Officer
and his Department.
I am, Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
JOHN LANDON,
Medical Officer of Health.
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