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273
Early calling-up for treatment after a school inspection is the
best way to increase the number of acceptances. The inspection
of very large numbers of children at each session should be
avoided, as it may result in an omission to note certain defects
that should be recorded, and also because too rapid examination
does not impress parents with the importance of dental diagnosis,
and, for that reason, they may fail to sign consent forms.
There are, unfortunately, a number of people who appear
absolutely indifferent to the value of dentistry and its relation to
health, and it is difficult to educate them. Sympathy, tact and
good dentistry can help considerably to reduce fear of treatment.
Foliwing Up.
The following up of some cases has brought good results,
but there are some parents who agree to have treatment for their
children as an excuse for getting rid of the visitor, and then fail
to send their children to the Clinic when an appointment is made.
in the case of children referred for treatment prior to throat
operation and failing to keep appointments, non-attendance forms
are issued to the Health Visitors for following up. During the
year 141 such forms were issued.
Eight cases of persistent refusals by parents whose children
had marked suppuration of the teeth from chronic abscesses,
resulting from neglect of dental treatment, and were suffering in
health thereby, were referred to the National Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Children. The intervention of the
Society's Inspector was successful in obtaining the subsequent
attendance of six children.
In addition, 165 sessions were occupied in other than school
work (vide sections of the report dealing with Maternity and Child
Welfare, Tuberculosis and Mental Deficiency). £361 l1s. 6d.
was received from patients for treatment and in voluntary box
contributions. The charge for treatment under all the dental
schemes is 6d. per attendance and 1s. 6d. if "gas" is administered.
Cases of real necessity are treated free.
Special Cases.
It is necessary to provide some facilities for special cases and
for the relief of pain. These comprise (a) cases requiring treatment