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278
Preventive and Educative Measures.
A great deal of work is done by the teachers and dental
surgeons to educate parents and children in dental matters. At
the routine inspections the dental surgeon gives a talk to parents
at the end of the inspection. The mothers appear to be very
interested in the remarks which are made, as evidenced by the
many questions asked. During the year 19 talks were given
and 635 mothers attended. This is a part of the work which needs
extending, but under present conditions the staff has very little
time to spare for propaganda. The talks have now been given
for many years, but, unfortunately, the mothers the dental
surgeons would most like to get in touch with do not come.
Co-operation With Other Branches of the Service.
Interdepartmental co-operation is essential for the efficient
functioning of any scheme of prevention. The dental staff have
had the co-operation of their medical colleagues, and have in
turn co-operated with the medical officers when occasion arose.
Selhurst Road Clinic.
The review of the work at this Branch Clinic shows gratifying
progress. The number of attendances has increased, and also
the amount of conservative treatment and the number of
individual patients treated.
The 4,351 attendances prove the value of this Clinic, and
the results show that the Clinic is accomplishing very useful
work, which justifies its establishment in this neighbourhood.
The wide area covered by the town, and the very real danger
to children of traffic, if they have to travel long distances to a
Clinic, makes the foundation of further Branch Clinics a matter
requiring attention. It is, however, not possible with the present
dental staff to carry out this necessary extension. An additional
Clinic to serve the populous Waddon area is urgently required.