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also an increase in the number of extractions of temporary teeth
from 9,785 in 1936 to 12,025 in 1937. As 3,505 more children
were treated in 1937 the increase in dental extractions is to be
expected.
Local anaesthesia was given on 3,570 occasions as against 3,074
in 1936, for the extraction of teeth, also for the preparation of painful
cavities. Nitrous oxide was administered on 2,640 occasions, as
compared with 2,075 in 1936. At the Lodge Road Treatment
Centre ''gas'' is administered by the dental officers who devoted
94 sessions to this work. At the Selhurst and Waldrons Clinics,
"gas" is administered by medical officers and 97 sessions were
set apart for this purpose.
Special Cases.
The number of special forms issued by head teachers was 2,384,
as against 2,057 in 1936. There has unfortunately been an increase
in the number of ''specials'' but until there is sufficient staff to
enaible every child to be inspected annually and treated if required
the number of "specials" will not be substantially reduced.
Children who would have been called up as routine cases, had they
been inspected, have been unable to wait for the inspection and
consequently have been compelled through pain to seek treatment.
Refusal of Treatment.
In 1937, 42.5 per cent. of parents who were offered treatment
for their children did not consent to clinic treatment. A small
percentage would probably obtain private treatment but the
majority would only visit a private practitioner in case of
" toothache." The present acceptance rate of 57.5 per cent, is
slightly lower than the average for the country but it nevertheless
provides more work than the present staff can accomplish. It is,
therefore, important that the dental officers should not waste
precious minutes treating "refusal cases" when they suffer from
toothache. As much of the dental officers' time and energy as
possible should he conserved in treating those children whose
parents have consented to routine treatment. For several years
past it has been the practice to eliminate from the scheme, as far
as is practicable, children whose parents have refused treatment of
the permanent teeth for three consecutive years. At one time head
teachers were sent lists of names of such children with instructions
not to issue emergency forms to the children concerned, but owing
to insufficient clerical staff it was found impossible to continue this
useful method of restriction.