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155
SCHOOL DENTAL SERVICE.
This service deals chiefly with the inspection and treatment
of children attending Borough Primary, Secondary, Technical
and Special Schools. "Free-Place" scholars of certain nonmaintained
schools, approved by the local Education Authority,
are also eligible for treatment.
In addition to the above, facilities are provided for those
referred under Maternity and Child Welfare, Tuberculosis and
Mental Deficiency Schemes.
The present staff consists of six full-time dental officers. The
appointment of a further officer has been sanctioned and this
vacancy will be filled as soon as the necessary surgery accommodation
is available.
Arrangements for Treatment.
At present the major portion of the treatment is carried out
at the Lodge Road Health Centre, where three surgeries are
designed to work as a centralised unit. A fourth surgery has
recently been introduced, but the latter is of a temporary character
to serve until the proposed extension of the above premises can
be completed.
Additional treatment centres are provided at Duppas Hill and
South Norwood; in both localities, however, accommodation is
extremely limited and improved facilities are badly needed. As
a relief measure plans were put into operation some time ago for
the opening of a new surgery in the Woodside area. Unfortunately,
building restrictions have prevented the necessary alterations
being carried out during the current year. It is hoped
that it will be possible for this work to be proceeded with as soon
as ministerial sanction can be obtained. To meet expanding
requirements on the eastern side of the Borough provisional
arrangements have been made for a temporary dental clinic on
the New Addington housing estate. This project is bejng put
in hand as soon as circumstances permit.
In addition to the above mentioned provisions, a further
long term plan of development has been drawn up to meet future
education commitments and is outlined later in this report.
Staffing.
At present insufficient personnel is available to cope with
the demands made upon the Service. The fact that one dentist's
time is completely taken up with work in connection with the
M. and C.W. Scheme, means that only five officers are available