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96
During 1948 an appreciable number of prospective mothers
received their inspection during the “fourth” month of pregnancy,
and approximately 82 per cent. commenced treatment before the
expiration of the "sixth" month. Excluding those who failed to
keep appointments, very few of those referred remained uninspected
at the close of the year.
Expectant Mothers.
Expectant mothers examined during the year numbered 87-3
compared with 658 last year, and represented 92.6 per cent. of the
total number of new cases examined. Of the above, 82 per cent.
presented themselves during the first six months of pregnancy.
The remainder seen during a later stage included some who failed
to keep earlier appointments or had "declined" dental treatment
when this was previously advised in the Ante-Natal Clinic.
Nursing Mothers.
New cases referred were 69 compared with 107 last year.
Those seen during the first six months after their confinement
constituted 72 per cent. of the total number referred, compared
with 8] per cent. last year. Mothers with infants between seven
and twelve months were referred from Post-Natal Clinics and
Welfare Centres for emergency treatment.
Treatment.
Including those continuing treatment from the previous year,
the total of mothers treated was 1,063, compared with 908 in 1947.
With minor exceptions, once treatment had been begun clinics
were well attended, and most patients appeared to take a keen
interest in the service. As in previous years a substantial amount
of conservative work was performed. In many mouths wholesale
removal of teeth was, unfortunately, the only remedy. Dentures
inserted numbered 228 against 264 last year.
One disappointing feature of the present scheme is that
during the current year approximately 36 per cent. of those
referred failed to keep their appointments for the initial dental
inspection to be carried out. Though "follow-up" enquiries have
established that treatment has in a great many cases been
received privately, the time lost by such "lapses" is considerable,
and it would be helpful if some indication as to their desire to
attend the dental clinic could be elicited when such patients are
referred from the various medical departments.
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