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118
Building and Maintenance.
As part of a campaign to encourage new comers into the Service
a scheme for re-organising and bringing up to date existing
Clinics is being systematically carried out. New and up to date
lighting has been installed at certain Branch Clinics which will
improve working conditions generally. Other items, such as chair
upholstery and anaesthetic equipment have received special
attention. Substantial progress has been made in redecoration and
improving the lay-out at other Surgeries to render them more
attractive to patients and staff. Unfortunately, some buildings
of the older type are still lacking by modern standards, and
recent adaptations must be regarded as a short term measure until
newer premises can be obtained.
Construction of the new Dental Centre at Stroud Green has
proceeded satisfactorily during recent months and building
should be completed in the reasonably near future. Provided the
fitting out and equipping can be carried through to schedule, it
is hoped that occupation should be possible in the late Spring
or early Summer of 1955. The new Centre will be of up-to-date
design and include certain new features which will allow a
broadening of the scope of treatment. A twin surgery unit has
been included for the treatment of school children, expectant
and nursing mothers and pre-school children. When in full operation
ancillary accommodation included will permit regular visits
by a Dental Consultant in connection with the Orthodontic Scheme,
and a part-time Oral Hygienist. The duties of the latter will be
largely of a preventative nature, including advice to mothers
and instructions to younger children on care of the teeth and
gums. Fuller details regarding the function and aims of the new
Centre will be found in the Maternity and Welfare Report. The
new premises will serve maintained schools in the Woodside,
Shirley and Monks Hill Districts and certain projected schools
in adjacent areas.
During the year a Survey of the mouths of children at certain
schools in the Borough was carried out by Staff from the Ministry
of Health. Details of findings are not at present available
as this work forms part of a comprehensive study on the incidence
of dental decay in British children, to be the subject of a
report to the World Health Organisation.