View report page

47
aside for the treatment of expectant mothers and young children
in the above area.
Progress with the new Dental Centre at Stroud Green has proceeded
satisfactorily during the latter part of the year and
completion should be possible during the coming months.
The new building, which is of modern design, will include
certain features which will add to the scope of treatment.
In addition to housing two full-time Dental Units, ancillary
accommodation will be provided to permit regular visits by a
Dental Consultant in connection with the Orthodontic Scheme.
Provision for the taking of X-Ray photographs on the premises
will be an added aid to diagnosis.
Besides the normal service for school children, extended
facilities will be possible for treatment of expectant and
nursing mothers and pre-school children with special emphasis on
the preventative side of this work. Practical demonstrations to
the younger children on the correct method of brushing the teeth
will be given by an Oral Hygienist, who will also advise parents
on minor dental matters. Activities of this kind should have the
effect of stimulating the toddlers' interest in dental care and
pave the way for more active treatment at a later date.
Expectant and Nursing Mothers.
The total number of expectant and nursing mothers referred
from all sources was 593, compared with 329 in 1953. As was the
case in the previous year the greater proportion of these were
sent from the Ante-Natal Clinic, whilst those from the Municipal
Midwives' Service were again reduced in number. With certain
exceptions fewer cases were again referred from Welfare Centres.
Despite shortage of staff, all those applying for treatment
received appointments to attend the Dental Clinic. Absenteeism
has shown a welcome decline and now stands at some 16 per cent.
of those referred for treatment.
Expectant mothers examined for the first time numbered 322
against 268 last year. Of these, 74.5 per cent. were seen during
the first six months of pregnancy, compared with 69.8 per cent.
previously recorded. It is significant that certain of those
attending at later stages of their confinements did so as the
result of pain or discomfort, which might have been avoided had
treatment been sought at an earlier date.
There has been a slight decrease in the amount of work carried
out for nursing mothers. In some cases this resulted from
late reference from the Ante-Natal Department which did not