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122
SCHOOL DENTAL SERVICE
Report of the Principal School Dental Officer, Mr. P.G. Oliver.
The function of this Service is to provide routine inspection
and treatment for those attending Borough Primary, Secondary,
Technical and Special Schools. "Free-place" scholars at certain
non-maintained schools approved by the local Education Committee
are also eligible for treatment.
In co-ordination with the above Service facilities are also
provided for those referred under Maternity and Child Welfare
and Mental Deficiency Schemes. Particulars of work carried out
in connection with the former will be found in the appropriate
Report.
Introduction
A major event of the past year has been the opening of the
new Dental Centre at Stroud Green, Shirley Road. In addition to
providing badly needed surgery accommodation, the unique siting
of this building will permit a more equitable distribution of
treatment facilities in this part of the Borough, thus reducing
travelling time for those in the Ashburton and Monks Hill districts.
Comprising two independent surgery units the New Centre has
been specially planned to assist the promotion of the preventive
and other Services outlined in previous Reports. Besides meeting
the increased needs of the School Dental Service, special emphasis
will be given to the supervision of Expectant and Nursing
Mothers and Pre-school Children. Though staffing is not yet
complete the new venture has fully justified its inception, and
should prove a valuable acquisition to the Service.
A further welcome development has been the appointment of a
part-time Consultant to advise on Orthodontic problems and undertake
the correction of advanced cases. This addition to the Staff
will substantially increase the amenities for treatment and bring
the local Service into line with other progressive Authorities.
Whilst throughout the greater part of the Borough treatment
has been maintained at a reasonable level, the position at New
Addington is far from satisfactory, because of the rapid increase
in the school population and a virtual lack of any alternative
means of treatment.
To relieve the serious congestion at the Overbury Clinic,
certain groups of children are temporarily receiving attention