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at the Stroud Green Centre; however, this arrangement must be
regarded as an interim measure until more adequate accommodation
can be provided. A scheme for the addition of a Dental Wing to
the existing Welfare Centre at Salcot Crescent is being considered,
and it is hoped can be proceeded with in the near future.
Staffing
In the realm of Staffing the acquisition of suitable candidates
for this particular work continues to present a serious
problem; following repeated efforts one full-time vacancy only
could be filled during the year. Excluding the Consultant total
staff now comprises six Pull-time and three Part-time Dentists
representing the equivalent of 6.7 Pull-time Officers. Though
better placed than certain Authorities the present complement
is insufficient to meet existing needs, particularly in areas
where the rate of acceptance is abnormally high. One result of
this is to increase the time lag in treatment and reduce the
amount of attention received by the individual child.
Inspections
The number of children on the register at maintained schools
within the Borough at the close of 1955 was 36,006. Including an
additional 63 free-place scholars at grant assisted schools this
represents a sum total of 36,069.
During the year 72.4 per cent. of the school population were
examined, compared with 75. 7 per cent. in 1954, indicating a reduction
of 3.3 per cent. This decline was due chiefly to lack of
staff to cope with the overall increase in the school population
and also the unprecedented demand for treatment in the New
Addington district.
According to recent returns some 7,226 children received no
examination during 1955, compared with 6,570 previously. Despite
this fact the greater number of schools were visited at intervals
of between 12 and 15 months, indicating a slight advance on the
former year.
At those schools visited 26,114 were inspected and 12,874
(49.3 per cent.) referred for treatment, compared with 26,613
inspected and 12,961 (48.7 per cent.) referred in 1954.
In view of the present limitations relating to work which can
be carried out on temporary teeth, the above figure should not
be regarded as an index of the incidence of decay, which is
naturally appreciably higher. For practical purposes a mouth is
classed as "healthy" unless the case is actually referred for
treatment.