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45
brushing the teeth will be given to younger children by an Oral
Hygienist who will at the same time be available to carry out
prophylactic treatment for mothers and advise them on general
dental care.
It has been somewhat unfortunate that the major increase in
demand for dental welfare has occurred at New Addington, where
clinic facilities are already strained by the rapid growth of
the school population. Added to this, more recent developments
have been so significant as to call for a drastic reassessment
of future requirements for this area.
To meet more immediate needs it is hoped that those in less
remote sections of the Estate can receive attention at the Stroud
Green Centre, though this may entail a certain delay in treatment.
At the time of writing comprehensive proposals have been
submitted for the erection of a Dental wing to the existing
Welfare Centre in Salcot Crescent, with provision for a further
extension, should this be necessary at a later date. Because of
the pressing need it is hoped that early sanction will be given
to these proposals which would considerably increase both school
and M. and C. W. amenities for this district.
Expectant and Nursing Mothers.
The total number of expectant and nursing mothers referred
from all sources was 744, compared with 593 in 1954. 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, almost all those applying for treatment
received an initial appointment to attend the Dental Clinic.
Absenteeism again shows an increase, recording 23 per cent.
compared with 16 per cent. last year.
Expectant mothers examined for the first time numbered 457
against 322 last year. Of these, 77.5 per cent. were seen during
the first six months of pregnancy, compared with 74.5 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 little change 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 permit