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33
DENTAL TREATMENT (MATERNITY AND CHILD WELFARE)
I am indebted to the Principal Dental Officer, P.G. Oliver,
Esq., L. D. S., for the following report:-
Expectant and nursing mothers requiring dental treatment are
referred by Medical Officers attending Ante- and Post-Natal
Clinics. In the case of children below school age introduction is
effected by the Dentists themselves, from Infant Welfare Centres
or through personal initiative of Health Visitors. Treatment of
the above patients is carried out at School Dental Clinics, being
closely co-ordinated with work on the Education side.
Following last year' s improved response it is somewhat disappointing
to again report a fall in the number of expectant
mothers referred for dental examination, together with a corresponding
decline in/those receiving treatment. Whilst it is understandable
that many of those visiting Ante-Natal Clinics should
prefer to attend their own dentists, there are clearly a proportion
attending for the first time who do not fully appreciate the
value of early advice regarding the condition of their mouths,
andwhoare therefore 1ikely to postpone this necessary precaution.
For such patients the carrying out of a periodic dental check up
by doctors can be of special value in disclosing possible oral
neglect.
Some anxiety is also felt for expectant mothers remaining in
the care of outside medical practitioners, to whom similar precautions
should apply. For those not in possession of a regular
dental adviser, visits to Local Authority Clinics can be arranged.
Though there has been some reduction in the number of preschool
children seen at the clinic, periodic fluctuations have
been common place during recent years and the position is relatively
more satisfactory. Despite continued efforts by Health Visitors
and Dental staff it has not been possible entirely to make
good the effects of the closure of Day Nurseries, which in the
past provided a valuable contact with this age group. At present
the greater proportion of requests for treatment are received at
the Dental Clinic and references from Welfare Centres have been
disappointing, but until more time is available for personal
visits by dentists, little improvement can be expected from this
quarter.
As on the Education side coverage for the Borough as a whole
is reasonably adequate, but pressure of work continues to be
greatest at New Addington where facilities for treatment are