View report page

34
limited. Plans for providing a supplementary Dental Unit, in
connection with the existing Welfare Centre at Sal cot Crescent,
have made substantial headway and building is likely to commence
during the Autumn of 1957. To fill the interim period patients
from certain sections of the Building Estate are being dealt with
at the Shirley Road Centre, where additional part time sessions
will shortly commence.
Treatment at the Stroud Green Centre, opened in 1955, is being
gradually expanded, though at present this clinic is not completed
staffed. This has handicapped the development of certain work on
the preventative side outlined in last year's Report; this part
of the programme will, however, be implemented as the position
allows. Experience gained in the functioning of this particular
lay-out will be of considerable value in catering for the requirements
of other areas.
As in the case of the School Service difficulties in staffing
continue to be a major obstacle to meeting existing commitments
and emphasis has, therefore, at present to be placed on the
remedial rather than preventive aspect of the work.
Renovations and re-equipping of less modern clinics are continuing,
with the object of providing a higher standard of working
conditions for Staff and thus encouraging the intake of dentists
into the Service.
Expectant and Nursing Mothers
The total number of expectant and nursing mothers referred
from all sources was 491, compared with 744 in 1955. As was the
case in the previous year the greater proportion of these were
sent from the Ante-Natal Clinic; 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. The
percentage of mothers failing to attend for their dental examination
was the same as in the previous year, namely 23 per cent.
Expectant mothers examined for the first time numbered 324
against 457 last year. Of these, 72.5 per cent, were seen during
the first six months of pregnancy, compared with 77.5 per cent.
previously recorded. Those attending at later stages of then
confinements included some with pain or discomfort, which might
have been avoided had treatment been sought at an early date.