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14
Orthodontic Unit.
Excellent work continues to be carried out by the Orthodontic
Unit in meeting the requirements of those with more complicated
dental irregularities.
Though there has been a substantial increase in those attending,
the Specialist reports that there is still a limited waiting
list for treatment at the Shirley Centre, which also serves
the New Addington Estate.
Consultation with dental officers in prior planning of treatment
has now become an established practice in the local service,
and special emphasis in the "timing" of remedial measures is
proving of considerable help in shortening the duration of treatment.
Additional comments regarding this treatment will be found
in a later paragraph of this Report.
Dental Health Education
During the year talks to children on Oral Hygiene have been
undertaken by the Health Education Officer as part of her general
Health Course to Schools, and it is hoped that these can be
extended in the future.
At a time of shortage of dental manpower the above appears
to be a realistic method of imparting at least the basic knowledge
of the more important factors in reducing decay, together with
more detailed instruction in the correct method of cleaning the
teeth.
Inspections
The number of children on the register at maintained schools
within the Borough at the close of 1957 was 36,909. Including an
additional 46 free-place scholars at grant assisted schools this
represents a sum total of 36,955.
During the year 82 per cent. of the school population were
examined compared with 78.9 per cent. in 1956. Whilst the above
figure indicates a slight gain, the interval between successive
inspections in areas on the eastern side of the Borough has also
increased very appreciably because of the high acceptance rate.
According to recent returns some 5,145 children received no
examination during 1957, compared with 7,134 previously, indicating
a slight advance since last year.