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47
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 under school age introduction
is effected through Infant Welfare Centres and similar institutions.
A substantial number of applications is also made
direct to the Dental Clinics themselves, or as a result of
requests from Health Visitors. Treatment for patients in all
categories is carried out at School Dental Clinics and is closely
linked with work on the Education side.
Since the inception of the National Health Service, added
facilities for treatment in the General Dental Service have
resulted in a very substantial reduction in the amount of work
undertaken for expectant and nursing mothers at Local Authority
Clinics. Though there have been minor fluctuations in demand
over the years, this preference for attending general practitioners
seems to be firmly established and likely to remain a
Permanent feature.
Whilst it is reasonable that those in receipt of regular
attention should continue to visit the dentist of their choice,
this desirable habit is by no means universal, and there is still
evidence to suggest that at least a proportion of those at
present opting for outside treatment do not fully appreciate the
preventive aspect of the Scheme, and are inclined to delay
matters if no discomfort is felt.
Because of these omissions the necessity for an overall
supervision is still apparent, and thus Dental Officers perform
a worth-while function by their endeavours to see that as many
as possible attending Ante-Natal Clinics are in receipt of an
initial examination of the mouth during the early months of
pregnancy. By so doing, requirements can be assessed whilst the
Patient is in a receptive state of mind and more likely to
accede to treatment. Though in practice not all those to whom
forms are issued present themselves for the required inspection,
this procedure is of great value, and if linked with suitable
'follow-up" measures by medical colleagues, concrete results
can be obtained.
One benefit resulting from the reduction in numbers referred
to Local Authority Clinics has been the virtual