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50
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- find 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.
As stated in the School Report the principal focus of
activity continues to be that of improving facilities for residents
on the New Addington Estate, where shortage of clinic
accommodation has for a long period been the main obstacle to
meeting the needs of this community.
During the past year the final stage of reconstruction at
the Overbury Clinic, which was commenced in 1958, has been completed,
resulting in a spacious and much improved Dental Unit.
The provision of additional draught proof doors in the main
corridor has greatly increased the comfort of patients during
the winter months, without detracting from the general amenities
of the school;whilst the introduction of a second fully equipped
surgery is already playing a substantial role in reducing the
previous bottle-neck in treatment. In addition to an increased
coverage for schools, a greatly extended service should in
future be possible for all expectant and nursing mothers and
pre-school children in this district. Steps to publicise the
new amenities have recently been undertaken at various Welfare
Centres with the object of developing this side of the work.
Some concern is felt at the delay in providing alternative
dental accommodation for the Waddon area, to replace the premises
in Duppas Hill Lane now scheduled for demolition. Unfortunately,
because of lack of space on available sites it has not been
found possible to include a clinic block as part of any schools
planned for this district. A current scheme for incorporating
a dental unit in a proposed Welfare Centre is much to be recommended,
and could play a useful role in encouraging early
attention for toddlers. Because of the very considerable increase
in the school population, the need for adequate facilities
for this area is becoming increasingly apparent.