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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.
Though no major developments can be reported during the year
further progress has been made in "ironing out" irregularities
in the Service, and following the introduction of additional
sessions at the Overbury Clinic the position at New Addington
has shown a radical improvement. As a result of the increased
coverage of schools, measures can now be considered for a modest
expansion of facilities for mothers and pre-school children in
this district.
A pressing need is that of establishing earlier contact with
many young children whose mothers are in part or full time employment;
because of the closure of public Day Nurseries such
children now habitually spend considerable periods in the care
of grandparents or friends, and there is a tendency for visits
to dental clinics to be delayed until toothache intervenes. In
an attempt to counter this situation a closer liaison is being
established with Infant Welfare Centres, and it is hoped by this
means to further enlist the interest of Health Visitors, Doctors
and Social Workers in this problem.
To help bring renewed attention to existing facilities for
such children, an improved supply of Posters, Pamphlets and
Circulars should shortly be available for those able to assist
in this work.
As part of the general campaign for Health Education,
periodic Talks and Table demonstrations on dental subjects have
been given by Health Visitors at selected Welfare Centres; such
activities will, it is hoped, be instrumental in bringing home
to mothers the necessity for earlier supervision of the "milk"
teeth. Much credit is due to those initiating this experiment
in what may be considered a rather special field of work.