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46
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.
During the past year arrangements with Ante-Natal clinics
have continued to function satisfactorily and have resulted in a
reasonably even flow of patients; no radical changes in procedure
have therefore been called for from the administrative
angle. In contrast with the congestion of the post-war peak
period, the progressive reduction in the numbers referred has
led to a more even tempo on the dental side; this has greatly
facilitated the carrying out of initial treatment, whilst at the
same time permitting priority to be given to more urgent cases.
Minor problems have arisen over meeting the needs of
patients residing in "fringe" areas of the Borough, but these
have been met by fixing dental appointments to coincide with
subsequent visits to the Ante-Natal Clinic and thus eliminating
unnecessary travelling.
Though the percentage of broken appointments continued at
about the same level as in previous years, the proportion of
those inspected who opt for full treatment would appear to be on
the increase.
Even discounting the amount of treatment given, there is
little doubt that existing provision for inspection continues to
perform a worthwhile function by the early disclosure of
possible defects, and by stressing the importance of sustained
dental care for both Ante and Post Natal periods.
The response on the part of expectant and nursing mothers to
the improved facilities on the New Addington Estate has so far
been disappointing; an increase in attendances by pre-school
children at the Overbury Clinic has, however, been noted, and it
is hoped that this build-op will continue.