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13
SCHOOL DENTAL SERVICE
P.G. Oliver Esq., L. D. S., Principal School Dental Officer:-
This Service provides routine inspection and treatment for
those attending Borough Primary, Secondary, Technical and Special
Schools. A limited number of children from "grant aided" schools
approved by the local Education Committee are also eligible for
treatment. In conjunction with the above Service facilities are
also provided for those referred under Health, Maternity Welfare
and Mental Deficiency Schemes. Particulars of work carried out
in connection with the above will be found in the appropriate
Report.
Introduction
The decision by the Borough Council to give general approval
to a scheme for the addition of fluoride to the town's
water supplies, is in full accord with the policy lately recommended
by the Minister of Health, and will be specially welcomed
by all those interested in the welfare of the young. In addition
to being relatively simple to apply, the plan represents
an imaginative step in preventive medicine, and compared with
other methods of application produces the most uniform results.
Findings from world wide Surveys on the application of this salt
(at approved levels) are now so overwhelming as to merit serious
attention of all major Health Authorities in the country.
Careful and painstaking research has for some years been
conducted into possible medical and dental hazards resulting
from the intake of fluoride, and it is comforting to note that
such dangers are now fully discounted in expert circles; even
so it can be presupposed that following any general application
of this method any "new trends" would receive constant study,
and the interest of the public would remain paramount. For those
assailed hy doubts regarding the wisdom of this so-called "mass
medication" it can be fairly argued that far from causing contamination,
the essence of this therapy is merely to replace
certain "trace elements" so necessary for our dental welfare,
and in so doing to bring the water nearer to the ideal and
natural state. Because of the several "undertakings" involved,
some delays must be anticipated before the scheme can become operative,
even so it is hoped that obstacles encountered will be
of a minor character and not lead to any undue postponement of
this worthwhile measure.