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14
Whilst for the most part the arrangements for treatment in
the School Dental Service can be said to be reasonably satisfactory,
commitments entered into during recent years mean that
available personnel is now fully extended in meeting the requirements
of the newer areas. For these reasons the staffing
position continues to be delicate, and recently a drop in
sessions by part-time officers has given rise to some anxiety.
Though in 1962 a new level in coverage of schools has been
achieved, this was largely as the result of favourable conditions
earlier in the year, and in the light of subsequent setbacks
this advance may be difficult to maintain. A relevant
factor in this connection is the continuing growth in the school
population, which necessitates an increased amount of time for
routine inspections, thus reducing the available sessions for
treatment. Because of the importance of maintaining an appropriate
balance between statutory and clinical requirements,
plans for any future expansion must remain tentative until it is
possible to forecast more accurately the demand-rate in certain
localities.
In an attempt to improve efficiency and at the same time encourage
new entrants into the Service, further attention has
been given to the up-grading of older clinics and increasing
the comfort of patients and staff. Large scale repairs and maintenance
have been carried out to the Dental Clinic in Selhurst
Road, so as to bring these premises more into line with modern
requirements.
Very substantial progress is now reported with the construction
of the joint Welfare and Dental Centre on the Coldharbour
Site, and given favourable conditions occupation should
be possible during the early summer months. Unfortunately continued
lack of "on the spot" facilities has produced a marked
"falling off" of patronage of the Dental Service from schools in
this area, and it is anticipated even after commencing operation
an appropriate "build-up" period will be required to reawaken
local interest. In the matter of siting and general amenities
the new premises should be particularly well placed in meeting
the requirements of expectant mothers and young children, and at
the same time serving the needs of all major schools in this
area.
Plans for stepping up the amount of Dental Health Education
to schools, outlined in the last Report, have met with some
success and an increasing number of "Talks", "Toothbrush Drill
etc. have been reported by Health Visitors in Infant and Junior
Departments. An improved range of posters, instruction models
and other "novelties" are now available to assist these act
ivities, as well as attractive and colourful exhibits construct
ed by the Health Education section. Efforts have also been made