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15
to enlist the support of certain teaching staff in the idea of
introducing dental topics at suitable intervals and by so doing
maintain the "tempo"; However, it must be admitted that time is
likely to be a limiting factor in this matter. Arrangements for
film shows at schools have been handicapped by projector difficulties
and until these can be overcome little progress can be
expected. Because of the magnitude of the task it is plain that
resources now available can never adequately meet the situation,
and that in the long term the introduction of additional suitably
trained personnel will be desirable to provide more
specialised instruction and thus assist in closing "gaps" in the
scheme.
Inspections
The number of children on the register at maintained schools
within the Borough at the close of 1962 was 36, 155. Including an
additional 45 scholars at "grant assisted" schools this represents
a sum total of 36, 200.
During the year 92.6 per cent, of the school population were
examined, compared with 87 per cent, in 1961. This increase has
come about largely as a result of favourable conditions prevailing
during the early months of the year. According to recent returns
only 1,458 children remained unexamined during 1962, compared
with 2,479 last year.
At those schools visited 33,486 were inspected and 12,863
(38.4 per cent.) referred for treatment, compared with 31,824
inspected and 13,097 (41.4 per cent.) referred in 1961.
Because of discrimination exercised in the matter of certain
conditions deemed inadvisable to treat, the above figures should
not be regarded as an index of the actual incidence of decay.
The results obtained from school inspectors were as follows: -
Acceptance of Treatment 36.0%
Refused Treatment 49.7%
Forms Not Returned 14. 3%
The slight increase in the figure for "acceptances" is interesting
and may to some extent be attributed to increased
pressure applied in cases of persistent "refusal" resulting in
ana agreement to receive treatment. Though in recent years the
general trend" has been a lessening demand for clinic attention,
Picture is by no means a happy one and in certain districts
observations at school inspections disclose the fact that, despite
facilities now available in the General Practitioner Service,
many defects previously notified to parents still remain
untreated, and that the actual need for attention continues to
be much as before.