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11
SCHOOL DENTAL SERVICE, 1963.
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.
Since mention was last made of this subject fluoridation of
public water supplies has received considerable prominence in
both local and national press, and as a result of the ensuing
controversy, some anxieties have been expressed by parents at
Corporation Dental Clinics. In dealing with such enquiries
dental staff have been advised to aim at straight-forward and
factual guidance, so as to permit the position to be seen in
truer perspective.
As was expected, lack of uniformity in the supply arrangements
throughout the Borough have so far precluded any positive
progress with this project during the year, and the position has
of late been further complicated by requirements in connection
with the Greater London Scheme.
Whilst from the clinical aspect such delay is regrettable, a
suitable "breathing space" can doubtless be welcomed, not only
to assist clarification by the public, but also to permit much
needed investigation by individual supply Boards into the many
problems with which they will ultimately be faced.
In the field of Health Education measures for stepping up
basic dental instruction for the school population have been
further developed, and new "routines" for this purpose have been
tried out at certain clinics.
An experiment commenced last year for enlisting the services
of Health Visitors to undertake Dental Hygiene talks and "Tooth
Brush Drill" during their routine visits to Infant and Junior
Departments has been continued, and to assist these efforts a
certain amount of intraining has been undertaken by the Health
Education Section. An extended range of poster material, visual
aids, etc. are now available, including further "topical"
exhibits for touring Schools, Welfare Centres and Dental Clinics.