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41
With this aspect in mind the existing "procedure" initiated
from the medical side, for the offer of a "routine dental check"
to all patients in attendance at Ante- and Post-Natal Clinics,
has assumed a greater importance, not only in emphasizing this
particular need, but in the possible disclosure of early defects
in those less prudent with their dental care which, if left ontreated,
could result in unnecessary suffering at a later stage
of pregnancy. In the absence of active clinical requirements,
contact with the prospective parent at this particular time can
provide a welcome opportunity for guidance relating to those
essential measures to secure a sound and functional dentition
for the unborn child.
Because of decreasing commitments for adult patients more
time is becoming available for meeting the requirements of
children under school age, and special efforts are now being
made to expand this branch of the Service. During the past year
there has been an increase in the number of visits by Dental
Staff to Welfare Centres and Toddler Sessions, and a further
rise is shown in attendances for treatment by the younger child.
Whilst recent observation of those seen would seem to indicate
a general improvement in the oral condition, coverage for
such children is at present very incomplete and it would be
unwise, therefore, to draw any final conclusions at this point.
Unfortunately, certain post war developments such as the increase
in employment for the younger mothers, has tended to
limit contact with many in the 3-5 age group, whilst the
progressive closure of Day Nurseries has further reduced routine
supervision for these children. Restrictions of this kind continue
to pose some difficult administrative problems for which
there is as yet no clear solution. For the present the answer
would appear to lie in increased publicity at Toddler Sessions
and Parents' Clubs, and the establishment of closer links with
outside Women's organisations.
The existing policy of including a Dental Unit in newly
designed Health and Welfare Centres should provide an opportunity
for fuller integration of existing Services, which should in
turn favour earlier attention for the pre-school child.
Expectant and Nursing Mothers
The total number of expectant and nursing mothers referred
from all sources was 194, compared with 238 in 1963; as was the
case in the previous year the greater proportion of these were
sent from the Ante-Natal Clinic. Owing to the fact that the bulk
of these patients have usually visited pre-natal clinics, few
cases are normally referred from the Municipal Midwives' Service.