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3
Dental Health
An inspection by a Dental Officer of the Department of Education
and Science during the year resulted in a generally favourable report
on this service. Certain deficiencies in the older accommodation at
Lodge Road Clinic were noted, but a modernisation of these premises
was commenced last year and should shortly be completed.
The School Health Service has a unique medical responsibility for
supervising the health of the vast majority of the children in this country.
Admittedly in dealing with large numbers there must be a degree of
repetitive work, which to those with certain temperaments is irksome.
We have tried to meet this by allocating a special clinical responsibility
to every Doctor, so that each has an aspect to consider in some detail.
As far as practicable this plan has been applied to the leaders of other
professional groups involved in the Service. It is in this way that needs
are detected and ideas fostered.
Management studies have shown that the spirit which pervades an
organisation, however large, depends upon the attitude of the controlling
body. I trust the Committee will recognise that the positive and progressive
features of this Annual Report reflect their attitude of encouragement
and support for any sound schemes of benefit to the children. I convey
to you the thanks of all my staff.
I am grateful to the Chief Education Officer, members of the Education
Department, and Head Teachers, who have sustained our numerous
requests and interventions with their customary courtesy and co-operation.
Finally, my thanks are due to the staff of the School Health Service,
who under the direction of Dr. Horner have shown their usual zeal and
enthusiasm in coping with routine and new duties.
Yours faithfully,
S.L. WRIGHT,
Principal School Medical Officer.