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21
A questionnaire was circulated to all head teachers to ascertain
their general attitudes to (a) the sale and consumption of sweets, cakes,
biscuits etc. in schools; (b) time being given for dental health education
in schools. The response was gratifying and only four forms were not
returned.
The information provided indicated that amongst the schools 57 sold
foods during break or had a tuck shop, and 67 did not. Of those with tuck
shops the fare provided was mixed, but the majority of items sold were
sweets, chocolates, cakes and sweet biscuits. Most children were allowed
to bring snacks for consumption during break. Some brought biscuits and
cakes, some fruit, but the majority brought nothing.
116 head teachers were in favour of allowing some school time for
dental health education, and only 5 discouraged their pupils from attending
for treatment during school hours.
It is hoped to carry out an examination of a random sample of 10%
of the 5 and 12 year old children within the Borough to see how their
dental condition is related to the national picture and also to their eating
habits at school. A factor for consideration will be the amount of pocket
money each child has to spend.
Treatment
There is a growing public awareness of the need for early dental
attention. In 1956 the number of forms issued by head teachers requesting
emergency treatment for children with pain was 3,187. In 1961 this figure
was 1,511; this year it has fallen to 917. Considering these as a percentage
of all children treated, the figures are 11.8% in 1956 , 6.9% in 1961
and 4.6% this year.
The proportion of conservative work done continues to improve. In
last year's Report the ratio of teeth extracted to teeth filled for 1964 and
1965 was given. This showed a reduction and this year the trend has been
maintained. For every 100 teeth filled 34 were extracted.
Treatment is also undertaken for the physically and mentally handicapped
children at the special schools in the Borough. Where the condition
is such that normal methods of treatment are impossible, fillings are performed
under general anaesthesia. The centre at Lodge Road has been
equipped to deal with these and other complex cases, and results so far
achieved are encouraging.
During the year inspections have been carried out in, and treatment
undertaken for children of three schools in the Hamsey Green area of
Surrey. These would have been served by the Sanderstead Clinic but for
the Greater London reorganisation. A similar arrangement has been made
for three Croydon schools to attend a Caterham clinic because of its
greater accessibility. These arrangements are made on a "knock for
knock" financial basis and are to the advantage of parents and children
who live in or near local authority boundaries.
Dental statistics will be found on Page 56.