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34
DENTAL SERVICE (MATERNITY AND CHILD WELFARE)
W.G. Everett, L.D.S., R.C.S., (Eng.) Chief Dental Officer
During the year 918 children under five years of age were dentally examined.
Of these over half (52 per cent) were found to need treatment.
Basing an estimate on the total number of live births in the Borough in 1965
and 1966, it is reasonable to say that there are approximately 11,400 three
and four year olds in Croydon, of whom 5,900 are likely to have decayed
teeth. Even allowing for the work done for these patients by the General
Dental Service practitioners it is certain that efforts must continue to encourage
parents to bring their children for treatment in good time. If their
first acquaintance with the dentist is for the extraction of a tooth or teeth
under a general anaesthetic, the memory will be very hard to remove, especially
if this treatment was preceded by a period of acute pain.
The three year old birthday card scheme was continued at Sanderstead
clinic. During the year 222 cards were sent out and in response to these
77 children (35 per cent) attended for a routine examination. This is a welcome
improvement on the number who accepted in 1966 (22 per cent) the
first year of scheme. Talks were given on Dental Health Education matters
to mothers in toddlers clubs and it is hoped that this sphere of activity may
be increased. From the interest that is shown and the questions that are
asked it is obvious that parents are keen to learn more about care of their
children's teeth. A surprising number are still not aware that the Local
Authority Dental Service provides free treatment for pre-school children.
For detailed figures see Appendix page 118.
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Administration
The Medical Officer of Health is in administrative control, and the
Deputy and two Assistant Medical Officers of Health are approved for the
purpose of the Mental Health Act. Dr. J.D.W. Fisher, Consultant Psychiatrist
at Warlingham Park Hospital is Psychiatric Adviser to the Local
Health Authority and the Medical Director of their community mental health
services. Dr. B.W. Richards, Consultant Psychiatrist at St. Lawrence's
Hospital continues as adviser in mental subnormality.
My thanks are again due to medical colleagues both in hospitals and
general practice for their help and co-operation without which the continuing
successful operation and development of the mental Health services would
not be possible.