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99
"There were minor causes also which were accountable,
such as illness among the children, which was pronounced during
the latter part of the year. New head-teachers of schools, who
had not held the position previously, were not cognisant of the
scheme of school dental treatment and did not make any great
endeavour to see that the parents signed the forms accepting treatment
or that the children kept the appointments.
"Altogether, of 11,804 children inspected during the year,
7,935 required treatment. The number inspected was larger
by 495 than in 1931, and the number requiring treatment was
greater by 243. Those treated numbered 4,625, less by 946 than in
the previous year.
"The conservative treatment has consequently suffered a
reduction in the number of fillings of teeth. But the number
of fillings cannot be as many each year as the tendency is now for
less work to be done for cases repeatedly treated. The permanent
fillings numbered 6,355. This number is less by 1,840 than in
the previous year. Temporary fillings numbered 550. Extractions
were, as usual, done under general or local anaesthesia. With the
former 5,494 teeth were removed and with the latter 4,323. The
permanent teeth removed numbered 959. This is 35 more than
last year and in proportion to the number of children treated
(4,625) is greater. This can be accounted for by the fact that
the long-standing objectors who did accept treatment had in nearly
all cases permanent teeth which it was impossible to save. Also
the temporary teeth extracted were less in number than in 1931
by 2,342. The figures for temporary extractions should be almost
the same in each year as the entrants still show a level incidence
of caries and sepsis, though this year more children entered the
schools with sound mouths than ever before. Dressings to front
teeth, permanent and temporary, numbered 356. These dressings
consisted of applications of silver nitrate to the temporary set, and
antiseptic dressings to front teeth which had exposed pulps.
One case of suspected actinomycosis was suitably treated.
"During the latter part of the year letters were sent to nearly
100 parents who had failed to sign forms or who had neglected
to have treatment since the last inspections. These letters stated
the necessity and advantage of obtaining treatment, and it can be