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While diphtheria immunization cannot be classed as treatment
of a defect, it is satisfactory to note that the number of children
referred for immunization was 347, compared with 51 in the previous
year. The medical officers and health visitors now endeavour
as a routine measure to interest the mothers in the value of
immunization at an early age. The number, however, cannot be
considered very satisfactory. It requires a sharp or even alarming
outbreak of diphtheria followed by intensive propaganda to
encourage the parents to appreciate the protective value of
immunization.
Dental Treatment.—The School Dental Surgeon reports as
follows regarding the work carried out for mothers and for children
under five years of age :—
"Mothers.—There was an increase of 65 in the number of
mothers treated during the year. A total of 355 were seen by the
two dentists responsible for the treatment. The new Cuckoo
Estate was mainly responsible for the increase in number treated,
and it may be stated that the mouths of these mothers were
usually in a very bad condition, and therefore required removal
of nearly all the teeth. An effort was made during the latter half
of the year to clear up as many mouths as possible without recourse
to extractions of non-carious teeth. This was done wherever
sepsis had not advanced too deep, and was the means of saving
many sound teeth. The treatment required the thorough scaling
of all teeth affected, excision of enlarged gum growths and the
filling of the pockets with suitable dressings. This form of treatment
usually required four to six visits accompanied by instructions
to the patients to carry out certain measures at home.
"The total amount of work done was as follows for the 355
mothers treated. Fillings were inserted in 129 teeth, a slightly
less number than in the preceding year. The removal of teeth
was greater by 521 than in the previous year. Altogether 2,601
permanent teeth were removed. The number of full or partial
dentures fitted was 129. This is nineteen greater than in the
preceding year. Other operations required in the treatment of
mothers were as follows :—