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in the number of temporary teeth extracted, whereas in the previous
year a large amount of time had been spent in filling these temporary
teeth. There were more extractions under local anaesthesia in
1937, and this work, although it eased the pressure in the gas sessions,
reduced the amount of time available for fillings. The future policy
will be to remove decayed temporary teeth, because it has not been
found worth while to spend time on conservative treatment for
temporary teeth which are seriously decayed.
"The total number of fillings inserted in all teeth was 5,202.
The total number of permanent teeth extracted was 1,669, an
increase of 294 over the preceding year. There was a large increase
in the number of temporary teeth extracted, and, as already
mentioned, this is the main cause of the decrease in the number
of fillings. Altogether 10,877 temporary teeth were removed, as
against 9,678 in the previous year, an increase of 1,199.
"Orthodontic treatment by means of appliances was included
in the dental scheme from the beginning of December, 1937.
It was decided that the three most advanced cases of irregularity
in each school department should be treated. The cases were
sought for at the yearly inspection at each school. The parents
were advised to have this treatment if they were at the school
inspection, and if not, they were given an appointment to see the
dentist at the Centre. The number of appliances fitted was ten.
In the future it is expected that there will be further requests from
the parents to have this form of treatment. It is gratifying to
see the improvement in the mouths and facial appearance of the
children who have undergone treatment.
"There were three special examinations during the year of
children leaving School. It was found that out of 1,350 children
who were submitted for inspection 1,086 had sound teeth. This
examination provided an excellent opportunity for dealing with
children who had previously objected to treatment. An appointment
was given as soon as possible after inspection, and the parents
were advised that employment would often not be obtained unless
the teeth were in a sound condition. It is satisfactory to note
that a large number of past objectors availed themselves of the
opportunity for treatment which was offered."