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co-operation with other workers being most rewarding. The number of urgent
cases has continued unchanged whilst the proportion of young children seen
has increased. The average age, nine years and two months, is the lowest for six
years and the number of pre-school children attending the clinic is the highest in the
Centres records. There has been a corresponding increase in the number dealt with
informally. These are satisfactory features as the staff of the Centre are always anxious
to work with young children and their parents as this is truly preventive.
ASTON SCHOOL
Twelve children were admitted to Aston Primary School during the year (including
four awaiting admission at the end of 1962). One child was awaiting admission at the
end of 1963.
The secondary department opened in September 1963 with seven children from the
primary school and three recommended by the Child Guidance Clinic.
We are very pleased to record the opening and successful first term of the secondary
department which is fulfilling a most valuable function.
REPORT ON THE SCHOOL DENTAL SERVICE IN EALING
Mr. L. Mandeville, the Area Dental Officer reports:—
"There was some dislocation of the Service in the beginning of the year owing to the
inadequate temporary accommodation at Ravenor Park and continuing part-time
staff changes at Mattock Lane. In the late summer the picture changed radically with
the opening of the new and greatly admired dental suite at Ravenor Park and the
appointment of two young ladies, Miss Matlach and Miss Preece, as full time dental
officers.
Modernisation of premises and equipment always leads to a rapid increase of
patients of all ages and groups. Parents and the older children particularly expect
the Dental Surgery to be modern and such equipment as air turbine dental engines are
part of the public image of dental efficiency.
Absenteeism continues to be a problem at some clinics and vigorous measures are
being taken to try to reduce this. It would appear that absenteeism is not confined
to the Dental Service and it is strange that parents do not appreciate the cost of
wasted time when appointments are not kept.
The demand for orthodontic treatment continues to increase and it is a tribute to
our Orthodontists that a number of requests are received from private practitioners for
treatment of their private-patient school children.
Gratifying evidence of a change of attitude to dental health is that a number of
schools have modified their "tuck shop" arrangements and are now selling apples
instead of less desirable foodstuffs at mid-morning and mid-afternoon breaks.
There is increasing public interest in dental health and fluoridation of public water
supplies especially. A number of requests from various local groups for talks by the
staff on these subjects have been received. A proper understanding by the public of the
issues involved will lead to acceptance of and probably a demand for fluoridation of
water supplies.
Although one full-time dental officer is due to retire next year, it is hoped that a
period of stability and expansion has now begun for the School Dental Service in
Area 7.
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