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111
SCHOOL CLINIC—B. DENTAL SECTION.
The first Dental Clinic was established at Cambridge in 1907.
The Dental Clinic is at work at Pymmes Park House every day except
Sunday, and for a week after the schools close for the long vacation. The hours
are from 9 to 1 and 2 to 5 daily, except Saturdays, when it is open from 9 to 1.
At suitable intervals, Mr. Pilbeam and his staff arrange for a dental
inspection at the schools, which provides him with a number of cases for
treatment lasting several weeks.
The following report reached me from the Dentist:—
Establishment.
The Dental Officer, Mr. L. S. Pilbeam, L.D.S., Eng., was appointed on
12th January, 1920. A nurse, Miss R. Hembry, and a Dental Clerk, Miss
G. V. Banks, were appointed to the Dental Clinic on 12th April, 1920, and
forthwith inspections and treatment commenced. Prior to this month,
considerable time was lost owing to the difficulty of obtaining the necessary
dental equipment for the treatment of children, this difficulty being caused by
unexpected labour troubles throughout the country.
The systemisation of the work was evolved by the School Medical Officer
and the Dental Officer, taking advantage ot the experience and knowledge of
other Dental Clinics which had been in operation for a considerable period. By
utilising the most useful portions of these systems, a simple and effective method
of detailed record keeping was adopted and put into operation. We have been
pleased to find that this has been entirely successful.
Equipment.
An operating room and waiting room have been provided. The former
has good north light and is well equipped. It includes a pump-chair, which is
adaptable for the smallest patient, or for the adult, a fountain spittoon, a cabinet
for instruments, drugs and sundries, a foot engine, gas apparatus, bracket
table, and aseptic table; whilst hot and cold water is in constant supply with
adequate arrangements for sterilisation of instruments.
The surgery is lit by gas and heated by coal fire. The waiting room,
provided with two forms for parents and children is warmed by a gas fire, and
the walls have been utilised for the hanging of instructive posters for the
edification of parents and their children (who are able to read) on matters of
dental hygiene, of which children and parents should be cognisant.