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a very considerable portion of my time, and has resulted in consequent delay in
my progress with the age-groups, to which chief attention has been given. The
general condition of the childrens' teeth has been found bad; little or no effort
being made at cleanliness.
There is, as usual, during the first year of a Dental Clinic, a marked apathy
and disinterestedness on the part of the parents to take advantage of the
exceptional opportunities which are being offered them for the benefit of their
children. These observations are confirmed by the tables given below, showing
that 80 per cent, of the children inspected require treatment, and of the number
recommended for treatment, only 55 per cent accept it. Although 55 per cent.
seems a very low percentage, it is pleasing to note that it is higher than is
usually found for the opening period of a Clinic.
April to December, 1920.
No. inspected 1958
No. recommended for treatment 1557
No. accepting treatment 866
No. of attendances of those accepting treatment 1333
Work done-
Fillings—Temporary Teeth 1174
Permanent Teeth 408
1582
Extractions—Temporary Teeth 1790
Permanent Teeth 153
1943
Dressing and other treatment 142
Anaesthetic—Local 1153
General nil
1153
The grand total of attendances, routine and casual, was 2085.
The attendance of children is good whilst the schools are open, but the
attendance during the holidays has been very disappointing, and much difficulty
has been experienced in obtaining their attendance during these periods. With
the majority, the matter of punctuality in keeping an appointment seems of
little importance. Children coming late cause loss of time at the Clinic and
often a curtailment of treatment to others.