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4. General Anaesthetics.—An apparatus for the administration of
General Anaesthetic was provided in the initial equipment, but the part-time
services of a Medical Practitioner for the administration of the anaesthetic have
not been granted.
As it is inadvisable for a Dentist to make a general practice of giving an
anaesthetic and performing the operative work single-handed and strongly contraindicated
when dealing with children, I have to report that on no occasion, so
far, has a general anaesthetic been administered, although in numerous cases it
would have been a great assistance, and would have rendered more efficient
the practice of the Clinic. In fact, many cases have had to be refused, because
the work entailed made the use of a general anaesthetic imperative. For these
reasons, I would urge the necessity of obtaining the services of a medical man
for the administration of a general anæsthetic, on at least one morning per
week.
5. Fees.— With regard to the subject of fees, I should like to assert
that, from the experience of a period, 21st April to 5th July, there would
be no more difficulty in obtaining reasonable fees than there is in obtaining the
extraordinarily low fee which is now requested, that is, 3d. for extraction or
filling, however many. This latter scale so obviously pertains to charity, and
is in many cases resented by parents. In other cases, some parents unfortunately
are inclined to value the services at the fee requested.
It seems incredible that even among the poorest, a minimum fee of one
shilling would not be gratefully given towards the benefits which accrue to
their own children, and I would therefore suggest that the scale of fees be
raised.
6. Light.—It is recommended that some better provision be made with
regard to artificial lighting for concentration upon the mouth, for the next
Winter months, as the present arrangements have been found inadequate.
7. Electricity.—Electric lighting would be infinitely better, and an
electric engine would be, for many reasons, an improvement, both for operator
and patients. I am given to understand that an electric supply is not available
at present, but should it be made available at any time, these suggestions might
be carried out.
L. S. PILBEAM.
Note.—Mr. Pilbeam's recommendations I cordially endorse, and I trust
that the Education Committee will endeavour to carry them out.