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The ratio of fillings in permanent teeth per child shows a big difference between
the elementary and the secondary school children, from .5 per child in the
elementary to .2 per secondary pupil. Approximately 60 per cent. of permanent
extractions were made for orthodontic purposes.
Other operations consist mainly of silver nitrate dressings of temporary
teeth at three-monthly intervals.
The Orthodontic Scheme was introduced in 1941 with the appointment of
a visiting consultant who attended each clinic once a month. Up to the end of 1945
about 850 cases had been seen under the scheme, of which a little over 300 had
been completed. During the year there were 232 new cases dealt with; 1,353
impressions taken; 388 appliances fitted; 2,668 attendances for adjustments and
228 radiographs taken.
The value of this scheme is immense, both from the point of view of treatment
and propaganda. It also brings variety and added interest into the work
of the Dental Officer.
It has a decided effect in encouraging the acceptance of conservative treatment.
On the other hand it has greatly increased the work of the Dental Clinics.
With the welcome return of Mr. Weiss from the Services, more can be
accomplished, but we shall still be very much below strength to make the Dental
Scheme complete.
The school population of Edmonton is calculated to require the services of
six Dental Officers. It would certainly seem that an addition of at least two more
Officers is very necessary.
In conclusion I would like to suggest that it would help us a great deal if the
Education Department could notify us through the School Medical Department
of all admissions and transfers to the various schools.
(h) Orthopaedic and Postural Defects.
Orthopaedic defects were, as in previous years, treated at the Special
Clinic held at the Central Hall, Fore Street, N.9.
Mr. J. A. Cholmeley, the Orthopaedic Specialist, attended the Clinic
monthly Miss Kerr, the Masseuse left the Service in February and the Royal
National Orthopaedic Hospital were unable to supply us with the services of
another masseuse. Permission was obtained to appoint a full time masseuse
and consequently treatment recommenced in June, 1946, when Miss Rees took
up duties.
The attendances for the year were 1,469.
The Surgeon saw 100 New Cases and 253 Old Cases—making a total of
353.
For the time being the Ultra-Violet Light Clinic is under the aegis of the
Orthopaedic Clinic, four afternoon sessions being held weekly. The total
attendances for the year were 2,258.
(i) Heart Diseases and Rheumatism.
Dr. J. B. Alexander, F.R.C.P., attended the Clinic, held once monthly,
for the purpose of examining children suffering from rheumatism and diseases
of the heart. Where necessary, arrangements were made for children to be
admitted to Heart Homes.
The attendances for 1945 were 82 New Cases and 158 Old CasesTotal
240.
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