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Number Referred for Treatment 10,894 4,422
Actually Treated 5,760 4,456
Permanent Fillings Inserted 7,255 3,875
Permanent Teeth Extracted 1,922 972
Temporary Teeth Extracted 9,107 4,946
Other Operations 6,450 8,838
The percentage of children referred for treatment in 1938 was 78%.
The same figures for 1947 show a drop to 71%. I should point out here that
these figures include the specials for whom a much higher percentage are
referred.
Although considerably under half the number were inspected and
referred during 1947 than in 1938, the corresponding ratio of actually treated
is more than three quarters. This would appear to indicate a much higher
rate of acceptance although not necessarily a true one which can only be
assessed over the whole school population.
Comparison of numbers of fillings and extractions of permanent teeth
shows approximately as follows:—
Per 100 children:—
1938 1947
126 fillings 87 fillings
33 extractions 22 extractions
These figures are consistent with the generally noticeable decrease in caries
recorded during the War years.
Of the 972 permanent extractions during the present year, 377 were
for orthodontic purposes. Temporary extractions also show a similar decrease.
Two other factors have to be borne in mind with regard to the pre-war
years and the present. In 1938 one session per week was devoted to M.
C.W. whereas now two sessions are the rule. Orthodontic work before the
War was confined to the extraction of misplaced teeth.
The fuel cut early in the year put a stop to filling work while it 'lasted.
Mr. McCallin gave 929 consultations during the year, of which 258
were new cases. About 150 cases were closed. There are in the region of
800 cases under treatment. The following table gives a rough idea of the
work involved:—
Appliances fitted 841 X-rays taken 450
Impressions taken 1,724 Attendances about 7,500
Adjustments, etc. 4,194
I am to some extent adopting the principle of making and fitting space
retaining appliances where temporary teeth are lost too early, in order to
avoid more complicated treatment at a later age in those cases which may be
reasonably attributed to this cause.
In presenting this report, I hope that I have been able to give a clear
picture of the efforts of myself and my colleagues in the School Dental Service.
There is a great deal more that we, with more help, desire to achieve. We
want all our children to have the opportunity of being cared for at least
once a vear.
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