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In Enfield many children leave school with all eight molars
filled on their occlusal (biting) surfaces—frequently also with fillings
on the buccal (mouth) surfaces of the lower and lingual (lip) surfaces
of the upper molars. Of all teeth and of all surfaces, these are the
most liable to dental caries, and one feels that even if regular
inspection and treatment is not obtained, as it should be, after
leaving school, there is a good prospect of these important teeth
being retained in a healthy condition for many years. It is true
that the treatment mentioned does not provide against the possibility
of caries commencing on the proximal surfaces. The regular
examination of many teeth, however, indicates that a considerable
proportion of proximal cavities have their origin on the occlusal
surfaces. Unfortunately, a number of the fillings inserted are
sufficiently large to require a lining. This cannot be avoided when
the number of children under the care of the School Dentist is in
excess of what it should be, but it is a matter for regret that so much
time should be expended on filling large cavities that could be better
utilized in filling a much larger number of small ones.
Accepting the view that " The enamel defect of to-day is the
carious cavity of to-morrow," one hopes that it may eventually be
possible to reduce the intervals between inspections and to develop
the school dental scheme on lines that will tend to be preventive
in character rather than remedial.
The sum taken in fees for dental treatment during 1934
amounted to £60 10s. 9d.
In conclusion, Mr. Bradbury and I desire to place on record our
indebtedness to Head Teachers for the co-operation which is an
essential factor in the dental treatment of children under their care,
and to express once more our thanks to Nurse Anderson and Miss
Groves for their valued services.
I am, Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
C. E. JAMES,
Senior School Dental Surgeon.