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103
1934 1935
Total number of fillings inserted in
permanent teeth 3,903 3,998
Of this total of permanent fillings, the most important part of
school dental work, 2,913 were for elementary and 1,085 for secondary
school children. The number of fillings in temporary teeth was
355, making the total number of fillings 4,353. The number of
permanent teeth extracted also shows an increase, as follows:—
1934 1935
Number of permanent teeth
extracted 651 950
This total is represented by 674 extractions for elementary
and 276 for secondary school children. The number of temporary
teeth extracted for elementary school children was 3,665, being 800
less than the number extracted in 1934. Under the heading of
" other operations " 955 teeth of elementary school children received
treatment, the total figure for both elementary and secondary school
children being 1,305, an increase of 69 over the corresponding figure
for 1934. This total figure comprises 201 applications of silver
nitrate for the conservation of temporary teeth, 520 scalings and
brushing of permanent teeth, the remaining 584 operations being
temporary fillings in permanent teeth, root fillings and adjustments
to regulation appliances. During the year under review 18
elementary school children received treatment for irregular teeth,
involving the wearing of regulation appliances. Of this number,
the treatment was completed for 12 children, the remaining 6 being
still under treatment at the end of the year. Parents are very
appreciative of the improvement in the appearance of their children
as a result of orthodontic treatment, several cases of marked superior
protrusion being treated by means of removable appliances, with
good results.
The total number of parents of elementary school children who
gave their written consent to the treatment offered was 71 per cent.
A certain number of children, however, failed to keep their appointments,
so that the number actually treated of those referred during
the year was 66.8 per cent., the George Spicer and Central Schools
being the best in this respect with 87 per cent, treated. It has been
suggested that free dental treatment would result in a higher percentage
of acceptances, but it is not considered that the small fee of
3d. per visit required in Enfield before treatment is given, acts to any
appreciable extent as a limiting condition so far as the number of
acceptances is concerned.
Particulars respecting the dental inspection and treatment of
secondary school children are given in the following tables