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82
them to appreciate the value of sound teeth. It is now obvious
that this was not so, and the dental condition of the children in our
secondary schools was deplorable. As a result of the work undertaken
for these children it was not possible to do as much for the
elementary school children, and the number of elementary school
children treated during the year was 1,000 less than in 1934. This
brings us to consider the question as to whether it is possible for
two dentists to deal adequately with the number of children attending
Enfield schools. In our elementary schools there are about
10,500 children and the secondary schools about 1,000. The
response to dental treatment in Enfield is excellent; a response
which, in my opinion, should be encouraged. Moreover, the
school population of Enfield is now increasing rapidly, and I do not
believe it is possible for two dentists to deal adequately with a school
population of which will shortly be 12,000. The time has come
when the Education Committee should consider the appointment of
a third dentist. At the present moment both our dentists carry
out their work in a small dental clinic attached to Southbury Road
School, at which there is no adequate waiting room, nor electric
lighting nor power provided. Children have to go long distances
from every school in the area to attend this clinic, with consequent
waste of school time. It is to be hoped that a second dental clinic
will be provided when new schools are erected, in the forthcoming
year.
I am pleased to see that our dentists are carrying out regulation
work ; this not only secures a better biting surface, and consequently
better condition of the teeth, but, in the case of girls, greatly
enhances their appearance. It is probably true that to be healthy
one must look healthy, for health depends, not only on a physical
condition of the body, but a phsycological state of the mind. Regulation
work is difficult to carry out without proper X-ray equipment,
and I am hoping that this may be provided when a new dental
clinic is erected.
There is little I can say concerning the reports of either the
Ophthalmic or Aural Specialists, except to comment most favourably
on the work that is being done at the Western Ophthalmic Hospital,
for the children who squint. Regularly every Thursday morning
a party of between six and ten children are conducted to the Western
Ophthalmic Hospital by one of the clerks of the School Medical
Department, where they undergo orthoptic treatment. By this
method some children have been actually cured, whilst others have
needed an operation as well. Both our Specialists are conducting
their work with enthusiasm and foresight, and their help is much