View report page

109
groups. Consequently more time is required for the treatment of
secondary school children than for children attending the elementary
schools. During 1937 the number of secondary school children
treated was 408, while in 1936 only 86 received treatment. The
larger number of secondary school children treated during the year
under review explains the reduction in the total number inspected and
treated—elementary and secondary school children combined—as
compared with 1936.
It is submitted, however, that the figures to which most importance
should be attached are those referring to treatment. To inspect a
large number of children without being able to offer treatment to
those requiring it does not serve much purpose, and it is less desirable
to give incomplete treatment to many than complete treatment to a
smaller number. At the present time the interval between routine
inspections is approximately two years. In order to reduce this
interval a restrictive scheme has been suggested in which priority is
given to those children likely to derive most benefit from the treatment
offered. This can be regarded only as a temporary expedient until
such time as the Dental Staff is increased.
Out of every 100 children inspected as routines 69.1 were referred
for treatment and written consents to treatment were received from
parents in the case of 75 per cent, of those referred. This does not
mean that the remaining 30.9 per cent, were dentally perfect. Many
cases were not offered treatment owing to repeated previous refusals to
accept treatment, and for other reasons.
Fillings in permanent teeth numbered 4324, in temporary teeth
147, a total of 4471 fillings. Of the total number of 6258 extractions,
5141 were temporary and 1117 permanent teeth. Of the permanent
teeth extracted 116 were sound teeth extracted for regulation purposes,
the remainder being extracted for advanced dental caries.
The number of administrations of general anaesthetics was 236 and
of local anaesthetics 2485. "Other operations" totalled 1218, and
under this heading are included 293 polishings of permanent teeth,
root dressings, root fillings, silver nitrate dressings, temporary fillings,
polishings of fillings, and adjustments to regulation plates. The
number of regulation plates fitted was 17.
The average amount of work done by each dentist per treatment
session was :—
Fillings 5.9
Extractions 8.3
Other operations 1.6
The high incidence of dental caries during adolescence, referred
to earlier in this report, is well illustrated in the following table of the
higher age groups of Grammar School boys.