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Of the 38,793 children on the school roll, 25,120 were inspected, this being
65% of the total. Of those inspected, 11,072 (44%) were found to require treatment
and of these 9,802 (88%) were offered treatment. Of those offered treatment, 6,236
(64%) accepted treatment through the school dental service. During the year,
therefore, the school dental service treated 16% of the children on the school roll;
it must be remembered, however, that some parents arrange dental treatment through
the general dental service.
The scope of the service included not only the day special schools but also
Wavendon House Residential Special School for educationally sub-normal girls.
In addition to ordinary dental treatment, the orthodontic service continued to
be much in demand. Treatment was commenced on 259 new cases, 115 cases
completed treatment, and a total of 5,589 attendances were made.
In March, a letter was received from the Department of Education and Science
regarding the risk of crises in children with sickle cell anaemia under general
anaesthesia with nitrous oxide and oxygen. On the advice of that Department,
arrangements were made with the local hospitals for all coloured children (who
may be at greater risk to this condition) to have a preliminary blood screening test
before general anaesthesia.
The Borough is fortunate in the standard of its premises and equipment. There
are nine clinics providing dental suites with a total of thirteen dental surgeries, one
surgery being used exclusively for orthodontics and three surgeries being of dual
purpose for dentistry and orthodontics. Four of the premises are of very recent
construction and modern design, and all premises are fitted with up-to-date equipment,
including air turbine high speed instruments. For greater convenience, all
anaesthetic apparatus is standard throughout (Walton) as also are the X-ray
machines.
All dental prosthetic and orthodontic appliances are made at the dental laboratory
maintained by a neighbouring authority, and ten dentures, 497 removable
appliances and 68 fixed appliances were supplied.
A review of the dental service was undertaken by a dental officer of the
Department of Education and Science and the following is an extract from a letter
received from the Department in July: "Ministers are pleased to note that this
efficient dental service continues to function in a satisfactory manner. A high acceptance
rate is a prominent feature, whilst the treatment pattern indicates the correct
bias towards conservation rather than extraction of teeth. A large amount of
successful orthodontic treatment is being provided . . . . "
Comment was made on the absence of dental auxiliaries. It was also suggested
that it would be a sensible economy to employ one dental surgery assistant more
than the number of dental officers. These matters are under consideration.
Mr. Underhill, the Chief Dental Officer and Principal School Dental Officer,
wishes to record his appreciation of the work and loyalty of his staff.
(See Statistical Table 57)
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