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7
Dental Defects.
Since September 1st, 1935, an extended dental scheme has
been in operation giving 18 sessions per month for dental
treatment of school children as compared with 8 per month
previously. It was realised that it would not be possible, even
with these extra sessions, to undertake the conservation work
for all the school children so that it was decided to inspect all
age groups, recommend treatment where necessary and provide
treatment for the younger children first, extending our services
to the older children subsequently if possible. The figures in
the Table Group V show the results of three months' working
of the scheme, and reveal a gratifying increase in the conservation
work done, and in inspections carried out. Later figures,
now available but not of course included, further emphasise
these points and the extraction conservation ratio, which was
hitherto far too high, begins to assume a more reasonable
proportion.
It is perhaps not entirely out of place here to mention that
the number of Maternity and Child Welfare dental sessions have
also been increased.
Orthopaedic and Postural Defects.
Children found to be suffering from these conditions are
referred for treatment usually to one of the London general
hospitals as there is no provision made for them in Erith.
Heart Disease and Rheumatism.
Table II shows that 17 cases of organic heart disease were
observed, the number of cases of functional heart disease was 49.
Tuberculosis.
Two cases of suspected pulmonary tuberculosis are still
under observation by the Tuberculosis Officer. In addition two
cases of suspected pulmonary tuberculosis were sent to the
Tuberculosis Officer who notified them as cases, together with
three others discovered by him. As you are aware the actual
treatment of tuberculosis is carried out by the Tuberculosis
Officer who is on the staff of the County Medical Officer.
Following up, and Summary of Work by School
Nurses.
The meaning of this term and the details of its operation
have been given in former reports. A brief summary, however,
may be given of the amount of work carried out during the
year, and the various duties of the two school nurses. They
are in attendance at the Clinic for Minor Ailments, Dental and
Ophthalmic work at their respective times.