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could be convinced of, and act in accordance with, the fact
that they do not save their children discomfort by declining
treatment at the early stage, or even merely postpone the
evil day, but definitely accumulate and create more trouble
for those whom they wish to protect, then the children
would benefit enormously.
The work of the dentists will always remain largely one
of repair. Prevention of decay rests with the child—his eatables
and his toothbrush, together with well directed and
effective guidance in the home and school.
In conclusion it is not a mere formal expression to add
that the relatively satisfactory state of the Finchley School
Dental Service is only made possible by the sympathetic cooperation
of the teachers.
The details of the year's work are set out below and on
pages 17, 38 and 39.
During the year 4,057 children were inspected, 3,712
as routines and 345 as specials. Of this total 3,205 of 79%
were found to require treatment and of this number 2,219
or 67.36% were actually treated at the Clinic.
The following table shows in comparative form for each
school, the number of children with sound teeth, the number
with unsound teeth, the numbers treated, and the percentage
dentally sound, when treatment has been completed:—
95