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Despite the reduction of 213 treatment sessions as compared with the previous year there was a
significant increase in the output of conservative work, especially for the temporary teeth which so often
in the past have had to be subordinated to the greater demands of the permanent ones. An increase of
935 fillings in the process of conserving 1261 more teeth is a gain of 10.5% and 15.6% respectively, and
this not at the expense of the permanent teeth for which there was a small increase.
The overall ratio of permanent teeth filled to those extracted was 16.7 to 1, which is outstandingly
better than the National average of 5.3 to 1. If the extractions done as an integral part of orthodontic
treatment and not because the teeth were unsavable are excluded, the ratio would be 29.6 to 1.
The ratio for temporary teeth saved to extracted is 4 to 1 compared to the National average of 0.6
to 1.
Part of the foregoing satisfactory trend in the pattern of conservation of temporary teeth results from
the use by some of the dental officers of a modern form of treatment, which makes possible the saving of
some teeth which previously would have necessitated extractions. This results from the forward-looking
policy of the Council in agreeing to the attendance of professional staff at post-graduate courses, which
is essential in keeping up-to-date with advances in methods of treatment.
An additional benefit we have obtained in the same way is in the saving and restoration of permanent
front teeth involved in accidents, which previously would have been removed as beyond repair.
It is beyond dispute that attendance at suitable courses will make for a better service and is proving
so in our own, and for this I record my appreciation.
Reference was made last year to the improved situation in our orthodontic service, but loss of some
orthodontic sessions resulting from a part-time officer leaving and the impossibility of obtaining a suitable
replacement at the salary we are able to offer has resulted in a worsening in the position, and it is not
possible at present to view the future with confidence.
The reduction in the figures of work done as shown in the table reflect the reduced treatment possible
and, in a branch of the service where we were barely holding our own in the face of increasing demand,
can only lead to a deterioration if continued for long.
Staffing (as at 31st December, 1966)
(The details which follow apply to the whole of the Council's dental staff, although this report is
of the school dental service to which we devote approximately 91% of our time. The balance is used for
the priority classes reported upon elsewhere).
We have been fortunate, at a time when there is a National trend making for difficulties in obtaining
and keeping dental officers, in having maintained our position. Indeed, internal reorganisation following
upon some staff movements has slightly strengthened our service.
In addition to the Chief Dental Officer we had, at the date Nationally used for assessment, 7.9
whole-time equivalent of dental officers and 1.4 orthodontists (although this latter figure represents fewer
working sessions than the same figure a year ago).
Although we are not in a position to examine all schools each year and offer treatment to all who
require it, this is largely a problem of distribution of our dental surgeries in relation to the schools so as
to make for short, safe and inexpensive visits by the children concerned. There is too great a burden at
some clinics which cannot be eased by any logical redeployment of resources: if the number of surgeries
is inadequate, treatment cannot be provided. Nevertheless, the area of greatest difficulty, served by
the Weston Park Clinic, is being helped greatly by the transfer of some schools to the new clinic at
Burgoyne Road. It is anticipated that the year 1967 will show a marked increase in the percentage of the
school population inspected, with some hope of all schools being visited.
Within the limitations imposed by the considerations above, our staffing position is satisfactory,
except for the orthodontic service where we have the accommodation but not the additional orthodontist
needed.
Premises
Including the surgery in Suntrap Residential School, we have 15 surgeries available in 10 premises,
although the treatment demand is not such that all are in full-time use. We have a surplus of accommodation
in some places and demand exceeding our resources in others.
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