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Investigation of Dental Service
As a result of the recommendations made by the Estimates Committee 1962/63, an investigation
intoLocal Authority dental services is made by a dental officer on the staffs jointly of the Department of
Education and Science and the Ministry of Health. The Borough of Haringey was the first of the London
Boroughs to receive such inspection, in the early part of January 1966, and this proved to be a most
thorough and searching exercise occupying three full days after having first submitted the full statistical
returns for the preceding year and other information which was requested.
The visiting officer Mr. J.G. Potter, was favourably impressed by the service we provided and this
resulted in a formal report in the names of the Secretary of State for Education and Science and the Minister
of Health commending the Authority on the high standard of efficiency achieved for the dental service.
The only criticism related to the state of premises and equipment at some clinics, but without
exception these were matters of which we were aware and they have been included in the draft estimates
for the forthcoming financial year. Some had to be held over for a further year because of the need to
reduce expenditure but all have received or will receive attention shortly.
It is to be hoped that the standard of decoration and consequent cleanliness of all surgeries where
operative procedures are carried out, and the appearance of waiting rooms which give the first impression
of the service, may soon be fully up to expectations.
The Health and Welfare Committee and the Council recorded their gratification at the successful
outcome of the inspection and the commendation which had been received.
The following table shows the work undertaken during the year with the figures of the preceding
year for comparison:-
1966 1965
Dental Inspections and Treatment
Pupils first inspected at school 19121 17760
Pupils first inspected at clinic 3216 3378
Pupils re-inspected 3367 2666
Number found to require treatment 14127 13217
Number of fillings:
Permanent teeth 14342 14156
Temporary teeth 8897 7962
Number of teeth filled:
Permanent teeth 12408 12104
Temporary teeth 8087 6826
Extractions:
Permanent teeth unsavable 419 366
Permanent teeth orthodontia 325 419
Temporary teeth 3435 3451
General anaesthetics 1571 1651
Number of dentures supplied 27 24
Number of crowns and inlays 24 28
Number of teeth root filled 12 22
Number of prophylaxes 1581 1149
Number of teeth otherwise conserved 2456 2464
Other operations 4939 5578
Orthodontic Treatment
Cases remaining from previous year 195 175
New cases commenced during year 116 142
Number of appliances fitted:
Removable 341 350
Fixed 10 8
Number of impressions, adjustments etc 3700 4486
Number of radiographs 1714 2178
Appointments and Sessions
Attendances for treatment 28296 28521
Appointments not kept 5137 6421
Number of half-day sessions devoted to:
Inspections in schools 228 204
Treatment 3802 4015
Dental Health Education 9 13
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