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The report for 1966 made reference to the difficulties of the orthodontic service already becoming
apparent in the face of increasing demand and expressed misgivings for the future, and the forecast was
borne out by events. Our one orthodontist could not possibly cope with the demand, so that waiting
lists for this form of treatment have become very long.
Fortunately, a decision of the Council late in the year should now make it possible to fill the
vacant post, so that the future again looks encouraging.
Premises and Equipment
Progress has been made towards the high standard of decoration and cleanliness appropriate to
premises in which operative procedures are carried out and, together with work due to be done in the
first three months of 1968, we should be beyond criticism in this respect. The resulting good impression
made upon the children and parents who attend the clinic makes for better appreciation of the quality
of the service available and encourages acceptance of very necessary, but not always popular, treatment.
Our facilities and equipment are of a high standard and, although one must be realistic and not
over ambitious when items are costly, we have been able to keep up to date in this respect.
Investigation of Dental Service
Following the full-scale routine investigation made by a dental officer of the Department of
Education and Science and Ministry of Health in 1966, resulting in the highly successful report referred
to last year, the same dental officer made a shorter and less formal visit early in 1967.
Mr. Potter expressed himself as being welI satisfied with the findings and no official communication
from the Department and Ministry was received.
Details are given of the main items of treatment as follows:-
Dental Inspections and Treatment
Pupils first inspected at school 18,089
Pupils first inspected at clinic 3,759
Pupils re-inspected 2,880
Number found to require treatment 15,367
Number of fillings
Permanent teeth 13,318
Temporary teeth 9,286
Number of teeth filled
Permanent teeth 11,612
Temporary teeth 8,525
Extractions
Permanent teeth unsavable 418
Permanent teeth orthodontia 227
Temporary teeth 3,623
General anaesthetics 1,347
Number of dentures supplied 21
Number of crowns and inlays 24
Number of teeth root filled 18
Number of prophylaxes 1,804
Number of teeth otherwise conserved 626
Other operations 5,087
Orthodontic Treatment
Cases remaining from previous year 208
New cases commenced during year 82
Number of appliances fitted
Removable 255
Fixed 15
Number of impressions, adjustments etc. 2,859
Number of radiographs 2,534
Appointments and Sessions
Attendances for treatment 26,491
Appointments not kept 5,131
Number of half-day sessions devoted to
Inspections in schools 211
Treatment 3,132
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