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DENTAL CARE FOR THE PRIORITY CLASSES
As in previous years, we were able to give real priority to these classes and all who sought
treatment were accepted without appreciable delay. Approximately 10% of the total time of the dental
services was devoted to this part of our duties, which showed a reduction from about 12% in 1967 but
was still up to the recommended proportion.
When there is so much untreated dental disease among the pre-school children, yet we are unable
to take all measures to encourage their attendance because the overwhelming demands of the school
dental service preclude giving more time, one wonders just how long it will be before the benefits of
fluoridation of the public water supplies become available.
Referring to the details which follow giving the amount ana nature of treatment provided, there
are few deserving of individual comment. The total of 412 equivalent whole sessions is 61 fewer
than in the preceding year, so that the amount of treatment is reduced accordingly. It is pleasing to
see that the number of extractions for expectant ana nursing mothers fell from 182 in 1967 to 80,
while the number of fillings was not reduced. This suggests that we were presented with fewer
cases of gross neglect.
It is also pleasing that the number of dentures provided was less than half the figure of the
previous year.