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The size and extent of the problem was unknown, but it could not reasonably be ignored: the fact
that serious results were rare in this country was not sufficient guarantee for the future.
\Ne have been able to enlist the help of Dr. J. Reeve. Consultant Pathologist at the Prince of Wales's
Hospital, who agreed to examine and report upon blood samples which we take from the patients
and deliver to the hospital. These samples are taken at sessions arranged for the purpose at the
clinic usually attended by the child concerned, so as to avoid both travelling and being seen in
unfamiliar surroundings, and the small specimen required is obtained from a finger¬prick, which
simple procedure is well accepted by the children without upset in almost all instances.
The level of haemoglobin is measured for all samples, and the test appropriate to the abnormality
which might be found for that particular patient is carried out. In cases of doubt, a more sophisticated
test follows the first, to make doubly sure that the essential information is obtained.
Also, although not of concern as regards dental treatment, the opportunity is taken to make an
additional test which might prove of value to the medical service in ensuring a good standard of
general health.
After being under consideration for some long time, it became possible to start this routine testing
in March 1969 for all patients concerned and, up to the end of the year under review, 448 such
tests had been carried out with findings of interest and value for 98 of these, which seems abundantly
to justify the work involved.
It is not, of course, possible to know or even theorise as to whether or not any serious difficulties
associated with general anaesthesia have been avoided by possession of knowledge derived, but
certainly we have been enabled to take particular care and use a modified technique in appropriate
cases for the greater safety of the patients concerned."
Dental Inspections and Treatment
Pupils first inspected at school 12,452
Pupils first inspected at clinic 3,849
Pupils re-inspected 2,197
Number found to require treatment 11,305
Number of fillings:
Permanent teeth 12,834
Temporary teeth 8,865
Number of teeth filled:
Permanent teeth 10,893
Temporary teeth 8,072
Extractions:
Permanent teeth unsavable 361
Permanent teeth orthodontia 388
Temporary Teeth 3,518
General anaesthetics 1,191
Number of dentures supplied 28
Number of crowns and inlays 35
Number of teeth root filled 27
Number of prophylaxes 1,549
Number of teeth otherwise conserved 708
Other operations 4,350
Orthodontic Treatment
Cases remaining from previous year 192
New cases commenced during year 127
Number of appliances fitted:
Removable 328
Fixed 27
Number of impressions, adjustments etc. 4,277
Number of radiographs 2,545
92