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reasons. This low discontinued rate of only six per cent compares
very favourably with that found nationally.
4. Equipment
The outdated dental unit in the Health Centre was replaced
during the year by a modern unit incorporating the latest improvements
to increase efficiency and at the same time look less
intimidating for the child patient. The last few years have seen
tremendous change in the design and lay-out of dental equipment
and constant appraisal is required to determine the type most
suitable for the needs of children's dentistry.
5. Dental Health Education
During the year it was decided to direct a dental health
education programme towards the youngest and possibly one of
the most impressionable age-groups, the new entrants to primary
schools. A letter was sent to all Head Teachers of primary
schools asking if they would like a dental health programme
arranged for their new entrant classes. One hundred per cent
acceptance was assured by the replies received and the project
commenced in October. A member of the Health Education Section
gave a short talk and demonstration on oral hygiene, interspersed
with the showing of two films. The twenty minute programme
ended with each child being given a dental hygiene kitconsisting
of a beaker, toothbrush and toothpaste, together with a letter to
parents from the Chief Dental Officer. By the end of the term,
fifty-two schools had been visited and some 4,000 dental hygiene
kits distributed.
The visits proved to be popular with the children and the
teaching staff, who on each occasion were encouraged to followup
this introductory session and maintain an interest in their
pupils' dental health. It was encouraging to find that the programme
stimulated requests from several schools for additional
showings of the films to older classes.
If this early introduction to good oral hygiene habits can
be continued among school beginners it is hoped that the benefit
will ultimately be improved dental health in the school population
as a whole.
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