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145
Direct approach had been made to the private dentists in the
area to devote some portion of their time to the treatment of
school children on a sessional fee basis either in their own surgeries
or in the Council's clinics, and, following receipt of Ministry of
Health Circular 22/52 and Ministry of Education Circular 254,
a further appeal was sent out to these practitioners through the
Local Dental Committee. The response was very poor, and it was
found impossible to get any help on a sessional basis from dental
surgeons in the area. Two dental practitioners agreed to see in their
own surgeries any urgent cases of toothache referred by the Council's
dental officers. These facilities have been used on numerous
occasions to the satisfaction of all concerned.
Dental Inspection and Treatment.
Routine inspection and treatment has been carried out in six
schools, and in the Infants' Department of a seventh school. Not
all children having dental defects were referred, as some discrimination
in selecting children for treatment is necessary and justified
in an under-staffed area. (Vide "Health of the School Child"
1950-51, p. 46.)
In addition, all "urgent" or "casual" cases—referred to the
dental clinics by doctors or teachers, or brought by parents—were
seen, advised, and treated if necessary.
Othodontics.
There continues to be an increasing demand for the orthodontic
service. Here again it is necessary to employ some selection of
cases to ensure that those most likely to benefit from treatment
are given the opportunity of receiving it. Table IV does not make
any provision for detailed explanation of work done, so the following
figures are included here:—
Impressions taken 269
Study and progress models 197
New appliances fitted 72
Attendances for treatment 743
Advice to parents and adjustments to appliances 703
X-rays 25
Finished cases 20