View report page

over the year, being the equivalent of three to three and a half dental officers out
of an establishment of six-
The seriousness of the situation can be realised when it is remembered that these
dental officers are responsible for over 13,000 school children, some 2,500 pre-school
children in the two and a half to five year age group, and some one thousand or so
expectant mothers per annum. The recommended number of school children alone per dental
officer for a complete service is 3,000 (vide 'Health of School Child* 1954-55).
To bridge this gap, to a certain extent, judicious discrimination on offer of conservative
treatment has been carried out for some time to ensure that the best possible
service is offered to those who most appreciate it, which is shown by regular attendance
and the carrying out on the part of the patient of those recommendations laid
down for dental health.
Hie work of the hygienist (Mrs Thurston) has been found to be of great value in
educating patients in the proper care of their mouths
Having once been referred to her for scaling, cleaning, or tooth brushing instruction,
it is quite remarkable what a large proportion of these patients ask for regular
inspection by the dentist and regular cleaning by the hygienist.
Apart from regular inspection and treatment and genera] educational measures on
dental care, the fluoridation of the water supply may yet be found to be one of our
greatest helps in controlling dental decay Much controversy concerning these measures
is going on at the present time, and the Ministry of Health tests in the experimental
areas of Watford, Anglesey and Kilmarnock are continuing,, Those in Andover have been
discontinued for other than scientific reasons.
Orthodontic treatment continued to be very popular, but here again all children
in need of such treatment cannot be given it due to the number of such cases, and the
shortage of dental officers. The cases are limited as far as possible, therefore, to
those children whose health is suffering as a result of the dental irregularity, or
where the parent has accepted regular dental treatment throughout the child's school
life.
Fixed and removable appliances are used, but where possible, the latter, as they
are not so time-consuming in the surgery.
A limited number of evening sessions are worked throughout the area and are
proving popular with the older children,
The tables show the general scope and amount of work carried out.,"

(55)