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ORTHODONTICS
The arrangements made with the North East Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board for
cases to be referred to their orthodontist (Mr.ffillcocks) for a second opinion is
working well, and several cases have been referred to him at ffhipps Cross Hospital
during the year. The child is provided with study models and X-rays and where the case
is of some complexity Mr. Willcocks advises the dental officers on the best line of
treatment. He is also available to them from time to time as the case proceeds.
Ectopic teeth and unerupted teeth buried deep in the jaw where more suitable for
in-patient treatment, are admitted to hospital and treated.
So great is the demand for orthodontic treatment that some measure of selection
of cases has become necessary. Firstly, to be sure that the child and his parents will
attend regularly as required, for without this regularity successful results are not
likely. Secondly, to be sure that it is those cases most needing treatment from a
health, and in some cases, from an aesthetic point of view, which are undertaken.
The tables in this report are largely self-explanatory and from them it will be
seen that much has been done. Much however remains to be done and in the light of the
staff-patient ration the recommendations contained in the Buillebaud Report of 1956
still have great importance. The most important of these recommendations were the
following:-
1. The value of fluoridation of the water supplies.
2. Desirability of increased dental health education.
3. More research work into the causes of and prevention of dental disease.
4. More efficient dental service for the priority classes.
2 and 4 above depend very largely upon the ability to secure more dentists and in
the near future possibly ancilliary workers.
The Ministry of Health investigations under heading 1 in their special test areas
are due to finish this year and the Ministry's opinions and recommendations are awaited
with interest.

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