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Regarding the follow up of all cases advised to have dental
treatment, those who may have failed to keep an appointment
are visited by the Health Visitors, who explain the value of the
treatment. At least two such visits are made, if necessary,
while, in addition, a letter is addressed to all who have failed
to keep their appointment. The capital expenditure for the
equipment at these new clinics has been approximately £200
each, while the current expenditure for medical requisites, dressings,
drugs, instruments, etc. has been approximately £80 (£40
at each clinic). A report by the Dental Officer is submitted:—

By the first table it will be seen that the number of attendances
of both mothers and children have been nearly doubled.
Good as this result is, it is to the second table that particular
attention should be given. The point worthy of special mention
is the fact that the greater proportion of treatment given was
conservative. Not only does it prove how justified was the
Maternity and Child Welfare Committee in recommending the
provision of a modern Dental Surgery, but also that the
Borough is in line with modern Dentistry, the aim being always
to save and preserve teth and to extract them only when there
is no alternative.
Although a large proportion of the patients who attended
the clinic had to have teeth extracted, it must be remembered
that the modern facilities now available have only been in
existence for just over a year, and it takes regular treatment
over a longer period than that to preserve teeth.
The clinic takes care of expectant mothers, nursing
mothers, and children up to five years old, when they come
under the care of the school clinics. Children's teeth are subsequently
under observation and treatment up to the age of
fourteen or fifteen, and it is between that age and the age at
which the National Health Insurance benefit is obtainable, that
neglect is so often so marked.
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