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The above Table is a comparative table of work done per session. It indicates that each
dentist performed an average of 21.3 operations for 11.06 patients during every treatment session
at the Centres. These operations include 6.6 fillings, 10.67 extractions and 4 incidental treatments,
and represent a full and busy session for both dentist and nurse.
PART II.
SCHOOL DENTAL SERVICE.
Inspection.
Routine.—All the schools in Willesden have been visited by the dentists, and all scholars
have had an opportunity of having their teeth inspected. 19,629 out of an approximate school
population of 21,487 were examined and 12,532 or 63 per cent, were found to have defective teeth.
The number of children showing defects in 1932 amounted to 68.7 per cent, and in 1931 70 per cent.
From these percentages it is reasonable to assume that the incidence of caries is being satisfactorily
held in check in Willesden. As hitherto, our procedure at the school inspections has been to record
and chart all teeth showing caries or other abnormalities and to attempt to interest the child and
parents individually in systematic care of the teeth. Our object, of course, is to encourage
acceptance for treatment, either at the Centres or by the Private Practitioner. This method,
which is common to other local authorities, consumes a considerable, but not unreasonable proportion
of the dentist's time. For instance, 361 visits to the schools were allocated this year when
19,629 children were inspected.
Specials.—1,455 casual cases were examined at the Centres, which is an increase of 487
over the previous year. There seems to be no satisfactory explanation for this surprising rise
other than the fact that 1,858 children were missed on account of absence from school during the
dentist's visit, as against 470 of last year. It is feasible that some of these children subsequently
presented themselves at the Centres, desiring to avail themselves of the services offered, and so
became included among the casuals.
Treatment.
Of the 13,987 children found on inspection to be defective, 5,266 were treated at the Centres.
This is an acceptance rate of 38 per cent, compared with 32.3 per cent, and 29.9 per cent, in the
years 1931 and 1932 respectively.
It is encouraging to know that the percentage of children receiving treatment is increasing,
but progress is slow, and, as yet, disappointing.
9,610 fillings were done, of which 8,956 were restorations to permanent teeth.
11,331 teeth were extracted, which figure includes 2.024 permanent teeth.
For the removal of the teeth a general anaesthetic was administered 3,073 times and local
495.
1,286 treatment sessions were held at the Centres and 13,848 attendances were made by
children for treatment.
The average work done per session by each dentist is indicated in the table below.