London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Willesden 1934
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Willesden]
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53
The Year's Work.
19,667 school children, 1,286 mothers and infants were inspected, making a total of 20,953 for
the year. Of these 13,934 were found to have defective teeth.
8,773 teeth were filled, 16,355 teeth were removed, which, with 5,841 incidental forms of
treatment (scaling, cleaning, dressing, silver nitrate, etc.), make a total of 30,969 operations.
A Summary of the year's work compared with the years 1930 to 1933 is tabulated as follows :—
Table No . 36.
Comparative Table of Work done for Years 1934, 1933, 1932 and 1931.
| 1934 | 1933 | 1932 | 1931 | |
| Total inspected— | ||||
| Mothers, Infants and School Children | 20,953 | 22,270 | 23,044 | 23,306 |
| Number defective | 13,934 | 15,106 | 16,454 | 16,588 |
| „ treated | 5,323 | 6,046 | 6,397 | 5,718 |
| Teeth removed | 16,355 | 17,081 | 17,660 | 17,393 |
| „ filled | 8,773 | 10,621 | 10,311 | 8,725 |
| Sundry operations | 5,841 | 6,401 | 6,473 | 4,513 |
| General anaesthetics | 3,883 | 3,946 | 3,919 | 3,970 |
| Treatment sessions | 1,570 | 1,600 | 1,572 | 1,523 |
| Inspection sessions | 347 | 361 | 400 | 408 |
Table No . 37.
Comparative Table of Work per Session.
| Attendances. | Fillings. | Extractions. | Sundry. | Total Operations per Session. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1934 | 9.9 | 5.6 | 10.4 | 3.7 | 19.7 |
| 1933 | 11.6 | 6.6 | 10.67 | 4 | 21.3 |
| 1932 | 11.8 | 6.5 | 11.2 | 4.1 | 21.8 |
| 1931 | 11 | 5.7 | 11.4 | 2.3 | 19.4 |
The above Table indicates that each dentist performed an average of 19.7 operations for
9.9 patients during every treatment session at the Centres. These operations include 5.6 fillings,
10.4 extractions and 3.7 sundries.
Anæsthetics.
Nitrous oxide with oxygen and carbondioxide mixture, supplemented in some cases with
ethyl chloride, was administered nasally by the Anaesthetist to 3,883 patients. This work was carried
out with complete satisfaction to all concerned.
At one Centre the latest type of Magill apparatus is in use, and at each of the other Centres
a Walton apparatus.
In November, the Anaesthetist exhibited his film "Sodium Evipan Anaesthesia" at the Town
Hall, Dyne Road. There was a large and appreciative audience, among whom were the Chairman
of the Children's Care Sub-Committee, practically the whole of the Dental, Medical and Nursing
staff of the Health Department, and some private Medical and Dental practitioners.
It is suggested that this form of anaesthesia, or the still more recent Barbiturate, might with
advantage, be made use of in certain cases at the Centres.
PART II.
SCHOOL DENTAL SERVICE.
Inspection.
Routine.—18,272 children out of an approximate school population of 21,400 were examined
during the year. 11,167 or 61.1 per cent. were found defective.