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58
If the object of the Authority's dental organisation is to treat as many children as possible
who have incipient caries, and to train and educate them in the care of the teeth, then it is apparent
that the existing conditions under which treatment is available defeats the end in view, at least for
this particular section of the population.
It is, perhaps, worth while to mention that during the year under review, the acceptance rate
for elementary school children obtaining treatment at the centres fell 7 per cent., and the number
of fillings done decreased by 2,639 as compared with the year 1933, which was the last full working
year of the former more satisfactory and popular method.
Educational.
The educational work during the year has been limited to the' issue of pamphlets to scholars
and parents; the distribution of posters to teachers, and the display of charts. In addition, the dental
officers have given advice and instruction during school inspection and at the centres.
In previous years Willesden has taken a more active part in this work and has made arrangements
for the exhibition of models and films at the schools. While, no doubt, much good has been
the outcome of this, it has to be remembered that the expenditure of time is considerable.
Such entertainments are a pleasant interlude for the children, but results do not warrant
too frequent a repetition of them.
Some years ago the local cinema proprietors and managers, assisted us in this work, and
agreed to include educational films during their ordinary programme.
It was estimated at that time that over 40,000 children and parents saw this series of films,
but here also, the returns, as judged by the number of children accepting treatment, were not commensurate
with the work involved. It must not be overlooked either that the school routine is disorganised
to some extent, and children are withdrawn from their classes to see the exhibits.
The Year's Work.
21,638 mothers, infants, elementary and secondary scholars were inspected. 15,083 were
defective and 5,654 were treated at the centres.
14,764 teeth were extracted, 9,501 fillings were done, which, together with 6,125 other operations
of a sundry nature make a total of 30,390 treatments.
18,196 attendances were registered by these patients.
A summary of the work is given in the following table, with the comparative figures for the
three previous years.

When compared with the previous year, it will be observed that the number inspected has
increased by 685, and the number of patients receiving treatment at the centres by 331. Also the
number of fillings done has improved by 728, and other operations by 284, while the number of teeth
extracted is less by 1,591.
The average work done on a sessional basis, is set out in the table below, compared with the
three preceding years.