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(7) Dentistry.
(a) Dentures.— Dentures for expectant and nursing mothers are now obtained by arrangement
with private dentists. Having regard to the large number of such dentures now provided, it would
not only be more economical but also more convenient for this work to be carried out at the Health
Centre.
(b) Orthodontics.—A number of cases of children attend the Health Centre in which the teeth
require to be regulated. This is important work because of the early decay of overcrowded and
irregular teeth and also because of the adverse psychological effects which occur in many of these cases
where the teeth are protruding or badly arranged, causing definite unsightliness and disfigurement.
It is proposed that all this dental work, namely, dentures and orthodontics, should be carried
out in the rooms marked " Denture Fitting Room," " Dental Mechanic's Room " and " Orthodontic
Room."
(8) Isolation.
The enlarged clinic would also enable a spare room to be available for cases coming to the clinic
requiring to be isolated.
(9) Test Feeding.
A room would also be available as a test feeding room for mothers. The ante-natal examination
room or the ante-natal preparation room could be used for this purpose as might be convenient.
(10) Rheumatism.
The larger clinic also provides for the establishment of arrangements for dealing with cases of
rheumatism occurring in children. The clinic work in connection with the supervision of these
rheumatic cases would be undertaken possibly in the Skin Specialist's Room when not occupied by him
or in the Squint Clinic—Throat, Nose and Ear Clinic Room if not occupied. In any case the provision
exists but is necessarily dependent on the establishment of a suitable number of beds at the Municipal
Hospital.
(11) Toddlers.
The total number of toddlers in Willesden, i.e., children between 1 year and 5 years, is between
9,000 and 10,000. Of this number approximately 300 are in attendance at nursery schools and receive
annual medical inspection. In addition 556 attended the Health Centres by appointment in 1935 for
medical overhaul. A considerable number of the remaining 8,144 to 9,144 children over 1 year but
under 5 years attend the Health Centres from time to time for various reasons but do not receive
regular medical inspection at this very important period of life. This is because there is no staff
available to deal with them. An additional doctor is not required at each of the three Health Centres
for this purpose, but if Health Centre (1) is rebuilt on a suitable site and a doctor added, this, with a
re-arrangement of clinic areas, will give sufficient medical staff to deal with all these children.