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The average work done on a sessional basis is set out in the following table together with the
years 1935 and 1936.

It is evident from the above table that the amount of work done corresponds very closely with
the previous years. The number of fillings at 5.6 per session is identical with the year 1936 ; the number
of extractions and sundry operations has declined slightly, while attendances have risen to the
1935 level.
General Anaesthetics.
Reports have appeared in the dental press of the successful use of Vinyl Ether as a general
anaesthetic in Hospital out-patients Dental work. As the drug gave promise of value and no elaborate
apparatus was required in its administration, it was decided to see if it provided any improvement on
our existing method. Approximately 100 cases were thus treated at the centres. It was found to
produce a smooth, quiet, safe and quick anaesthesia, with rapid recovery and no after effects, the
patient maintaining a good colour throughout. It has, however, a limited time of anaesthesia and
most of the cases treated required to be supplemented with nasal gas to complete the operation.
This, in our view, negatived its claim as a rival to nasal N2O and Oxygen and its use at the centres
was discontinued. Its high inflammability and objectionable odour tend also to bring the drug into
disfavour.
187 general anaesthetic sessions were held during the year, 3,786 cases being treated ; an
average of 20 per session.
ELEMENTARY, NURSERY AND SPECIAL SCHOOLS.
Inspection.
Routine.—15,769 children out of a total roll of approximately 20,000 were inspected at the
schools during 293 visits, an average of 54 per visit.
11,869 children, or 75%, were found defective and referred for treatment.
Complete recording of all defects found was done and " Care of the Teeth " pamphlets issued
to all scholars, which is the same procedure as in former years.
Special Cases.—848 children were inspected at the centres as compared with 1,535 during the
previous year. Included in this figure are cases of minor defect which had developed between routine
inspections, together with those children leaving school and seeking a final treatment. Every effort
was made for these children to complete their treatment.
Treatment.
Out of a total of 11,869 children referred as defective, 4,421 received treatment at the centres,
an increase of 292 over last year's figure.
9,015 teeth were extracted, of which 1,390 were permanent.
5,499 fillings were done on permanent teeth and 955 on temporary, making a total of 6,454.
In addition, 1,945 sundry treatments were performed. These include root fillings to anterior teeth,
gum treatments, dressings of zinc oxides and sedatives, together with silver nitrate applications.
11,246 attendances for treatment were registered at the centres.
Treatment sessions totalled 977 and the average work done is indicated in the table below.