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22
SCHOOL DENTAL SERVICE (Table 88)
The number of dental officers remains at 6½, which is very satisfactory. The equivalent of 4/11
orthodontist at the beginning of the year, dropped to 3/11 towards the end, compared with 5/11 in 1958.
In 1952 because of the shortage of staff and accommodation, a restricted scheme was introduced.
This was modified in 1956, and terminated in February, 1958. Thus 1959 was the first full year in which all
children on the school roll were eligible for routine inspection and treatment.
As a result of the shortage of orthodontists, there is a long waiting list for treatment, and cases
have had to be selected for reasons of age or urgency.
PRIORITY DENTAL SERVICE (Table 89)
In 1959 11% of the Dental Officers' time was spent in the inspection and treatment of the priority
groups.
The number of expectant and nursing mothers who were examined was 341 compared with 289 in
1958. The average over the previous five years, 1953-57, was 338. 97% of those seen in 1959 required
treatment, 99% started, but only 45% completed their treatment and were made dentally fit. The ratio of
fillings to extractions remains constant at 2.2:1.
There has been a steady annual decline in the demand for treatment for the children under five,
from 849 examinations in 1956, to 600 in 1959. Arrangements were made in 1958 to provide a routine inspection,
but the numbers have continued to fall. The average number of conservations (fillings and silver nitrate
dressings) per child treated was 3.3, and the ratio of fillings to extractions was 2.4:1.
The need for advice on matters of oral hygiene and diet is great, and emphasis is laid on the care
and value of the first or "foundation" teeth.
CHIROPODY SERVICE (Table 90)
The number of patients treated at the chiropody clinics in 1959 increased.
Foot inspections of school children were made to discover defects and the possibility of their
developing in the future. Four out of ten children needed treatment and many will be kept under review
because they are likely to develop defects; hallux valgus and deformities of the lesser toes with associated
pressure lesions were the commonest forms of defects.
Health education talks were given to school children and the co-operation from the school staff was
greatly appreciated. Talks were also given to expectant mothers on foot care during pregnancy and foot
care of the infant beginning in the cradle. The foot and shoe fitting was particularly discussed at these
meetings.
The number of patients treated for foot infections increased; the need for foot hygiene is continually
stressed.
The major cause of foot disorders is unsuitable footwear, which includes socks as well as shoes;
and with better designed shoes, and trained shoe fitters much foot suffering could be avoided.
HOME SAFETY
The Willesden Home Safety Committee which was formed in November, 1956, has done valuable
work during the year. It is a voluntary committee which has the support of both the Willesden Borough
and Middlesex County Councils. The Borough Council made a further grant of £100 to the committee's funds
in the financial year 1959/60.
The committee's aim is to reduce the number of accidents which occur in homes in Willesden each
year, mostly affecting children under five years and people over 65 years of age. Its terms of reference were
outlined in the report for 1956.
The Willesden Borough Council and twenty-four local organisations are represented on the committee,
which is affiliated to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and the National Home Safety Committee.
Four committee meetings and two sub-committee meetings were held during the year.
The committee participated in the National 'Guard the Fire' campaign. 4,000 copies of a pamphlet
on fire prevention were distributed by the Housing Manager with a new rent book issue, and posters were
displayed on the Council's notice boards.
The Chief Officer of the Middlesex Fire and Ambulance Service wrote a second report on the causes
of fires in houses and flats in Willesden. The report will be incorporated in the second edition of the home
safety handbook. A sub-committee was set up to draft the new edition. Some propaganda and publicity
was given on the use of flame-resistance materials.
During the national 'Check that Fall' compaign, posters were displayed on the Council's notice
boards and in the health clinics.
Talks were given to local organisations by the Chairman and members of the committee and health
visitors.
Displays were exhibited at the Willesden Show and the Chairman and members attended to answer
questions. Copies of the handbook and leaflets were distributed.
A successful public meeting was held at Anson Hall on the 29th October, attended by 80 people.
Her Worship the Mayor was chairman and opened the meeting. The Medical Officer of Health, the Consultant
Physician to the Geriatric Department, Central Middlesex Hospital Group, the Manager of the Home
Safety Department of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, and the Assistant Divisional Officer,
Middlesex Fire and Ambulance Service, spoke on home safety. Three films were shown and home safety
material was displayed by the London Electricity Board and the North Thames Gas Board. Handbills and
copies of the home safety handbook were distributed.
A children's poster competition was arranged with the co-operation of the Borough Education
Officer. 266 entries were received and were divided into two groups; primary and secondary schools. Three
prizes of savings stamps were awarded in each group, and twenty-two children were highly commended. The
awards were presented by Her Worship the Mayor and the posters exhibited at the Willesden Borough
Council meeting in December.
There has been close association during the year with the Youth Officer for Willesden and the Youth
Advisory Committee which will result in young people becoming more interested in home safety.