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100
Treatment.
The principles of treatment were described in the Report
of 1929.
Prophylactic Treatment.
During the dental inspections at the schools it was
often found that many children, although they were free
from dental caries, presented mouths in a dirty and illkept
condition. Cases of this nature are referred for
prophylactic treatment, that is, scaling, polishing and
thorough mechanical cleansing. The treatment is not unpleasant,
and the results are often surprising both to the
child and the parents; the appreciation that clean, polished
teeth improve the appearance, is often the first step in their
dental education, and leads to a real desire for dental health.
Constant reading and the study of other dental
schemes, not only in England, but also in America and
our Colonies, often suggests new methods; where these are
within our power, and are of proved value, they are introduced.
Lord Riddell in his address before the Central Coiincil
for Health Education described our teeth as a " national
disgrace," and having regard to the fact that 52 per cent.
of our school population are suffering from very obvious
dental disease, constant work and constant education in
this matter must be our slogan in this department. Our
aim is that the scholars shall leave school with a desire for
dental health. They must be taught that correct treatment
will eradicate disease, and that with proper methods there
is nothing to fear.
Lastly I must express my appreciation of the assistance
given me by the committee and the staff. I would especially
thank the voluntary workers who attend the Clinic
each day and render such very practical service, for without
their help it would be impossible to deal with so great
a number of patients.
(Signed) T. S. LATHAM, L.D.S. (Eng.).
The extent of each type of treatment, and the various
statistics, will be found in the Appendix.