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95
kept; this means that at each session approximately 10
children received treatment.
As regards the actual treatment, our aim is to relieve
pain, clear up gross septic conditions, and to secure a
clean functional mouth. Unless one has actually seen
for oneself, it is difficult to realise how septic and dirty
the condition of the mouth can be. A child who is
constantly suffering from toothache and whose whole
system is being undermined by oral sepsis cannot enjoy
its life as it should, nor can it derive full profit from
its school time.
Dental Education.
Instruction in the principles of oral health is carried
out at our School Inspections, and in the Clinic at the
chairside. At some schools, after my inspection, I find
perhaps as many as fifty parents assembled in the hall.
This gives me a valuable opportunity to say something
about "The Healthy Mouth," and I am also able to
explain our system at the Clinic.
Parents are still allowed to be present in the surgery
during the treatment of their children. Some valuable
time is expended in illustration and explanation of what
is being done, but I am quite certain that this time is
being very well spent, and is the most powerful form
of propaganda—"seeing is believing."
Home Visits.
We have a number of children—about 500—who
consistently fail to attend the Clinic when they receive
an appointment. On looking through this list of failures
to attend, a rather striking fact is brought to notice,
namely, that these failures are children who have never
yet attended the Dental Clinic. In this there is some
cause for satisfaction in that those who do come are not
afraid to come again, the treatment is appreciated.
The Nurse made 364 visits to parents during the
year. When the 1s. fee has prevented their attendance
they are referred to the Bromley Children's Care Committee,
who never refuse their help.