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137
standing at the end of the year for inspection. We are now almost
on a basis of yearly inspection and treatment, which is the scheme we
have arrived at in the re-organisation.
Treatment.
The total number of attendances for treatment at the two clinics
this year has surpassed all records. In 1935, when only one Dentist
was at work and there was only one Clinic, the attendances numbered
3,908. This year the figure is 5,004, an increase of 1,096. It will be
seen from these figures that the services of the part-time Dentist, who
gave 88 sessions at Princes Plain Clinic, have been appreciated by the
children.
Extractions number 4,605, fillings '2,82'2, and gas administered on
1,263 occasions.
It is very encouraging to find that in spite of the greater numbers
of children receiving treatment there was an appreciable fall in the
number of permanent teeth extracted. Last year there were 910; this
year 826. After all. the preservation of permanent teeth is our aim.
Orthodontics.
There is a growing demand on the part of parents and the older
children for orthodontic treatment, that is the regulation of mis placed
teeth and the correction of malformed jaws. These cases take much
time and many attendances, and for this reason only a limited number
can be undertaken. Where regulation plates have to be made the
entire cost is borne by the parent. Frequently no plate is required,
only judicious extractions.
Parents and children are beginning to realise that prominent upper
teeth or a receding chin are a very definite handicap both in business
and socially. It is hoped that more time will be found for the treatment
of these cases.
Welfare.
As regards children between the ages of two and five years there
were 240 attendances. Dental treatment for these children is often of
vital importance. One tender tooth can make a child fretty and
difficult about its food, but many who are seen at the Clinic preseut
four or five badly decayed or abscessed teeth, and it will be seen that
the results of treatment are often truly astonishing. An irritable,
worrying child, is restored to a normal happv state.
Mothers.
A total of 55 nursing and expectant mothers attended on Saturday
mornings for dental treatment, an increase of 14 on last year. Having
regard to the newly established Municipal Midwifery Service there
should be a greater increase this coming year, as this scheme is not
confined to our regular welfare and ante-natal mothers alone.
The dental condition of the majority of these expectant mothers
is appalling. If they come for treatment early in their pregnancy we
are able to put the teeth and gums in good order and give them a fresh
start. if they come towards the last few weeks we often cannot do
we should wish, but we can at least make certain that they are
free from toothache.