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43
DENTAL SERVICES
Mrs. C. M. Lindsay, l.d.s., r.f.p.s.(glasgow)
Principal Dental Officer
In 1970 the number of Maternal and Child Health
patients treated was less than in recent years. The primary causes
of the reduction was a delay of some five months in the replacement
of a dental officer who had left the area, and the prolonged
sick leave of another dental surgeon.
The treatment of school children however was maintained at
the usual high levels previously reached, but the talks to mothers
at Baby and Toddlers Clinics had to be curtailed.
School Health Dental Service
The total number of deciduous and permanent fillings in
1970 is slightly less than that of 1969. This is not due to any great
improvement in the dental health of the children but to some
staffing problems.
Two Dental Surgeons had lengthy illnesses and there was
some hiatus to time due to the obligation to advertise two vacancies
on the staff and wait for the successful applicants to take up
their posts.
The standard and productivity of the Dentists in general has
well exceeded the national average and there were no difficulties
in securing suitable operators to occupy the vacant positions.
With a currently fully operative staff it is expected that all
sections of the Dental Department will produce increased output
in 1971.
It continues to be a source of regret that there is still a considerable
amount of caries in the children's teeth in the Borough.
Areas within the Borough differ and talks on Dental Health are
concentrated in the worst areas as it is not possible to cover the
entire Borough.
One of the Dental Surgeons and the Hygienist, with the
consent of the parents, have been treating some children with a
topical application of Fluorise. It is hoped to report satisfactory
results in due course.
Our thanks are due to Dr. Morris and Dr. Miller for their
co-operation and excellent anaesthetics performed during the year.
Sessions
Sessions devoted to treatment 3,120
Sessions devoted to inspection 228
Sessions devoted to Dental Health Education 60