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54
incline planes should be part of the routine work of the children's dental
specialist.
Such an arrangement would mean more dental officers and smaller
areas, but, on the other hand less specialist orthodontists and less
malocclusion. The dental officer would see his work in a better perspective.
In time there is a very real danger that a children's specialist
in dentistry will be nothing more or less than a tooth carpenter, feeling
as much monotony in his work as does an orthodontist who has other
interests in dental surgery apart from his own speciality. Further the
system of orthodontics by the specialist orthodontist only, will lead to
preferential treatment of children in urban areas whilst those in rural
areas get none."
Apart from being able to refer cases to the orthodontist, the local
dental officers can also refer suitable cases to the specialist dental officer
in the Sudbury Clinic.
Ear, Nose and Throat Defects.
Most children suffering from defects of the ear, nose or throat are
referred to the Ear, Nose and Throat Department of Redhill County
Hospital, though some find it more convenient to attend at the Harrow
Hospital. The long waiting list which is a feature at all hospitals was
aggravated by the poliomyelitis outbreak in the summer during which
time few throat operations were performed. 27 children received
operative treatment for enlarged tonsils and for adenoids, and 4 for
other nose and throat conditions. 16 received other forms of treatment.
Child Guidance.
The Child Guidance Clinic was, because of the temporary shortage
of staff, run under greater difficulties than ever. At present the average
time from a child being referred to his being seen is some six weeks, but
before being accepted for treatment 6½ months. 81 children were treated
at the clinic.
Speech Therapy.
The following information has been supplied by Miss Barbara
Fisher, the speech therapist, on the work of the Harrow Speech Clinic
for the year 1947.
No. of cases seen in the year 125
No. of cases on register at December 1st, 1947 46
No. of cases discharged through the year 61
Speech normal 29
Speech improved 12
Discharged for lack of co-operation 20
Cases referred elsewhere 10
No. not accepted for treatment 8
No. on waiting list 5
Most of the cases dealt with at the Clinic are children attending the
maintained schools, though a small number were referred by Medical
Officers of the Infant Welfare Clinics.