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81
(h) Dental Defects.
Unfortunately there are no new developments to report in
connection with dental inspection and treatment. The character
and amount of the work undertaken by Mr. Neame is extremely
satisfactory but, as has been pointed out on many previous occasions,
a scheme, which will embrace the whole of the children
in the elementary schools, is the only efficient and economical
means whereby dental disease and oral sepsis can be combated.
The urgent necessity for improved Dental Clinic accommodation
appears to be generally recognised and it is hoped that a new
and up-to-date Clinic will be erected and equipped during the
coming year.
It is estimated that one Dental Surgeon can deal satisfactorily
and efficiently with a school population of 5,000, that is to
say, he should be able to give complete treatment to all cases
found to require attention as the result of the dental inspection
of 5,000 children, and subsequently to examine and treat all
entrants and to re-inspect, and re-treat where necessary, at annual
intervals, all the children previously dealt with. This is the only
way to ensure freedom from oral sepsis and dental decay.
I again respectfully advise the Committee to consider the
necessity for extending their activities in endeavouring to ensure
dental health and banish so many of those ills which originate
in the mouth. To this end the appointment of at least one additional
Dental Surgeon is a matter of extreme urgency.
(<) Crippling Defects.
Orthopedic treatment has been continued under arrangement
made with the Balaam Street Children's Hospital of the
Invalid and Cripple Children's Society.
The treatment at the hospital includes operative, electrical
and massage treatment, remedial exercises and the supply of
surgical appliances, and is carried out under the direction of an
orthoptedic surgeon.
Hitherto the Hospital Authorities have undertaken this work
voluntarily but, as mentioned in my report for the year 1924,
towards the close of last year the Education Committee decided
to make a contribution of £50 to the Hospital Authorities.