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sepsis, etc., when a local application of ethyl-chloride is given for
temporary teeth, and a general anaesthetic, nitrous-oxide, for
permanent teeth. Small cavities in temporary teeth are filled in
order that they will function for the remainder of their short existence.
Great importance is laid on filling the permanent teeth,
especially the six-year molars. Some permanent teeth are very
sensitive when being filled, so a local injection is then given in
order that the operation will be painless. Every little patient that
visits the Clinic has his or her mouth put into a sound condition,
whether it means one visit or six visits. Thus, when the child
leaves the Clinic its mouth is entirely free from dental decay and
aural sepsis, and for some months at least it is in a far better
condition to battle against illness and disease than it otherwise
would be.
The dental health of children is very important, insomuch
that it is so closely related to their general health ; bad teeth, in
the majority of cases, means bad health and not vice-versd as is
so often supposed. Dentistry is the great outpost of Preventive
Medicine, and as such its importance should be duly recognised by
parents, teachers, and others who have the care of children.
It is with great pleasure that one records the appointment of
another school dentist in the near future—a good step in the right
direction. One would like to record this in each annual report
until we have four school dentists, the number required to deal
adequately with the school children of East Ham.
The age groups to be inspected during the year 1929 will be
from 5 years to 11 years inclusive.
The work of the Dental Nurse is very important because upon
her attitude depends a great deal the behaviour of the children in
the Clinic, and the co-operation of the parents. Occasionally
parents come along with a marked antipathy to clinics, and it
rests with the nurse primarily to overcome this. Courtesy,
patience, tact, and gentleness are four important attributes of the
successful dental nurse. Nurse Olifent has developed these
virtues, which fact has added considerably to the success of the
Dental Service.
Details of treatment accorded the mothers and babies referred
from the Maternity and Child Welfare Centre will be found in
the following table:—