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The age groups inspected were from 4 to 18 years inclusive the
total being 11,550—those referred for treatment numbered 5,473.
These figures show that slightly over 50% of the children inspected had
sound mouths; this is most satisfactory after a war, with all its
inherent difficulties, especially those of a nutritional nature. The
"specials", that is to say, cases referred by the school medical officer
and head teachers, numbered 1,072. The number of attendances at
the dental clinics during the year was 5,560.
Details will be found in Table IV—Returns to the Ministry of
Education.
All children in the routine age groups are inspected once a year,
and treatment offered where necessary. With the recent increase in
the dental staff it will now be possible to inspect all school children
twice a year, a principle advocated by the Ministry of Health, and all
who are interested in the dental health of the younger generation.
The extraction of some temporary teeth, and nearly all permanent
teeth is done under gas. In the past a great many temporary teeth
were extracted under local anaesthesia, this is not an ideal method
for children. However, during the coming year nearly all extractions
of both temporary and permanent teeth will be done under gas as we
now have on the staff a specialist in dental anaesthetics, an example
which could be followed with advantage by other authorities. Dr.
Marsden, M.B.,B.S., D.P., was recently appointed and attends three
sessions a fortnight. The results even in such a short time have been
most gratifying. During the year the number of administrations ???.
gas was 540.
A certain number of permanent teeth were extracted for regulation
purposes. This is done in cases where the teeth are very overcrowded,
and it allows the remaining teeth room to fall back naturally into their
appropriate position in the mouth. In other cases where this type of
treatment was not suitable, regulation plates were made. Very
difficult and prolonged cases were referred to hospital for treatment.
Every endeavour is being made to educate parents and children in
the benefits of dental treatment by means of talks, and leaflets full of
useful information.
During this coming year there will be for the first time three fulltime
clinics in operation, and we confidently hope that the standard
of treatment provided will more than fulfil our high expectations.