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54
SECTION 22 - CARE OF MOTHERS AND YOUNG CHILDREN
DENTAL CARE.
Dr. Allan Ross, the Senior Dental Officer, submits the following
report on the dental treatment provided for expectant and nursing mothers
and pre-school children In 1952:-
"The year was a difficult one for the two full-time Dental Officers
employed by this Authority, At the beginning of the year, energetic steps
were being taken to reduce a large waiting list, but a constant stream of
patients were continually adding to it.
Children under school age had the greatest difficulty In obtaining
treatment outside the priority service. The necessity for providing dentures
to expectant and nursing mothers was a real burden to the depleted
staff, but any lessening of our responsibility in this connection would be
strongly deprecated.
An X-ray unit was installed during the year. As far as mothers and
young children were concerned, its use was small. On the other hand it
was used extensively for school children.
Our efforts were extended during the year to obtain the services of
another full-time dentist, but only a small amount of part-time help was
obtained. It is felt that the advantages of part-time help have been
exaggerated and the solution appears to rest in full-time staff working
additional evening sessions. Toward the end of the year this method of
dealing with the work was put into effect and had given a measure of relief
to the dental services of the borough."