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6,080 children inspected in the periodic age group' In fact 5 out of every
6 pupils required dental treatment and this reflects the parlous state into
which the dental services for the priority groupings have fallen since the
advent of the National Health Service Act with its concomitant dental staff
difficulties mainly due to dispute over salaries.
It would appear this part of the financial burden of education properly
could be supported in greater measure by the Central Authority, for surely
in so vital a matter as the dental care of young children It is no part of
the Principal School Medical Officer's duty to produce monies out of a hat
like a magician at the circus. His clear duty is to assess the magnitude
of the problem and to advise measures to combat it, and so ineluctable a
duty should not go by default through lack of funds.
C. Audlometric Surveys.
Group testing of the hearing of children in their last year at primary
school has continued during the year. 1,855 were tested and of these 255
were referred for further investigation. Of 597 who failed the first test,
342 passed on an immediate re-test, Indicating that the failure was due to
some cause other than a defect of hearing.
Details of cases referred for examination by the specialist are included
in the report of the Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic.
D. Cleanliness Inspections.
There has been a decline In the number of children found to be
harbouring nits or head lice, 544 against 608 last year.
The Infestation rate of 1.47 per cent is low and reflects the high
standard of educative and preventive work carried out by the health visitors,
and the steady Improvement In the 'sense of hygiene' being fostered in the
borough.
The health visitors continue to supervise in person any hygienic
measures necessary for the eradication of pediculosis in Individuals and
families, assisted by the sanitary staff where, in addition, the disinfestatlon
of homes, clothes and bedding was indicated.
Number of cleanliness examinations
in the schools 36,984
Number of verminous children noted 544
Iafestatlon rate 1.47 per cent

Total attendances during 1952:- 8,328