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46
The number of denture capes remains high compared with that prevailing
before the imposition of charges for dentures provided under the General
Dental Services.
The X-ray unit was used in more causes than in the previous year, but
it is still used mainly for school children.
During the year a new clinic was erected and the dental accommodation
thus made available will make it possible to increase the establishment
by one dental officer, the present establishment being for three dental
officers and one oral hygienist. With four dentists, pre-school children
will be able to receive more routine conservative treatment. These young
children are a great problem as their parents do find it extremely difficult
to obtain treatment from private practitioners.
In January, the two full-time dental officers commenced extra evening
sessions, primarily to compensate for the continued absence of a third dentist.
It was soon found that a very high proportion of mothers much prefer
to attend for treatment in the evenings."
1954
"Until the end of the year, there was every prospect of four full-time
dental officers working in the Dental Clinics as the establishment had been
raised to that figure earlier in the year. Unfortunately the resignation
of one dental officer and the certain resignation of another dental officer
early in 1955, coupled with the very poor response to numerous advertisements,
made the whole position extremely gloomy. There was every prospect of the
Senior Dental Officer being the only full-time denial officer for at least
the early part of 1955.
The continuation of dental treatment for pre-school children in the
Clinic is essential as it is just this age group which has great difficulty
in obtaining treatment elsewhere. The provision of free dentures is much
appreciated by expectant and nursing mothers, and a large number of dentures
was, in fact, provided during the year. These services result in an ever
heavier burden being borne by the depleted staff.
The Oral Hygienist was unfortunately on sick leave for a considerable
part of the year."