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6.
B. Audlometric Surveys
Group tenting of the hearing of children in their last year at primary
School has continued during the year. 942 were tested and of these 67 were
referred for further Investigation. Of 159 who fulled the first test, 102
passed on an Immediate re-test. Indicating that the failure was due to some
cause other than a defect of hearing.
Details of casey referred for examination by the specialist are Included
In the report of the Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic.
C. Cleanliness Inspections
It Is most pleasing to report a further reduction in the number of children
found to be verminous. In fact, the total has been reduced almost by half during
the year.
Routine cleanliness Inspections In the boys' secondary modern schools have
been discontinued and attention focussed on the girls In the secondary modern
schools among whom the highest rate of Infestation still is to be found.
Number of cleanliness examinations
In the schools 30,546
Number of verminous children noted 112
Infestation rate 0.71 per cent

The value of the school health clinic remains as an example of a first class
service to a 'priority group' within the community. Here, Investigation of
physical, mental or emotional aberration In a scholar can proceed under Ideal
conditions, with minimal loss of the scholar's schooling time and his parents'
working time, without resort to the use of expensive and complicated hospital
services.
Dental Clinics
Dr. Allan Ross, Principal School Dental Officer, submits the following
report on the work, of the School Dental Service In 1968:-
"The year under review will almost certainly prove to be the one which is
recalled with considerable pride In the future. For nearly the whole year
there was a full establishment of dentists and more routine and orthodontic
treatment and Inspections at school were carried out than ever before.
Unhappily, the putlook for the future Is not particularly hopeful. In
1957 the drift of Local Authority dentists back Into private practice began,
and following the report of the Royal Commission on Remuneration of Doctors
and Dentists In the National Health Service, there Is every prospect of
this becoming an avalanche In 1959 and i960. Thus, one of the dental
officers resigned at the end of the year, with no prospect of replacement,