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Dental Treatment.—Mr. E. V. Haigh, the Senior Dental Officer has
submitted the following report: —
In 1949 the dental treatment of expectant and nursing mothers, and
children under 5, was transferred to the Mayesbrook Dental Clinic as it
was considered advisable to centralise this treatment rather than for it to
be divided amongst the part-time dental officers.
This procedure inevitably caused an increase in the waiting time of
patients, but by devoting two or three sessions per week I have found it
possible to keep the waiting list down, so that patients have only a
comparatively short time to wait for an appointment. This is essential for
expectant mothers, as the sooner the treatment can be completed prior to
the confinement the better.
Dentures are supplied to expectant and nursing mothers whenever they
are required. In cases where many teeth are extracted, temporary dentures
are fitted should the patient's health suffer if she were to be without them.
When the healing process is complete, permanent acrylic dentures of first
quality are supplied.
During 1949 a Sterling X-ray apparatus was supplied but owing to the
difficulties of obtaining dark room equipment and films the apparatus was
not brought into use until 1950. Henceforth all expectant and nursing
mothers and children under S requiring X-ray examination will be able to
receive it at the Mayesbrook Dental Clinic. During the same year patients
were sent to King George Hospital for X-rays and the films sent to me in a
few days. By overcoming this delay, suffering in many cases can be
avoided.