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125
almost fully staffed. We have been unable to obtain
any full time officers. I have approached all the
part-time dental surgeons about doing full time service
but none of them are interested at the present
salary rate.
For many years it has been impossible to
inspect more than 5-10% of school children each
year, sufficient numbers applying for treatment to
keep available staff fully occupied. However during
1961 it was possible to inspect 32% of the school
population at school inspections and I have every
hope that this will be higher in 1962 if we retain the
same staff strength.
High speed equipment for cavity preparation
of fillings has been installed in the four surgeries
in constant use in the area and these Airotors are
proving to be one of the great improvements in
dentistry as they cause less pain to the patient.
The children received full dental treatment
at the Clinics. Conservative, extractions under local
or general anaesthesia and orthodontic appliances
fitted as required.
I continued with one evening session per week
at Mayesbrook Clinic for school children who are
unable to attend during the day. These sessions
from 5.15-8.15 p.m. are in great demand by older
children studying for examinations. Many of these
children would not attend during the day and so this
is giving a service of value. Emergency treatment
and inspection sessions continued at Mayesbrook
Clinic. On Wednesday or Friday mornings from
9 a.m.-11 a.m. any school child without an appointment
could attend and be seen for the relief of pain
or for an inspection. Appointments were made for
these children to have extractions, conservative or
orthodontic treatment. Dental X-ray facilities are
available at each Clinic. This saves time and pain,
a quicker diagnosis being possible.
Most extractions were performed under
general anaesthesia which was always given by a
medical officer. The number of children requiring