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134
SCHOOL DENTAL SERVICE.
Mr. E. V. Haigh, Area Dental Officer, reports as follows:-
"The School Dental Service in the 11 ford area increased considerably
during 1962. The dental staff shortage started to improve
during 1961. In May 1962 Mr. Willson, a part-time dental officer in
Ilford, commenced full-time duties at Kenwood Clinic and in September
Mr. Bowe commenced full-time at Valentines dental clinic. The
Valentines Clinic was redecorated and partially re-equipped prior to
Mr. Bowe commencing.
By the end of 1962 the dental services available to school
children in the Ilford area were better than at any other time, having
five surgeries fully staffed.
With this extra dental staff it has become possible to do more
regular school dental inspections. These inspections are a very
important part of school dentistry because it is the main way of
notifying the parents that dental treatment is required. Unfortunately
many parents do not accept the advice to obtain dental treatment
either privately or to bring the child to the school dental clinic.
At the end of 1962 the planning of opening a further surgery at
Kenwood Clinic was made and this will take place during the early
part of 1963.
High speed equipment for cavity preparation has been installed
in all surgeries and continues to be of great value in cavity preparation
and causing less pain to the patient.
Dental Radiographic facilities which have become very important
in the diagnosis of dental abnormalities continued to be available in
all clinics. This often saves the patient attending a hospital, thus
saving pain and time.
I continued with one evening session per week at Mayesbrook
Clinic for school children who are unable to attend during the day.
Appointments forthese sessions arein great demand by older children
studying for examinations. Many of these children would not attend
during the day and so I feel this is a service of value.