View report page

26
The Dental Surgeons have submitted the following reports:—-
Mrs. Thome, L.D.S., reports:— ''The past year has seen an
extension in the School Dental Service, a branch of the Public
Health Service which is the least catered for of all, but of which
the benefits from treatment are unquestioned. This expansion has
given time for greater attention to children approaching the leaving
age and which has fully justified itself by the willingness of parents
to follow up treatment commenced while in Infants' Schools.
"Routine inspections in schools is a great factor in accepting the
proffered advice and treatment, and now that the service is extended
it may be wisely urged that this inspection should cover the remaining
age groups of senior scholars. This is already the practice in three
Departments in consequence of which incidence of dental disease
shows the lowest percentage. Practically the same families accept
treatment whenever needed or advised, though the idea of the
Dental Clinic as a convenient and inexpensive place for extraction
of teeth is still prevalent in a certain type of parent.
"The punctual keeping of appointments made shows a hopeful
increase. So many conditions arise affecting and influencing
attendance, and it is the aim of the Clinics to keep a uniform number
of patients without overcrowding and consequent rush treatment
with unavoidable re-appointments.
"Some of the reasons for failure to keep appointments may be
summed up as sickness, lack of initiative to accept treatment when
the patient is no longer suffering acutely, domestic ties, parents
engaged in industry and unable to accompany the child, and it is to
be regretted that to these must be added apathy. The difficulties
are met, when discovered, by every accommodation that the Clinic
can afford.
"The Teachers use every encouragement for children to receive
treatment at the Clinic, and they work in close co-operation with
the Dental Staff. They merit our grateful thanks for their loyalty.
"Whenever possible, instruction in oral hygiene is given to the
young patients at the time of treatment ."
Mr. G. A. Picton-Evans, L.D.S., reports:— "The apathy of the
parents generally towards dental treatment for the children is
deplorable, and it is hoped that some scheme will be formulated
whereby the parents may be educated to the need for early conservative
treatment and to enlighten them regarding the fallacy
that deciduous or milk teeth need no attention.