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dentition by fillings and the temporary dentition by dressings and,
to a limited extent, also by fillings, coupled with the removal of
all the latter which exhibit extensive decay.
"In concluding this portion of my report, I should like to
emphasise that, in the case of all the 7,602 children attending the
dental clinic in 1936, treatment has been offered and, apart from
arrangements by teachers, it has been left to parents and children
to accept or refuse it.
"(2) In an ideal world, where everyone received a sound dietetic
education or had a sound instinct in such matters and was blessed
with the mental and financial capacity to take advantage of it,
the dental profession would, presumably, not be required.
"But under present conditions, with limits to our knowledge,
teachability and purses, it behoves us to accept, as far as possible,
the 'next best thing.'
"May I be allowed to give what, in my opinion, would be the
ideal plan for the production of a healthy mouth in the youth of
the new generation.
"I should like, for convenience, to divide this plan into three
sections:— .
(a) Knowledge of the factors that would produce and
develop healthy jaws and teeth and assist to keep
them healthy.
(b) The dissemination of this knowledge.
(c) Examination and necessary treatment at frequent
intervals.
"Theoretically, if (a) and (b) were perfect, (c) would be unnecessary,
but until the public can all receive the very best diet
our plan must allow for a full programme of ameliorative treatment.
"(a) We have not a complete knowledge of all the causes of
dental disease, but we do know sufficient to prescribe a diet that
will definitely reduce the amount of attention required.
"(b) This knowledge should be taught to the public as extensively
and intensively as possible, especially to mothers and to the
older children, e.g., at Maternity and Child Welfare Clinics and at
schools.