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22
Every permanent tooth with a reasonable chance of preservation
is filled. Here, again, arises the problem of the child whose
parent refuses conservation work until the tooth is unsavable.
This paragraph of the recommendations also states that
'Conservative dentistry includes also simple measures for the relief
of the slighter forms of overcrowding and mal-position of the teeth.'
Fifty-five sessions have been devoted to this class of work
during the year. Many more of these cases could have been undertaken
if it had been possible without neglecting other treatment.
This is unfortunate in view of the fact that many parents seem
unable to spare the time and money required for frequent visits to
the dental hospitals and welcome the opportunity of obtaining this
treatment locally.
(7) The interval between inspection and treatment should be
as short as possible.'
Unfortunately, at present there is a long waiting list for
treatment, but with four dental surgeons the future should see an
improvement. This in itself will not be sufficient to produce
satisfactory conditions, as I hope to show later.
(8) 'To devote much time to the treatment of children other
than those who attend as the result of systematic inspection tends
to interfere with the routine work and to impair the efficiency of the
service.'
Here we come to the crux of the whole situation, and it is
to this that I wish to refer more fully at the end of this review.
(9) Dental attendants and their duties.
Four dental attendants assist the surgeons in the management
of the children before and after operations, prepare materials for
use in the surgery, clean and sterilize instruments, prepare cards
for charting, make appointments and index the charted cards. The
dental surgeons themselves make records of treatment required and
completed.
(10) The dental attendants do not themselves perform any
dental operations.
(11) Anaesthetics.
"A general anaesthetic, usually nitrous oxide and oxygen, is
used for the majority of extractions. This is administered by a
dental officer, and 143 sessions were occupied in this way.