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76
the doctors present fewer cases of dental defects, or just possibly,
the standard of what may be classed as dental fitness has varied with
changes of medical staff.
"The first reason is, I hope, the correct one, but the second
cannot, of course, be ruled out entirely.
"There is at least one hopeful trend. Among some 200 expectant
and nursing mothers referred, it was found that one only
needed a complete artificial denture and it was only found necessary
to fit seven partial dentures.
"This is certainly a complete change from the times, not very
long ago, when the great majority of women referred from the
Welfare Centres were in such poor dental condition that they
needed full dentures.
"The number of Dental Sessions has been as follows:-
1956 189
1955 174
"The total of expectant and nursing mothers who received
dental treatment during 1956 expressed as a percentage of live
births was 13.6.
"In May, 1956, one evening session per week was commenced
for expectant and nursing mothers and children under five years of
age.
"The following gives details of the work done during the year
by the dental staff:—