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This means that during 1957 fewer sessions were worked, and the
number of children inspected at school was only 6,905 as compared
with 10,529 in the previous twelve months."
Orthodontics.
The following report has been submitted by Mr. R. V. Tait,
B.Sc., L.D.S., R.C.S., the visiting orthodontist:—
"During 1957, 101 new patients were accepted for observation
or treatment at the orthodontic clinic. 80 patients were discharged
after satisfactorily completing their treatment. A further 190
chlidren were examined and advice given to the school dental
officers regarding their orthodontic treatment.
"The main feature of the year's work has been the continued
development of standardised techniques of orthodontic treatment
making use of simple designs of removable appliance. This has
greatly extended the range of orthodontic abnormalities which can
be satifactorily treated by school dental officers who may have had
no special orthodontic training. This increases the interest and
variety of the school dental officer's work, as well as enabling a
larger number of children to be treated.
"It is perhaps worth pointing out that Walthamstow must be
one of the few areas in the country where any child in need of
orthodontic treatment can readily obtain this without appreciable
delay at the school dental clinic.
"The following figures show the work done in 1957:—"
Total number of sessions 129
Appointments—Made 1,246
Kept 1,109
Cases brought forward from 1956 226
New cases commenced during 1957 101
Cases completed during 1957 80
Cases for which treatment was completed with appliances 53
Cases discontinued 25
Removable appliances fitted 100
Fixed appliances fitted 6
Cases seen in consultation with School Dental Officers 190
Dental Anaesthesia.
Dr. Henry Churchill, Consultant Anaesthetist, reports that
during the past three years some ten thousand nitrous oxide
("gas") anaesthetics have been given to children attending the
Town Hall Dental Clinics. No premedication is used since this
would involve a longer recovery time and might prevent a return
home by public transport.