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(2).—The reluctance of parents to have teeth nearer the
front extracted, in case the visible spaces did not fill up.
Dr. Nash then obtained the Committee's consent to purchase
a certain number of Royal Dental Hospital treatment tickets, and
these were given to picked and suitable cases.
In brief, as far as this Clinic was concerned this method of
obtaining treatment proved a complete failure in this wise :—
The ticket only stood good for ordinary treatment, but when
it became necessary to have appliances made, a Dental Hospital
fee was fixed, which the Hospital regulations required to be paid
in one sum before the appliance was fitted. To this must be added
at least another half-crown for rail and other expense on each visit.
Among the class this Clinic caters for very few could stand this
financial burden, hence few continued the treatment and the value
of the work done up to a point, as well as the cost of the ticket,
was lost.
After many consultations and negotiations with every
party concerned, permission was obtained from the Board of
Education, for this clinic in conjunction with the Royal Dental
Hospital, to establish and carry on a complete Orthondontic
Scheme; and to give the necessary sessions for the purpose.
Much thought was required to fix an "all-in" fee, that would,
so far as one could foresee, insure the Education Committee against
financial loss, be fair to the patient, and, in short, reduce the
cost to the lowest amount possible without seeking to make any
financial profit.
The sum fixed for Orthodontic Treatment was 37/-, inclusive.
As experience was gained, this had conditions attached to it:
(a). It could be paid, if sanctioned by the Dental SubCommittee,
in instalments, usually 2/6 per week, or as low as 1/per
week.
(b). No actual treatment, beyond obtaining models of the
case was undertaken, or allowed by the Committee till 15/- had
been paid.
(c) In the event of the Consultant advising treatment by
extraction only, then a total charge of 15/- was all the parent was
called upon to pay.
(d). In no case was the 15/- returnable. This sum it was
necessary to retain to pay the agreed fee to the Royal Dental Hospital
(12/-), and the cost of models.