View report page

I am convinced that the time is now ripe for the commencement on practical lines of an
orthodontic scheme which will embrace the whole of the country, and which, moreover, can be
offered at no extra charge beyond the regular school dental fees.
I consider it a highly significant fact that throughout 1934 there was evidence of a considerable
amount of interest on the part of Public Health Officials, and others, in the conduct of the
orthodontic scheme at your clinic. Numerous requests were received from school dental officers,
council officials and various lay individuals who are concerned with public health matters, for
permission (which was invariably granted) to visit the Heston and Isleworth Clinic for the purpose
of making a personal investigation of the routine adopted.
When the fact of these enquiries is combined with the fact that a number of other clinics
are actually endeavouring to formulate similar orthodontic schemes, it becomes apparent that there
is a growing realisation of the importance and value of school orthodontic clinics.
It seems to me to be obvious that we have here clear indications not only of the immediate
need for a National Scheme, but also of the fact that (since there is abundant evidence of the will
to establish such schemes) the time has definitely arrived for a start to be made under the guidance
and authority of the Board of Education.
In conclusion, I should like to express the hope that when I submit my next annual report
I shall be in the happy position of knowing that your Orthodontic Section is no longer the sole such
clinic under recognition of the Board of Education. I hope I shall be able to refer to it as the
leading Clinic in a series of similar institutions established throughout the country.
H. R. EVANS, l.d.s., r.c.s., eng.,
Orthodontic Consultant.
Orthodontic Demonstrator, Children's Department, Royal Dental Hospital.
(h). Orthopaedic and Postural Defects.
Although handicapped by the absence of a Clinic for the supervision of crippling defects,
we have, nevertheless, been able to secure expert advice for such cases as have been found to
require it. This is due entirely to the co-operation of the Royal National Orthopædic Hospital, at
whose Out-patient Department 32 school children from this area attended during the year.
Two children were admitted to the Hospital for in-patient treatment. One was a case of
severe bowing of leg following a street accident. The other case was one of Anterior
Poliomyelitis and was admitted to the Orthopaedic Hospital after 10 months in-patient treatment
at the Hounslow Hospital.
Two other children are known to have obtained in-patient treatment by private arrangement
at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital for the following conditions:—Kypho-Scoliosis, and
Right Talipes.
Twenty-three children received non-residential treatment of various forms, e.g., Exercises;
Manipulation and Special Boots.
(i). Heart Disease and Rheumatism.
We have no arrangements for the medical treatment of cases of heart disease and
rheumatism, but all cases which we discover are referred to Hospitals for expert opinion and
advice. These cases, however, are kept under observation at the school clinics, where they attend
regularly. Many cases attend school half-days for a period, or have otherwise modified curricula.
(j). Tuberculosis.
The treatment of tuberculosis is in the hands of the Middlesex County Council.
Any suspicious case is immediately referred to the County Tuberculosis Officer, with whose
Dispensary in Bell Road we are in constant touch.
8.—INFECTIOUS DISEASE.
The rules as to exclusion of infected children and contacts as laid down by the Ministry
of Health and Board of Education in the joint Memorandum of 1927, have been carefully
followed.
The following table shows the infectious disease which occurred among children attending
public elementary schools during 1934, and the four previous years.
21