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evaluation of the results is difficult. It has necessitated in-service training for all the dental staff
involved; dentists, dental auxiliary and dental surgery assistants, so that our aims are clearly
defined and our approach has a degree of uniformity.
Park Place School
Basic surgery equipment has been installed at Park Place Residential School, Henley-onThames,
which is the responsibility of the Borough of Hillingdon. This has enabled on the spot
dental treatment to be given to the boys, many of whom suffer from asthma and other medical
conditions. As a consequence of spending long periods in residential schools, many boys did
not have regular dental treatment. Their oral hygiene was often very poor and home support was
not always given. Initially, great attention was paid to oral hygiene instruction and a significant
improvement has been noted recently. The boys were at first very apprehensive of dental treatment,
but as more preventive-orientated treatment has been introduced they have shown less anxiety.
A small project on dental health was completed with the youngest boys. They made plaster
models of their own teeth and completed fillings in the models. The informal atmosphere gave
them the opportunity to talk over their own anxieties with the dentist and assistants away from
the intimidating atmosphere of the dental surgery. It is hoped that a more favourable attitude
towards dentistry will be created, so that they are not afraid to continue regular treatment when
they leave school.
School Inspections
The number of children inspected has risen and emphasis has been placed on examining
children in primary schools. Children on the handicapped pupils register have received particular
attention. The facilities available for examination of children in school are not ideal and recall
examinations in the surgery at six monthly intervals are offered whenever possible. This enables
all modern diagnostic aids to be used.
Children living in Yiewsley and West Drayton have found difficulty travelling for dental
treatment to Uxbridge and Laurel Lodge Clinics. This has resulted in a high proportion of appointments
not kept and the opening of the Yiewsley Health Centre is eagerly awaited.
Dental Staff
The shortage of wholetime dental officers continued throughout the year. A scheme of
accelerated increments in salary for satisfactory performance of duties was introduced. It is hoped
that this will attract younger dentists to whole-time posts and retain them for longer periods.
At present, younger dentists find it is financially more favourable to work on a sessional basis.
The Chief Dental Officer, Mrs. B. Fox, was appointed as honorary clinical assistant in the
Children's Department, University College Dental Hospital.
Patterns of Treatment
The emphasis of dental treatment has moved steadily away from the relief of pain to the
prevention of dental disease. Many children receive routine application of fluoride to the teeth
and it is hoped to introduce the new methods of sealing the fissures of the teeth before they decay.
At present, the high cost of the materials used prevents their widespread adoption. However, in
certain handicapped children this type of treatment may become increasingly important.
Advanced conservative treatment, particularly for fractured front teeth, is now provided in
the Borough, by the Senior Dental Officer, Mr. J. G. Windmill, and other staff. Many children
who were previously referred for treatment to London teaching hospitals are now able to obtain
this locally.
Review of Dental Services
The dental services in the Borough were reviewed by a dental officer from the Departments
of Education and Science, and Health and Social Security in January 1971. The visiting officer
reported on the development of the service and the pattern of treatment being carried out by the
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