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often able to ensure the return of a form or the alteration of a
decision. A similar entry is made on the list at the Clinic and
each completed treatment or failure to attend is noted. These lists
are examined after the treatment of a school is completed and
much valuable information, such as the number of acceptances who
actually attend for complete treatment, etc, is obtained.
By sending- for children, as far as possible, in class order,
only one class in a school is disturbed during each session. If a
child is unable to attend, the Head Teacher may utilise the class
list to substitute another child whose required treatment is similar.
Failed Appointments.
The average percentage of failed appointments for all school
children was 12. It is worthy of note that only 3% of appointments
made for County School children were not kept. The
corresponding figure for 1938 was 23%. The percentage of failed
appointments is still too high and it is hoped that a return to
peace-time conditions and the release of mothers from war work,
will effect an improvement during 1946.
Work Carried Out Per Session.
On an average 5.1 fillings, 2.5 extractions and 2.1 other operations,
4.4 inspections, are completed for elementary school children
per session. The average per session for Secondary Grammar
School children is 6.4 fillings, 1.1 extractions, 1.7 other operations
and 6.2 inspections. Sessions spent on inspections, etc., are
included in these calculations.
Special Cases.
29 crowns and inlays were inserted during the year. These
were mainly of acrylic resin and the mechanical work involved was
undertaken as an extra duty by the Dental Officers or by Miss
Maiden, Surgery Assistant at Chiswick. These restorations
carried out largely on anterior teeth, were appreciated greatly by
children and parents, but it is realised that the material has definite
limitations. Four root cases were carried out and four dentures
were inserted for school children. Only orthodontic cases of a
simple character were undertaken and 118 visits were made for
the adjustment of appliances, etc.
Ratio of Fillings to Extractions.
The ratio of permanent teeth filled to permanent teeth extracted
continues to rise and is now 18 to 1. (Permanent teeth extracted
for overcrowding are not included). This'ratio provides reliable
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