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evidence of the growing appreciation of conservative treatment
and of the standard of treatment given by the service. The ratio
of temporary teeth filled to temporary teeth extracted is now 1 to
1.3. During 1938, the corresponding ratio was 1 to 4.5; during
1942, 1 to 3. This steady improvement is encouraging without
giving grounds for complacency. The extraction of a tooth is a
quick and destructive process; the conservation of a tooth is an
operation which calls for the expenditure of time, skill and patience
on the part of the Dental Officer. These ratios explain why,
without increases in staff, the time elapsing between routine school
inspections will lengthen.
Evacuees.
The return of children from reception areas was responsible
for a large proportion of the number of children who attended the
clinics for inspection and treatment as "specials." The parents
of these children wished to obtain immediate attention and did
not wait for routine school inspection. In the majority of cases
it was found that a very considerable amount of treatment was
required.
Leavers.
The system of inspecting and, where necessary, treating all
children attending Elementary schools immediately before leaving
school, has been continued. A true picture of the success or
failure of the service is reflected in the state of the mouths of
children leaving school. No child leaves school without being
offered an opportunity to receive complete dental treatment. It
is hoped to extend this "extra" service to those children attending
what were County Schools. A certificate of dental fitness is
issued to each child who is found to be sound or who has any
necessary treatment completed. In pre-war days several
employers insisted on the production of a certificate of dental
fitness from applicants for employment. This practice enhanced
considerably their value in the eyes of both parents and children'.
It is regrettable that this practice has been discontinued owing to
shortage of labour. 312 leavers were inspected and 217 certificates
were issued. Although these extra inspections disrupt the
service and delay routine inspections, their value outweighs considerably
these disadvantages.
Propaganda.
In an adequately staffed service, time should be available
for educating children and parents in the care of teeth. This
could be carried out by the showing of suitable films, by demonstrations
and talks in the schools and to parents. Under present
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