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Excellent work was carried out in the Dental Clinic as is
shown by the proportion of fillings to extractions. This is particularly
noteworthy in the case of the children under five, as
conservative treatment for these children is, of course, the ideal
of dentistry—until such time as the ideal of preventive medicine,
completely sound temporary and permanent teeth for all ages, is
attained in some future generation.
Although the total amount of visiting carried out by the
Sanitary Inspectors was approximately the same in 1948 as in
1947, it is noteworthy that the number of defective or unclean
premises found was considerably fewer. There might be several
reasons for this. As War Damage gets cleared up more attention
can be paid by property owners and shop keepers to the
general principles of sanitation and clean living. The relaxation
of restrictions on repair licences for property also permits of more
work being done and it is hoped also that propaganda, not only
visual, but the daily personal propaganda of Sanitary Inspectors
and other Health Workers in the course of their duties, has its
effect in raising the standards of hygiene both of persons and of
premises.
I should like to take this opportunity of thanking all the
members of the Health Department staff for their assistance in
the preparation of this Report, and I should like also to acknowledge
the co-operation and assistance afforded to me by the Area
Medical Officer and his staff.
I am, Your Worship, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
in angaua a. glass
Medical Officer of Health.
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