View report page

SCHOOL DENTAL SERVICE
I am indebted, to the Chief Dental Officer for the following
report:
On 31st December, 1965 the dental officer's staff consisted of
2 full-time and 1 part-time salaried officers, and 7 sessionally employed
officers, bringing the total to an equivalent of 4.8 full-time officers.
It is very difficult to find young and enthusiastic full-time dental officers
and clinics must be modern and well equipped to encourage their
recruitment.
Orthodontic sessions are held at three of the five clinics,
the orthodontist attending each of these clinics once a week. Most of the
cases were treated by removable appliances and these were supplied by
the Surrey County Council laboratory at Kingston.
Most of the schools were inspected during the year and 43.1%
of children were found to be in need of dental treatment at the time of
their first inspection. This figure shows only the need for dental treatment;
towards the end of the year a survey of the five year old children was commenced
which it is hoped will provide a more accurate picture of the dental condition
of this age group.
The acceptance rate for treatment at the clinics varies a little
but has increased in the Wallington area since the new clinic opened at
Shotfield. This is a further indication that modern buildings and equipment
and the combination of all medical and dental services in one building encourages
the attendance of patients as well as the recruitment of staff.
The number of patients attending the clinics for emergency
treatment during the year was 365, a very small number, averaging 1½- patients
per week per clinic. It is an indication that the parents are truly
'tooth conscious' and that the majority of children attend regularly for
dental treatment.
101