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127
The carrying on of this work by the same Officer, with
whom, as the years pass, the parents and children become well
acquainted, must be an advantage to success in work of this
kind.
Statistics taken on the views of the parents show that
the inspection and treatment is generally popular, and it certainly
can be noticed that the children's teeth are kept much
cleaner than in the past, showing that influence has been
brought to bear by our persistent advice to them.
In the matter of attendance for treatment indifference is
not so much the obstacle as inability: there is the inconvenience
of the child having to attend school before visiting the
Clinic, and to be taken back after treatment; also if an older
child is sent with the patient there is the loss of attendance
mark.
Regarding children over the age of eight suffering pain,
and unable to pay a private practitioner, these are rather badly
off. Hospitals will not treat them, and Head Teachers are at
a loss to know how to obtain relief for them, as we can only
cope with a few special cases. Three Dental Clinics is a good
start, but there is need for more to do justice to all.
The School Medical Officer has now arranged that we
shall inspect and treat all children recommended for Fyfield
Open Air School before they enter that Institution.
The Following Special Cases came under
Observation for Treatment.
Alveolar Abscess 65
Gingivitis 14
Stomatitis 4
Hypertrophy of the Gums 2
Cases prepared for entrance to Fyfield School 4
Cases specially recommended by the School
Medical Officer 21
Cases prepared for operation on the Throat 25
Mr. Dick writes : —
The outstanding feature of this year's report is the large
increase shown in the number of special cases.
This shows primarily that the amount of treatment which
it is possible to give is totally inadequate. Some of these had
not attended when requested to do so for treatment after the
routine inspection, but the majority were genuine "specials-"
A large attendance of special cases disorganises the routine
work, and it can be seen from the figures that the conservative