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129
The children who attend regularly for treatment are,
perhaps, indicative of a better understanding and appreciation
of the term "Dental Treatment," but the fact that there still
remains a lamentably large number of children who are only
brought to the Clinic for the immediate relief by extraction
of abscessed aching teeth is evidence of the old existing prejudice
with regard to regular dental inspection and treatment
has not yet by any means been completely overcome.
This state of affairs is no doubt very largely due to the
lack of knowledge of the relationship of the deciduous (temporary)
teeth to the permanent dentition, their various functions
and effects on the permanent teeth, and the result of Dental
Sepsis of both dentitions on the general health. The following
are three of the many tenacious and erroneous ideas: —
1. That children's teeth (milk teeth) fall out by the process
of decay or " rotting away."
2. That children's teeth (milk teeth) do not require Dental
Treatment.
3. That children's teeth (milk teeth) have no roots.
The majority of parents appear to respond fairly readily to
my efforts in educating them if the knowledge is given to them
in a palatable form. The co-operation of the Head and
Assistant Teachers is always a most valuable asset in helping
to secure attendance at the Clinic.
SUMMARY OF WORK AT WEST HAM SCHOOL
CLINICS.
There are four School Clinics serving five areas, situated
as follows: —
(1) Stratford Clinic, 84, West Ham Lane.
Drs. Skerrett and Thomas.
(2) Balaam Street Clinic, Plaistow—serving two areas.
Drs. Lupton and Borland.
(3) Swanscombe Street Clinic, Canning Town.
Dr. Powrie.
(4) Rosetta Road Clinic, Custom House.
Dr. Furniss.