View report page

have been prevented or allayed if these children were given
conservative treatment at an earlier stage. If it were possible
to obtain this benefit, I contend that a very much less
number of extractions would require to be done at the 6—8
period, and consequently more time could be given to our
original object, that of filling the permanent molars.
A great deal can be done in advice to the mother before
and after child-birth, in the matter of feeding, in order that
the child may receive the necessary nourishment whilst the
teeth are being formed ; for "you cannot build a strong house
with poor bricks.'' I consider it necessary that the Clinics
should have the services of an Anaesthetist one day a week
for the more difficult cases; this would be a great help in the
work.
Mr. Dick writes:—
In reviewing the work for the year, the number of
Special Cases is again the outstanding feature. The high
number shows the inadequacy of the present Scheme, and
makes routine work difficult. The majority of parents seem
loath to bring their children up for treatment unless they are
actually complaining of toothache. Of course, this shows a
lack of understanding on the part of the parents, and enlightenment
in this direction is a slow process.
However, I think progress, if slow, is being made, and
I am pleased to sav that in a good many cases parents show
very great interest in and satisfaction with the work done.
My figures show a much smaller number of inspections
this year, but about the same amount of treatment. I have
felt that the continuous inspection of large numbers, with nohope
of adequate treatment, was worse than useless; so that,
although a longer period now elapses between treatment and
re-inspection, the treatment at the time is more complete and
lasting.
The teachers continue to render very great help, as shown
by the number of attendances for treatment, the percentage
number of attendances for all schools showing a steady increase.
I have again to thank the Head Teachers for their kindly
co-operation and facilities offered during the work of inspection
at the schools.
Miss Cubb writes:—
The same condition is still existing as in 1927 and previous
years, i.e. that it is quite impossible to inspect and
treat completely once a year all the schools under my care;
therefore, for this and other causes, the number of "Specials"
attending the Clinic each year does not tend to decrease,
but rather, perhaps, increase, because the parents in
most areas are acquiring by now the "habit" of attending the
164