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Dental Scheme.
In January, 1931, dental treatment was begun for expectant
mothers and for nursing mothers (within six months of confinement).
Additional sessions for mothers were established when
Forest Gate and Maybury Road Clinics were opened for work in
May, 1931. The work is carried out by the Dental Surgeon, Miss
Esmee K. Wilson, whose report is attached:—
"The attendance last year proved to be very satisfactory. It
is particularly pleasing to note the regular three-monthly attendance
of 75% of the children, and as a result, the number of extractions
per child is very markedly less than it was three or four
years ago. I find that the parents, as a whole, take a pride and
interest in their children's teeth, although there are still a number
who will not bother 'because they are only milk teeth.' This is
now, in almost every case, the only reason for wholesale extraction.
"During the year 1931, expectant and nursing mothers have
been included in the dental schemes, also with very satisfactory
results. The treatment at present consists of conservative work
and extractions. The old prejudice against dental treatment during
pregnancy is fast dying out, as is evidenced by the fact that
there is an ever-increasing waiting list, which now numbers about
120 mothers. Assistance is urgently required in this work to
bring about any noticeable improvement in the general condition
of these mothers."
(Signed) Esmee K. Wilson.
Dental treatment for children is carried out at the Council's
new Maternity and Child Welfare Clinics; four sessions are held
weekly at two of the School Dental Clinics in order to supply areas
not easily accessible to the new Clinics.
Attendances for Dental Treatment in 1931.
Children under five years of age:
Total No. of attendances for dental treatment 3493
No. of attendances for extraction 756
No of teeth extracted 2694
No. of attendances for fillings 1775
No. of teeth filled 2083
No. of attendances for examination (special dressings,
silver nitrate dressing, etc.) 1448
Total No. of new cases treated 903
146