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number of permanent teeth extracted. Nine years ago the increase
was sudden, and since that date there has been only a partial
diminution in the rate of increase. In column 9 the permanent
teeth extracted each year are expressed as a rate per 1,000 of
the children inspected. From these figures, and from the data
given in Table XXIII, which refers to England and Wales, it
will be seen that the frequency of extractions of permanent teeth
is below that for the country as a whole. No doubt many of these
teeth were extracted for orthodontic purposes, and the practice
of performing extractions rather than fillings in certain cases is
in accordance with current opinion. Nevertheless, it does seem
to be rather distressing that this practice is on the increase.
Surely the children could be taught that a permanent tooth which
has been saved is a valuable possession, and that they should look
after it accordingly. A further interesting feature which is shown
in Table XXII is the great increase in the frequency of "other
operations." No doubt this practice is to be highly commended.
Reports from the school dentists contain information on
certain points. For example most of the dentists refer to the
persistently large number of children who have to be treated as
"specials." Mr. Baird attributes this to the fact that routine
inspection ceases when the children reach the age of 9 years. Miss
Gubb suggests, with considerable reason, that many children are
forced to become "specials" because of the fact that from the
beginning of June until the end of September they are absent from
the district with their parents, who are at that season employed
as fruit-pickers and hop-pickers. With reference to the interest
displayed in conservative work, opinion seems to differ. For
example Miss Marsden expresses the opinion that extraction is
still more acceptable than conservative treatment in most cases,
whereas Mr. Soper comments on the fact that there has been an
increased demand for conservative work, a demand which is sometimes
difficult to cope with. Mr. Soper also expresses the opinion
that the children are becoming more conscious of their duty to
care for their teeth.
Ultra Violet Light.
Artificial sunlight treatment for school children who require
it is carried out at the Children's Hospital, Balaam Street, under
an arrangement whereby the Authority accept financial responsibility
for any children who are sent for treatment.
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