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Dental Treatment, Elementary and Secondary
School Children.
Comparison with 1940 is not possible in the same
way, as it would be between two years under peace-time
conditions, During 1941 two dental surgeons have
carried out the work as against three during 1939 and
1940, and owing to a steady flow of children back
to Tottenham from reception areas, giving a school
populations of some twelve thousand by the end of the year,
it will be realised that the two clinics have been
kept as busy as under normal conditions. The third
Dental Clinic at Park Lane Centre (normally run solely
by a dental surgeon now on Military Service) has been
open for treatment on four sessions per week, both
dentists paying two visits, and all patients, adult
and children, living in that area, have received
treatment at that Clinic.
Owing to the reduction in staff, the total number of
children treated in 1941 is, of course, somewhat less
than in 1940 - actually averaging 80% of the 1940 figure.
During the year under review, there has been a
noteworthy increase in the percentage of acceptances of
treatment, and in the numbers submitting the uselves to
orthodontic treatment.
Details giving statistics of the various forms of
dental inspections and treatment will be seen on Tables IV.
By arrangements with the Maternity and Child Welfare
Committee facilities are provided at the School Dental
Clinic for the treatment of expectant and nursing
mothers and children under school age.
This latter provision is much appreciated and ensures
that the dental and general physical condition oi entrants
to the schools is at as high a level as possible.
Orthopaedic Clinic.
During the past year there has been a 30% increase in
the attendance at the Orthopaedic Clinic, though the
number of treatments given is about l/3rd of that in the
last full pre-war year. An analysis of the new cases
examined shows that there were very few cases of rickets,
and none of those referred were severe; this is especially
commendable in these days of food restrictions. Five
new cases of infantile paralysis were examined, some of them
having received treatment in Stanmcre. In no case was
the paralysis very extensive. There was a surprising increase
in the number of new cases of congenital deformities - nearly
100%, This may possibly be due tc the number of patients
now attending the clinic who in normal times visited children's
hospitals in Inner London.
Arrangements have now been made for secondary school
children to be eligible tc attend the clinic; this is a
great advance, as foot and back defects, in particular, often
first develop or become definitely ncticcable between the
age of 14 and 16 years, and early recognition and treatment
may save much disability in later life.
Surgical appliances were supplied and repairs and
replacements effected in 62 Instances.