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73
School Dental Service
The overall picture is one of modest expansion. The staffing position remained
steady for the five full-time dental officers; and the area dental officer, but was very
fluid in respect of the part-time officers. They varied in number from four to six,
working between fifteen and twenty six sessions per week. In September a dental
auxiliary was appointed. The orthodontist is shared with an adjoining area, and
continued to work six to seven sessions weekly. Since the 21st March an additional
evening orthodontic session has been undertaken. The dental auxiliary is employed in
the Experimental Scheme of the General Dental Council. Her clinical duties, in
accordance with the regulations, are carried out under supervision at the two-surgery
clinic at Weston Park, Hornsey. Her training in health education has enabled her to
give talks in schools and clinics.
The total number of sessions worked was 3,153, which was 337 more than in 1961.
At 163 inspection sessions 19,284 children were inspected, i.e. 68% of school roll.
11,621 (60%) were found to require treatment, and of these 6,353 (54.7%) were treated at
the clinics. At school inspections, it was noticeable that many children were receiving
regular treatment through the National Health Service.
Treatment sessions amounted to 2,990 and the output of work per session also
showed a slight increase. The pattern was of a markedly conservative nature, and
13,836 fillings were inserted in 11,875 permanent teeth. The number of permanent
extractions fell by 210 to 817 Allowing for the fact that 200 of these teeth were
extracted for othodontic purposes, 19 permanent teeth were saved for each permanent
tooth lost by disease Fillings in temporary teeth also increased by 2,210, but the
number of temporary teeth extracted remained constant. 42 children were supplied with
dentures, compared with 57 in 1961.
Evening sessions, three per week, continued to be well attended at Park Lane
Clinic.
The orthodontic service was responsible for 431 sessions, 289 of which were
worked by the orthodontist and 142 by dental officers. 34 evening sessions were carried
out at Weston Park Clinic, Hornsey, and were much appreciated by patients and parents.
There is a long waiting list for treatment and we continued to be well under our establishment,
although every effort was made to recruit additional staff.
During the year, the plan to modernise and re-equip surgeries proceeded. Good
working conditions are necessary to attract and retain dental officers. Three air turbine
machines were supplied, bringing the number in the Area to five. An X-ray machine and
dark room were provided at Weston Park Clinic, to extend the radiography service to the
schools in Hornsey. Previously children had to make the considerable journey to Park
Lane, Tottenham, for this facility.