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69
staff as far as possible. This is important because extractions
under general anaesthetics in a dental chair calls for team
work which greatly adds to the safety of the patient.
In addition to dental health in schools more dental instruction
was given to individual patients at the surgeries. This
takes time but the results are usually more rewarding.
The total number of pupils inspected at schools or clinics
amounted to 17,163 or 54% of the school population. This
figure, although far from the ideal of 100% compares favourably
with previous years with more staff.
I continued with two evening sessions at Mayenbrook
Clinic. These are still very popular for older children not
wishing to lose school time and for mothers who are working
or have difficulty to leave young children. Fluoridation of
water supplies is still in the future. I hope this important step
in the field of preventive dentistry will not be delayed too long.
The sale of toothbrushes continued during 1967 In dental
clinics. There are now five infant and junior schools running
toothbrushing after school meals. This is a very Important
dental health step. If children are taught to clean their teeth
after meals and then not given the facilities to do so at
school, then I feel we are failing between teaching and practice.
The experiment has proved that given the will, It is possible
to run such a service in the schools. I am hoping to extend
this to more schools.
The Ethel
Davis School
Dr. A. J. Howell, Medical Officer in Charge reports:—
The appointment of Mrs. Craig as physiotherapist in April
has done much to ease the workload Mr. Brand, our superintendent
physiotherapist had been carrying on his own. In June
our complement was completed by Miss Anderson, Occupational
Therapist, joining the staff as a replacement for Miss Moorcroft.
Our Speech therapists, Mrs. Pretlous and Miss Osborne,
school nurse Mrs. Llewellyn and nursing auxiliary Mrs.
Hallows continued ably as before. In July Miss Butler took
over the school health clerical work at the office from Miss
Burgess. Too little credit is often given to the work of a good
clerk who can relieve all concerned of considerable administrative
detail.
The work of the school doctor continued as before with
periodic medical Inspections on Mondays and attendance on
Fridays when Mr- Lee, our visiting consultant orthopaedic