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57
The following is a Report by the Dental Surgeon: —
Report by H. C. Middleton, L.D.S., R.C.S. (Edin.).
The work of the Dental Clinic proceeds on much the same lines as in previous
years. I am glad to report an improvement in the condition of the children's
teeth. Some ten years ago, when the Clinic was started, it was a common
experience to see children three years old with 12 or 15 extensively decayed
teeth, this condition being caused by malnutrition, due to faulty feeding. As
proof that the medical work at the Ante-Natal and Infant Welfare Clinics is bearing
fruit, I can state that the condition of the children's teeth is improving.
For the extraction of teeth local anaesthetics are used in a few cases, but for
the majority general anaesthesia is employed. A new technique for nitrous
oxide, oxygen and carbon dioxide administration has been developed by the
Anaesthetist. This gives surprisingly good results in the reduction of unpleasant
after-effects, and so there is no hesitation in carrying out the required dental
treatment for any pregnant or nursing mother.
During the year a six weeks' old baby had two lower incisors extracted as
they were causing deep ulceration of the tongue. A woman with an extensive
cleft palate was fitted with a denture and obturator which enables her to talk
distinctly, to her great satisfaction.
I would like to express my appreciation of the interest taken in the dental
work by the Health Visitors.
Day Nursery.—The Hackney Day Nursery, established by a
voluntary committee at No. 85, Hackney Grove in 1934, provides
accommodation for ten babies under 2 years* and twenty children
between 2 and 5 years.

A charge of l0d. a day is made for the care of a child or 1s. 4d.
a day for two children from the same family.
An annual grant of £200 is made by the Borough Council to
the committee of the Nursery.
The following are extracts from the Annual Report of the Day
Nursery:—