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55
A Report by H. C. Middleton, L.D.S., R.C.S. (Edin.) is given here.
Dental Clinic.
The work of the Dental Clinic proceeds along the same lines as in previous
years. The dental work is now accepted as an essential part of the health
services of the Borough. Pregnant and nursing mothers now freely offer themselves
for treatment. This is due to the persuasive efforts of the Health Visitors
during previous years. The mothers also display eagerness to have their
children's teeth attended to before commencing school.
Some years ago it was a common occurrence to see a child of three years
of age with ten or more carious and septic teeth. I am glad to report an improvement
in the condition of infants' teeth. This has been brought about
by better food and improved methods of feeding. The continuous advice on
questions of diet which the mothers receive at the various centres is bearing
fruit.
I consider that preventive dentistry is one of the most important parts
of the work. Unfortunately the dental condition of many of the mothers is
such that only extensive extractions can render their mouths healthy. The
subsequent provision of dentures (at little or no cost to themselves) leads to a
marked improvement in their general health and such patients fully appreciate
the value of the health services.
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.
The Nursery was open on 227 days during the year, when the
following attendances of infants and children were made:—
Attendances of infants under 2 years 2,053
Attendances of children between 2 and 5 years 4,262
Total number of attendances 6,315
A charge of 10d. 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:—