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73
It is a significant fact that the majority of these extractions were in
the age group 5-9, and included 3,064 first teeth, that is, before the age when
they would be naturally shed, which indicates once more the poor standard of
dental health on entry to school. However, the ratio of fillings to extractions
in permanent teeth, i.e. older children, is approximately 12:1 - thus maintaining
the highest point recorded in L.C.C. records.
The number of gas sessions has been increased where necessary, in order
to reduce the number of patients attending from 25-30 to 15-20 a session, for
to have such vast numbers attending one session turned the surgery into an
abattoir, which was distressing to children and exhausting to staff.
In the specialised field of orthodontics, with Mr. Pox reaching retirement
age, we have been fortunate in obtaining the services of Mrs. Bird, B.D.S.,
Dip. Orth., who is especially qualified in this work. It would be appropriate
to mention that this kind of treatment is essential, for it is to improve
function by the correction of irregularities of teeth, thus creating a greater
resistance to dental disease and improving personal appearance. The latter
is not to be ignored for the effect of such irregularities as buck teeth' etc,
can be harmful as a result of ridicule, as can be seen by all concerned in the
remarkable change in attitude of the children after treatment.
General Comments
While acknowledging that so long as there are pain and disease, then
priority must be given to its alleviation by immediate action with limited
manpower, one of the basic functions of the service is the prevention of dental
disease. Here, the Council is to be congratulated on the approval of fluoridation
of water supplies which would adjust the existing level of 0. 25 parts per million
(Metropolitan Water Board) to the optimum level of 1 p.p.m., as there can be
no doubt about its effectiveness in the reduction of dental caries. This fact
is overwhelmingly supported by extensive scientific world surveys sponsored by
the World Health Organisation, and the governments of the United States of
America and Gt. Britain (H.M.S.O. Reports on Public Health and Medical Subjects
No. 105).
A significant result of the effects of fluoridation on the dentition is
the distribution of cavities, which are predominately confined to the occlusal
surfaces, while there is a marked reduction of cavities beginning between
teeth. Once fluoridation has been introduced, and old cavities properly
treated, further dental treatment (much of which can be intricate and costly)
can be largely eliminated.
Thanks must be expressed to the Council for permitting the attendance of
the Principal School Dental Officer at the annual conference of the British
Dental Association held in Belfast, which was of great interest and value.
During the year three dental surgery assistants took the examination for
their National Certificate. Two have been successful, to whom we offer our
congratulations, and hope that others will be encouraged to avail themselves of
this opportunity.