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55
it is to be hoped that the time is approaching fast when this will become a
full-time appointment; there is certainly sufficient work to warrant this at
present, and the need will become even more apparent when school inspections
get fully into their stride.
In order to make the average child dentally fit, he had to attend the
surgery for treatment on about 3 occasions. It is encouraging to note that
the response rate by new patients has improved, even though that for on
treatment cases was slightly less. However in each case we were about average
for the Inner London Education Authority.
NATIONAL AVERAGES

Our service therefore compares reasonably favourably with these figures.
But let us not be too complacent. The reason for this is that some parts of
the country are exceedingly hard hit by staff shortages, thus bringing down
the national averages.
INNER LONDON EDUCATION AUTHORITY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE
SERVICE
In August, the Health Committee agreed to consider implementation of
proposals suggested by the Inner London Education Authority, as far as is
possible in this Borough. Summaries of the more important suggestions are
enumerated below. It is to be hoped that at least some of these will be
acted upon during the coming year.
1. That routine dental inspections in schools be re-introduced.
2. The establishment of dental officers be reviewed with a view to expansion
to the extent needed to permit the full introduction of annual dental inspections
in schools and the treatment resulting from this.
3. That a working week of 10 sessions could be introduced for full-time staff
in the school dental service, instead of the 11 now worked.
4. That consideration be given to the desirability of adding the position
of senior dental officer to the establishment.
5. That full account of experience since registration be taken in determining
the commencing salaries of new entrants.
6. That sympathetic consideration be given to any proposal for allowing
suitable dental officers to be associated with the work of the dental schools
of the London hospitals.
7. That discussions be started with headteachers of schools where provision
was made during building for the use of a room as a dental surgery, so that
such surgeries may be brought into operation. Woodberry Down Comprehensive
School is an example.