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Schools a step in the right direction will be taken, when the school
doctor or dentist is brought into closer relations with children from
2 to 5 years of age, but even that is not early enough. The dentists
should commence their ministrations at the Maternity and Child Welfare
Centres, and thereafter their services should be of the nature of
"following up." It would be hazardous to say that the system suggested
would be less costly than that presently in operation, but it is claimed
that properly carried out it would be mora efficient, and therefore,
more economical.
There are on the school register 25,000 children. In the Report
for 1917 it was pointed out that to make the School Dental Service
thoroughly efficient one wholetime dentist ought to be appointed for
every 4,000 children on the register. It is hoped that in the near
future one or other alternative will be adopted, either the dentist or
dentists will direct their attention to the teeth of infants attending
the Maternity and Child Welfare centres primarily, and thereafter;
follow up their treatment by periodical re-examinations, or a sufficient
staff of dentists will be appointed adequately to cope with the surprising
amount of dental caries afflicting school children.
SUMMARY OF WORK DONE AT THE DENTAL CLINIC
FOR THE YEAR 1919.
No. of Schools Visited 11
No. of Infants Examined at Schools 3,398
No. of Infants Specially Examined at Treatment Centre 458
No. of Seniors Specially Examined at Treatment Centre 879
Total Number Examined 4,735
Total Number of Infants Treated 939
ToJal Number of Seniors Treated 879
Total Treated 1,818