[Report 1933] / School Medical Officer of Health, Chatham Borough.

  • Chatham (Kent, England). Borough Council.
Date:
1933
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1933] / School Medical Officer of Health, Chatham Borough. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    “ 459 filings have been inserted in the permanent teeth, and 2,811 temporary teeth have been extracted. “ 96 permanent teeth have been treated and retained. “ The total number of attendances made by the children at the Clinics was 3,479. “ Yours faithfully, “ (Signed) Archibald B. Cole, l.d.s. Eng.” Improvement in the condition of the teeth is noticeable in the older groups, and there is distinct evidence that greater care is being exercised, and that brushing and cleansing is practised. It is, however, a matter for regret that out of 2,317 notices sent to parents by the School Dentist, less than 50 per cent, presented themselves for treatment. Many parents bring their children readily enough when toothache occurs, but this is not preventive dentistry. Future notices will indicate that unless treatment is sought within a reasonable time after inspection, no treatment will be given until after the next inspection. This note will be of a general character, and cannot always be strictly enforced, but in many cases should have the effect of inducing the unwilling to avail themselves of the facilities provided before it is too late. ORTHOPAEDIC DEFECTS. There is a Clinic at the local Hospital, which is very largely attended. There is no difficulty in securing treatment, but there are no special arrangements on behalf of the Education Authority. On enquiry at the Institution I am informed that during 1933, over 100 children from Chatham Schools had been treated, many defects being of a very minor character, such as hammer toe, webbed fingers, slight flat foot, or knock knee, etc. Appliances. During 1933 the Committee has given financial assistance in four cases towards the provision of surgical appliances, or towards their repair. Total cost, £4 6s. 6d. TUBERCULOSIS. Definite Pulmonary Tuberculosis is not often found in children who are in attendance at School. Suspected cases are referred to the Tuberculosis Dispensary. Five such cases were