DEFECTIVE TEETH.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 251, 22 October 1919, Page 14

DEFECTIVE TEETH.

A DOCTOR'S PLEA. FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN. HOSPITAL BOARD ACTS. — The most important business before the Hospit.il Board at its meeting last evening was a recommendation from Dr. Davics, Senior Medical Inspector, in respect to the method of applications for the dental treatment of children at the Board's dental hospital. T>r. Davics attended the meeting nnd _ supplemented liis BUjrgestions, which were embodied in a very full report of the position as he found it in the i schools. & This gt<ited that he was struck by the \ very large proportion of children suffering from defective teeth—a source ot (Treat danger to health and a hindrance to the full development of the growing child. At present the only means by; -which they could get treatment was by I paying a dentist to do what was necessary or by applying to tlie Charitable :"j Aid Board for treatment nt the Dental j j Hospital under the Board's jurisdiction. I J A great many availed themselves of the latter, but there was a large middle sec- | tion not well enough oil" to pay a dentist i and not poor enough to apply for chari- — table aid. He asked that this middle section be given favourable and sympathetic consideration. "Some people may 6ay that it is only sentiment that prevents them from applying to the Board, but sentiment cannot be disregarded, and I would rather call it a very proper pride that makes them loath to iro to the Relieving Officer,'' he concluded in that respect. He suggested that the Board should accept a note from the Medical Inspector thnt a ease was suitable for treatment in the Board's dental hospital as sufficient recommendation. "It would enable a very large number ot children who badly require treatment to obtain the same," was the final statement. After lengthy discussion, in which . members agreed that the Board had | never "turned down" a deserving case, j I and would continue an to do. several j j resolutions proposed by Mr. Knight, pro- I viding for the Charitable Aid Committee I j to bring down a workable scheme in accordance with Dr. Davics' proposals being carried.