DENTAL DISEASE IN N.Z.

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22376, 13 April 1938, Page 21 (Supplement)

DENTAL DISEASE IN N.Z.

INTENSIVE RESEARCH

SUGGESTED

IMPORTANCE OF DIET

EMPHASISED

(PBXSS ASBOCUTXOX TKHOEAM.)

WELLINGTON, April 12.

The importance of measures to prevent dental disease, and the urgent necessity for Intensive research into its causes, were stressed by Mr Herbert S. Wilkinson (secretary), giving evidence before the Select Committee on Public Health ?nd Superannuation this afternoon, on behalf of the New Zealand Dental Association. Among matters requiring immediate Investigation, the witness named soil deficiencies, the consumption of deleterious foods, both locally produced and imported, and the under-consumption of essential foods. Witness emphasised that appreciau9" of Jh,e causes of dental disease, with which were related factors common to disease In general, would help towards the achievement of complete national health. Steps should be taken to limit the consumption of foodstuffs which favoured the occurrence of dental carles. The incidence of this condition was extremely high in the Dominion.

Among the proposals submitted to ‘uoffiitiittee were the following;—. (1) The expansion of the State dental service to cover the treatment of all primary school children, and all pre-school children. It was strongly recommended that treatment should be made compulsory. -„ ( . 2) A Government subsidy of 5s a piling when made by a private practitioner. This would be available to families whose incomes did not exceed £230 a year. . (3) The Government to take over the existing dental departments of the various hospitals, so as to treat thq indigent and pensioners only. “We disapprove of the dental benefits of the national health insurance scheme being administered as in England, through the medium of. approved societies,” said witness. “Such a system would be intolerable, both to the public and to the profession. The scheme should be administered directly by a Government department, preferably separate from the Health Department.”