Dental Clinic Working Reviewed by Committee

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6626, 12 August 1931, Page 8

Dental Clinic Working Reviewed by Committee

PLANS FOR TREATMENT OF CHILDREN A meeting of the Palmerston North Schools' Dental Clinic Committoo was held last night, Colonel J. H. Whyte (College street) presiding. Also present. were Messrs. J. H. Nash (Terrace End), W. Cameron (Central), G. Houston (Hokowhitu) and W. Bnlmer (Milson). An apology for absence was received from Mr. C. H. Whitehead (West End). Reporting on his recent • interview with the Director of Dental Services, the chairman said that the director was not’in favour of a central clinic and had suggested that clinics should be established at or near schools. An advantage of this was that there would be less wasted time; if a child did not keep an appointment another patient could easily be called on. Accordingly, the committee's first aim should be to get a clinic built in tho vicinity of Central school.

Mr, Cameron: That could be done when tho extra rooms are being built. Colonel Whyte added that the position regarding the fourth nurse was that she was liable to be called back to Hawke’s Bay at any time, and that her services were being provided to enablo the clinic to overtake the arrears of work. The country schools could not be treated until the town schools had received attention, but later it was hoped to have a fourth nurse permanently appointed. This could fairly definitely be taken as from tho beginning of next year. After clinics had been established near Central and College street schools, suggested Mr. Nash, possibly one could be built at Terrace End, also to tako in Milson, Ashhurst, Whakarongo and Kelvin Grove. Next yeaT, remarked the chairman, it was hoped the clinic would be self-sup-porting, even on present commitments. It was decided to hold meetings on the fourth Tuesday in every month, commencing from September. Mr. Vasey, who had been carrying out the duties of secretary pro tem, was appointed secretary, and appreciative reference was made concerning his .work. The headmasters of all the State schools in the city waited on the committee and confrred with members regarding points in connection with the clinic arrangements.

It was decided that, in accordance with the circular sent to all parents having children receiving dental treatment that if the 5/ annual levy (covering cost of drugs, etc.) was not paid, or exemption obtained, no treatment would be given at the clinic. CENTRAL SCHOOL’S MOTION. At last evening’s meeting of the Central School Committee the members passed a resolution endorsing the policy of a 5s annoal fee being charged for children receiving treatment at the dental clinic.