Keeping Decay From Teeth of Children

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 46, 25 February 1936, Page 4

Keeping Decay From Teeth of Children

SPLENDID WORK OF. DENTAL CLINICS At the annual meeting of the Palmerston North Dental Clinic Committee Colonel J, 1L Whyte occupied the chair. Also present were Messrs A. A. Langley, J. K. Paton, C. Trask, I l '. Cameron, W. Garden and P. G. Murphy (secretary). The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: Chairman, Col. J". H. Whyte; treasurer, Mr J. K. Paton; secretary, Mr P. G. Murphy. The annual balance-sheet, which showed a successful credit balance, was presented by the treasurer and adopted. The annual report read as follows: — “The committee desires to thank all parents and schoolmasters for their loyal co-operation in the work of the dental clinics. This has contributed in no small way towards the conclusion of another successful year. During the year the work has been considerably extended, the roll disclosing a total of 1845 as against 1300 at the end of the previous year. To enable an equal distribution of patients a new clinic was opened at the Terraco End school. This was made possible by the generosity of the headmaster (Mr Thompson) and the Terrace End School Committee, who placed a room at the disposal of the dental clinic committee for the purpose. The clinics were visited periodically during the year by the

Director-General, Mr Saunders, and tho district superintendent, Mr Elliott. At the present time children from 32 schools are receiving treatment; only one school in the territory (Kelvin Grove) having refused the request of the committee to join up. The charge for the year was kept as low as possible, the sum of 4s being the amount fixed, and for this charge two complete treatments were given. In the case of those whose parents are unable to the fees, provision has been made for application to the headmaster, who will arrange for exemption from payment. The committee regrets that a large 'number of .children were deprived of treatment because of the failure of their parents to take advantage of this concession. The committee would like to draw the attention of parents to tho importance of regular treatment, becauso the departmental regulations state that once a name is taken off the roll it cannot be reinstated. The committee has no control over this regulation. ..It cannot be pointed out too strongly how important it is for the health of the child that regular dental should be carried out. This report would not be complete without some reference to tho staff, and the committee wishes to place on record its appreciation of the way the nurses have carried out their duties. Reports show that their work takes second place to none in the Dominion. In conclusion, the committee hopes that, all parents whose children are eligible for treatment, will take advantage of this wonderful service, and thereby ensure good health for their children in the future.”

Owing to the re-admission of the five-year-olds to the schools, a largo increase in the number of patients is expected, and parents are advised to see that the names of their children are placed on the dental clinic roll as soon as possible. On the application to the nearest dental clinic or member of the committee the fullest information will be given,