DENTAL CLINICS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21414, 11 February 1933, Page 15

DENTAL CLINICS

gi r> May I bring before the public a few facts on the above subject. It seems incredible, yet nevertheless it is a fact, that the general public, i.e., those who are sending children to State schools, do not seem to realise the valuable privilege that is in their hands, and in consequence the children are in very serious danger of losing this almost essential health service, perhaps never to be regained. Rightly or wrongly, the Government demands £3O per annum toward expenses This, together with, roughly, another £3O for running expenses, constitutes £6O per annum which must bo found. My committee has always endeavoured to meet this by voluntary subscriptions, but we have now reached the end of our tether and some other solution of finance _must be found or the clinic will be closed. During the p,n.st 12 months 3966 operations were performed in the New Lynn dental clinic. If for every operation performed 4d had been subscribed, £66 2s would have J)een realised, amply sumcient to finance the wholo undertaking. Had there been 110 clinic, and had the children been forced to go to Avondale to a; dentist for treatment, at the lowest possible estimate of Is per operation, the cost to the New Lynn parents would have been £IBB 6s. Surely on a cold cash basis the scheme is worthy of support. The committee has been forced to the conclusion that the voluntary system of payment is a failure, and unless thing.s alter suddenly and for the better intend to institute a compulsory system of payment rather than allow the clinic to be finally shut down. Loms Cecil. Secretary, New Lynn Dental Clinic Committee.