SCHOOL DENTAL CLINICS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21307, 11 April 1931, Page 12

SCHOOL DENTAL CLINICS

QUESTION OF UPKEEP INCREASED PUBLIC CONTRIBUTIONS. (From Our Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, April 10. It is learned that increased contributions by the public for the upkeep of school dental clinics will bo demanded by the Government shortly in accordance with the policy of reducing the cost of the State social services. The heavy cost of dental clinics, which are non-productive, has led the Government to offset the charges incurred in their conduct by means of making it obligatory upon those who take advantage of the services to pay something towards their maintenance. It is suggested that a system of charging either directly or indirectly for treatment given will be introduced. The question has received the attention of the Economy Committee, but the full intentions of the Government so far has not been disclosed. The Prime Minister has already announced that it is proposed to reduce expenditure by about £1,250,000 by means of departmental and other adjustments, and has indicated that some monetary grants at prpsent made for the maintenance of social' services by the departments will have to be curtailed and that some might be eliminated. By curtailing the expenditure upon dental clinics the Government will make it necessary for funds to be secured from other sources if the dental service is to be maintained, and to make up the difference those who at present are receiving free treatment will be called upon to pay portion of the cost.