CARE OF CHIDREN’S TEETH

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16347, 23 May 1927, Page 7

CARE OF CHIDREN’S TEETH

MORE NURSES WANTED RESOLUTION BY H.B. EDUCATION BOARD The Hawke’s Hay Education Board at its latest meeting discussed the question of the care of the teeth of school children, and decided to protest against the delay of the Health Department in providing dental treatment for the children in the outlying districts. Mr. J. R. Kirk said that recently the Hon. J. A. Young, Alinister of Health, informed a deputation that the provision of school dental clinics had reached the limit for the time being. New clinics could only be established gradually. He had very' seriously to consider whether they could not. curtail some or me work that had to be done for the children over the age of nine once their mouths had been put in order. Only 30 trainees could be handled. Tfie building accommodation was cramped, and it was no good asking the Government for much money this year to provide building accommodation for training more nurses. Claims for dental service by private schools could not. be entertained. Those 30 trainees, went on Mr. Kirk, were divided over nine districts. That gave a low enough average for each district, but when allowance was made for withdrawals, marriages, etc., only about half of the 50 were available. Last year there were 30 trainees, but only 14 were distributed over New Zealand. Ho moved: “That the board protest strongly against the delay by the Health Department in providing dental treatment Her children in outlying districts, and again requesting that the department. immediately take the necessary steps to train additional nurses, the number now available each year being quite inadequate for the needs of the community.” Mr. G. McKay seconded the motion. Two years ago, lie said, the department made the same excuse for so small a number of nurses being trained as it was doing now. It was extraordinary that such a weak excuse should be made by” the Government. The position should be recognised, for without healthy teeth the children could not have a healthy body. He would like the resolution to go further* so that each child of the State would receive equal treatment. Mr. Kirk’s motion was carried, and it was agreed that the. support of the members of tho district should be obtained.—H.B. Herald.