CARE OF TEETH

Taranaki Daily News, 3 June 1935, Page 7

CARE OF TEETH

DENTAL TREATMENT AT SCHOOLS. SUPPORT FOR MOBILE CLINIC. Strong support was given by the North Taranaki Provincial executive of the Fanners* Union on Friday to the move that is being made in Central Taranaki for the establishment of mobile dental clinics for the rural schools of Taranaki. Mr. B. A. Richmond, Midhirst, who is one of the prime movers in the scheme, said that the aim.'of the proposal was to put country children in exactly the Same position as city children in regard to securing dental treatment The first consideration of the child was health, and the principal factor to that was dental treatment, as the teeth, were responsible for 75 per cent of the troubles. They had a scheme to place before thg Ministers of Health and Education whereoy instead of the children losing two days’ r ; travelling from Kohuratahi to Stratford, the travelling clinic would treat the child at the school. There were about 84 schools that would be assisted by the nurse twice a year. . . Mr. S. S. Butt (Uruti) said his district had to send its children out to Waitara and he recognised that it meant the loss of considerable time as well as expense, There was also the question of responsibility in the event of accident. Mr W. A. Sheat said that the Government should take the responsibility of providing dental treatment for the children. The union should press for the ex- - tension of the dental service to-schools not already served with dental clinics, but they must guard against the mobile ’clinic breaking up the systems now working satisfactorily at various centres. Mr. J. Garcia, on behalf of the Taranaki School Committees’ Association, stated that a remit on the matter of providing dental treatment for all children could be discussed at the annual conference next month. ' , .; , Mr. M. P. Ford, Strathmore, at which , branch the remit originated, claimed tnat the backblocks children should receive at least the same consideration as the town children. „ . J . Mr. Richmond said the Government had shelved its responsibility for some tone but those behind the proposal in order to show their earnestness were to provide the clinic and place it on the road, providing the Government would supply the dental nurse and accept theresponsibility. A report from the medi cal officer showed how it was to have the children treated but present conditions it was impossible for them to get treatment. The remit was carried unanimously.