DENTAL NURSES.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 16895, 18 November 1920, Page 3

DENTAL NURSES.

FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN.

THE DEPARTMENT’S SCHEME.

BT TELEGRAPH OWN CORRESPONDENT.

WELLINGTON, Nov. 17. There has been some criticism lately of the Education Department’s proposals for school dental treatment, particularly of the proposal to have minor work performed by women after two years’ training. The Hon. C. J. Parr, in reply, states that the condition of children’s teeth nowadays can only be described as apalling. There is not on© child in seven thlit docs not need immediate treatment. The first proposal is'a campaign of preventive ifsedicine to check the growth of the evil, teaching young mothers the elemental y laws of sound dietetics and health generally. Dr. Truby King is next year to undertake this groat gospel of health. The second tiling is proper treatment to those who suffer to-day. There is already a shortage-of dentists and try as we may we could not get a sufficient,number of fully qualified men for many years to come. Suitable women with two years’ intensive course directed to. the special needs of the school ctyild can well fill the gap in the meantime.. The department proposes 'to train these dental nurses in specific parts only of dental work to enable them to carry out under the supervision of registered dentists the treatment of minor dental troubles in the younger school children. We do not propose to sanction any part of the training so obtained as, being equivalent to any part of the course of training required for the qualifications to become registered dentists. The department will train these dental nurses only for departmental purposes, they, will not be allowed to practice outside. In addition to dental nurses the department is employing, and will employ, registered dentists for the higher dental work.