CARE OF THE TEETH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19999, 15 July 1920, Page 8

CARE OF THE TEETH.

TEACHERS DEMAND GOVERNMENT ACTION. On Tuesday evening, Dr H. E. Wilkins and Colonel T. A. Hunter, the chief medical and dental officers of the Education Department, addressed a representative gathering of teachers in the Training College. Dr. Wilkins pointed out that the cooperation of the teachers was absolutely necessary for the success of their work among the school children. Ho stressed the importance of tooth-brush drill in the infant classes, to prevent dental decay. Colonel Hunter said that dental treatment was simply a palliative. Over 90 per cent of the school children required dental treatment, and for a considerable time there was no hope of overtaking the work. He urged the teachers to assist in educating public opinion as to the necessity "tor a simpler and more nutritious form of diet. Dr Baker, Medical Inspector for Canterbury, also spoke on several phases of her work. The number of children attending the Hospital for treatment was so great, she stated, that the authorities wore quite unable to keep pace with the work. Hearty votes of thanks were passed lo ™’ e spears for their addresses." The (following resolution, proposed [ >y A. 9n 1 -Ashman, and seconded by Miss Chaplin, was unanimously carried:—" That this meeting of North Canterbury teachers hoars with alarm that in Christchurch alone there are hundreds of school children unrble 1o obtain medical and dental treatment for ailments that mean a serious menace to their future welfare, and calls upon f|.m Government to take immediate He P« ranody this scandalous state of affairs.”