H.—3l.

numerous unsaveable teeth. The view has always been held, however, that as the Service extended, and with it the knowledge of dental hygiene, the number of unsaveable teeth would gradually diminish in number, and it is gratifying to note that this view is now borne out by statistics. Whereas in 1921-22, for every 100 fillings performed, 114-5 teeth were extracted, by 1926-27 the number had fallen to 62-8, while for the year just ended the ratio is reduced to 19-5 teeth extracted for every 100 fillings performed. In this connection it is interesting to note that one of the conditions laid down by the Board of Education in Great Britain as being necessary for a satisfactory dental service (Report for 1923, Appendix F) is being fulfilled in New Zealand —viz., " Treatment should be conservative in character —by filling rather than by extraction." (Note : Reference to Section IV of this report will show that the figures for the Wellington Clinic, as distinct from the Service as a whole, are much lower —9-7 extractions per 100 fillings.) Geographical Distribution of Treatment Centres. —ln view of the very limited extent to which the Service has been extended during the past year or two, it is interesting at this stage to study the geographical distribution of clinics in relation to the distribution of the population, and at the same time to note the progress that has been made to date in the matter of making dental treatment available for the children attending the primary schools of the Dominion. In making this study, it will be convenient to compare urban areas (as defined by the Government Statistician) with the remainder of the Dominion. Statistics show that approximately half of the population is in urban areas. With this fact in mind, it is of interest to note that of the 72,584 children who were receiving regular dental treatment at the end of 1932, 29,140, or 40 per cent., were attending schools in urban areas, the remaining 60 per cent, being in non-urban areas. In regard to the development of the Service, there are 2,978 primary schools in the Dominion (including private schools), of which 1,297 are officially linked with the School Dental Service (31st December, 1932). The total number of children attending primary schools (including the primary department of private schools) is 251,906. Children are eligible for treatment only up to the Fourth Standard. Thus the total number of children eligible for treatment is approximately 201,525, and, of these, 72,584 (which includes the pupils of a certain number of non-State schools) were receiving regular and systematic treatment at the end of 1932. Aβ it takes several years for a clinic to work up to the maximum number of children that it can deal with, there are at the present time a considerable number of clinics at which the maximum number has not yet been attained. Therefore it is estimated that, even with the present staff, it will be possible in the course of a few years to deal with approximately 100,000 children, or, say, 50 per cent, of the eligible primary-school population. Other matters, not dealt with elsewhere in this report, to which I wish to refer are :— Dental Health Education. —As in previous years, this important subject has continued to receive attention as far as the resources at our disposal permit. By means of addresses to meetings of parents, talks over the air, talks to classes in schools, chair-side instruction, distribution of literature, &c, the principles of dental hygiene and of the prevention of dental disease are brought to the notice of parents and children. To what extent the principles taught are put into effect it is difficult to estimate. Certain it is that many parents are very apathetic in regard to the subject, and make little or no attempt to take active steps with a view to preserving their children's teeth, beyond seeking treatment at a clinic. On the other hand, it is encouraging to note the increasing number of parents (and children) who are keenly and actively interested in this vital subject. Inspection of Dental Hospitals. —The inspection of the dental departments of the Public Hospitals at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Timaru, and an investigation of the arrangements made between the Hospital Board and the Dental School at Dunedin, were commenced just prior to the year under review and were completed during the year. The Boards concerned are providing what undoubtedly is a useful and much needed service. There are certain points of difference between the policies pursued by the various Boards, and a measure of co-ordination, particularly in regard to certain aspects, would appear to be desirable. This is so particularly in regard to the eligibility of persons for admission for dental treatment. Co-operation with Dental Profession. —During the year the attention of the dental profession was directed to the desirability of evolving some scheme whereby the work commenced in the school dental clinics could be continued. The matter is still under consideration, and it is hoped that a satisfactory solution of this problem will be found. Hostel for Student Dental Nurses. —Early in 1933 arrangements were concluded with the representatives of the Society of Friends by which their hostel in Kelburn, Wellington, was made available for dental nurses. The arrangement is a very favourable one from the point of view of the Department, as the dental nurses are accommodated together in a fine modern building, while the Department has no financial responsibility in connection with the matter. In conclusion, I wish to acknowledge the assistance, and co-operation that the Department has received during the year, directly and indirectly, from the Dental Clinic Committees, teachers, and Education Boards and their staffs. The loyal support given by all officers of the Division also calls for the warmest acknowledgment. J. Ll. Saunders, Director, Division of Dental Hygiene.

5—H. 31.

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