[Report 1933] School Medical Officer of Health, Canterbury Borough / City & County.

  • Canterbury (England). City & County Council.
Date:
1933
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1933] School Medical Officer of Health, Canterbury Borough / City & County. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    14/34 (page 12)
    Some parents still require to be taught the importance of obtaining any glasses ordered and of seeing that their children wear them regularly, as by this way only can one safeguard against possible progressive loss of vision. (/) Dental Defects. I have received the following report from the School Dental Surgeon :— During the year 1933, the dental work has progressed on quite satisfactory lines. There are, in this connection, two factors well worthy of mention :— (1) Permanent fillings totalled 2,825, a ratio of 3 fillings to 1 child. This may be deemed a very adequate average, as the hall mark of a sound dental scheme is the steady increase in the numbers of permanent teeth filled and rendered functional. (2) Another factor of great importance is that, with the steady rise in the numbers of acceptances there is simultaneously a corresponding drop in the number of “ specials ” (casuals) attending the Clinic for treatment for “ toothache ” and the like. It is with marked appreciation that I record the sustained interest of the various Head Teachers in the Dental Scheme. Similarly I would acknowledge the gratifying support of the Medical Officer and the unremitting and loyal work of the two School Nurses. P. Figdor, School Dental Surgeon. (g) Crippling Defects and Orthopaedics. Severe crippling is very rare amongst the present generation of Canterbury children and must be due to the work of the Voluntary Societies ; the increased supervision of Infants and young children at Infant Welfare and School Clinics ; and the enlightened policy of the Health Committee in clearing away slum property (and thus ensuring that growing childern are not starved of sunshine and fresh air). The Council undertakes financial responsibility for Ortho- paedic treatment at the Kent and Canterbury Hospital, where children are examined by an Orthopaedic Surgeon and there given the necessary Out-patient treatment. In-patient treat- ment is obtained either at the Kent and Canterbury Hospital or at an Institution approved for the purpose by the Board of Education.