WAIWHETU SCHOOL

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 103, 29 October 1945, Page 8

WAIWHETU SCHOOL

DENTAL CLINIC OPENED

The new dental clinic at the Waiwhetu Primary School, Lower Hutt, was officially opened on Saturday by Dr. J. B. Bibby. The Minister of Finance (Mr. Nash) turned „ the key in the door and the guests at the ceremony inspected the clinic. The necessity of preventive measures in dental care was stressed by Dr. Bibby, who said that the first director of dental clinics, Mr. Hunter, had always preached the gospel of prevention. The first clinic was opened in 1921 and today there were few State or private schools which were, not receiving , ; the benefit of dental clinics. The" average nulnber of extractions was still decreasing, ha said, and in a country with a notoriously low standard in teeth, this achievement was excellent. If the next generation were to have sound and healthy teeth, the co-operation of parents was imperative as diet played an important part in realising this objective.

As evidenced by social security provisions, the proportions v/hich curative measures, had now assumed demonstrated the imperative need for prevention rather than cure, said Mr. H. E. Combs, M.P. for Wellington Suburbs.

Congratulations to the school on its progressive spirit were extended by Mr. Nash, who said it was the Government's objective that every child from kindergarten age and throughout school years should receive dental attention.