New Britain herald., 1922-05-29
EXPECT FIGHT ON
 CLINIC PROPOSAL
Dental Treatment for Children
 Bone of Contention

Discussing the proposed dental clinic. suggested appropriations, etc., pr. Clifford w. Vivian, an active worker for dental hygiene instruction in the schools, today explained fully his views On the matter.
 Dr. Vivian declared that he is not opposed to dentists doing free dental work or bona fide charity work, but as citizen. not as a dentist, he is opposed to the expenditure of $2,500 of the city's money at this time when the plans, as outlined, are not suffi- ciently definite and the need of a clinic has not been positively shown. The dentist said that at the first meeting last September, at the Shut tie Meadow club, he took up posi- tion in opposition to a clinic, but was and is heartily in favor of teaching dental hygiene in the schools. Quot ing a statement which he said pr. George Dunn, city physician, made, pr. Vivian said that probably not more than 10 per cent. of the cases brought to the dental clinic would be bona fde charity cases and deserv- ing of free service.
 If we go into this thing for $2,500. with the s4,o0o given to the school board, it means that next year the amount needed may jump to as high as s15,0o0," Dr. Vivian states. He referred to the welfare work as done in Bridgeport and said that from in- formation given him he thinks 1t has been too costly there.
 In conclusion, pr. Vivian said that his idea and aim in opposing the clinic is to hold the matter up for further and complete investigation and if it is found necessary, to in stitute it under the regular city ap- propriations next year. In the mean time dental hygiene work in the schools will go far toward remedy ing existing defects.
 Expect Battle Wednesday
 Friends and opponents of the den- tai clinic controversy in this city are marshaling all their forces for final battle on the council floor Wednesday evening. Arguments pro and con are being advanced not the, least of which are statistics as to what it would cost the city to run a clinic, if the $2,500 asked for is appropriated, as compar- ed to what it would cost if the cases were turned over. to private dentists and the bills submitted to the charity department While one dentist says it would make big expense to the city another made the statement this that $500 would care for the whole business for year.
 In a statement this morning, one dentist, who opposed the appropria- tion before the committee Friday eve ming, said he was opposed to it be cause he did not think it right to rush into thing impulsively.
 Refuung the argument that a capa- ble dentist cannot be secured for S25 a week, on part time, another dentist said that Hartford has half time dentist for that price, while Water bury pays $50 a week for a full time dentist. and Bridgeport $35 a week for full time dentist.
 The argument Is advanced that the $1 800 contributed bXvthe public was not meant for clinic Work. The cam paign for this fund first started when a Herald representative found that 30 out of 31 tubercular children were found suffering from bad teeth and pyorrhea .Dr J. s. Irving stated that the teeth condition was responsible for the tubercuar condition, and something should be done to treat them.
 pr. Frank Zwick who was chair man of the board of health when ;he
 
 "sold' the proposition to the New Britain Dental society, said this rorn- ing that there were 500 cases of tu- berculosis in the city, most of which were traceable to neglected teeth.