Evening star., 1941-01-26
The new children's clinic at the

Inc new chlldrenS clinic at the
Georgetown University school of
dentistry was reported yesterday as
successfully performing a dual edu-
cational function.
Parents as we'll as students are
benefting from its work. which
Georgetown officials recognize is
one of the most important from
the viewpoint of preventive and
practical dentistry.
Although the clinic and classes
have operated only a short time
under the direction of Dr. Patrick
A. McCole, a recent addition to the
faculty, the former already has be-
come major adjunct to the dental
inflrmary maintained by the school
at 5000 Reservoir road Young
children, brought for examination
and treatment, now constitute
about one-t1fth of the inflrmary's
daily patients. AS the clinic be-
comes better known its work is
expected to increase sharply.
Course Given First Time.
The new course in children's
dentistry for junior and senior stu
dents, as we'll as the clinic, was in
stituted at Georgetown for the first
time this school year. The course
was designed to give students es-
sential training in phase of dentis-
try that has too often been ne
elected. Theoretical and practical
instruction in the proper care Of
childrens teeth are provided.
Aside from student instruction,
DR.. Roy J. Glezen, assistant dean
of the school, said the clinic is edu-
eating young mothers in the care
of baby teeth. Parents are urged
to come to the clinic for consulta-
ton and to bring their babies and
young children for examination.
This educational mission is most
important" Dr.. Glezen stressed. |
Many parents hold the erroneous
opinion that it is not necessary to |
fill baby tooth because 1t isn't
permanent. That is a great mis-
take"
The first baby tooth should ap-
pear at about the sixth or seventh |
month Of life.
Baby Teeth Need Care.
The fond parent who proudly |
displays baby's first tooth may be
unaware Of tiny defect, due gen.
orally to improper prenatal diet. |
1t may be only pit or fissure in |
the natural groove, but if neglected |
1t is sure to result in a decayed !
tooth. Early treatment and ex-
animation at least twice a year will
prevent trouble in later years.
I'VE try to make the parent un-
derstand that much of the NAL |
position of adult teeth is due to
the fact that the child has lost too
many temporary teeth early in life"
DR.. Glezen explained. This pre-
vents the arch of the mouth from
expanding properly"
The whole development of the
child's jaws and facial bones de-
pendS upon the retention Of his |
baby teeth for the vigorous chew
ing of food until the proper time
for shedding them has arrived /.
Furthermore, there is danger of
malnutrition If the temporary teeth T.
are not preserved. For these rea-
sons the Georgetown officials said
they feel that the educational work
of the clinic is very helpful to par
ents and through them to the
younger children. 80.
The clinic is open for the exami-
nation of children from 10 am. to
II noon and from l to pm. on
week days. { Treatment is given
during those hours also. When that
Is necessary the work is done by
the senior students under the close
supervision of instructors. as in the
case of adult patients.
Diet to Be Studied.
Parents may receive instruction
in the DrOOer diets for their chill