These dispensaries have proved of the greatest value in rendering the physical examinations of the children more effective and efficient. This work is very different from that which relates to the detection of contagious diseases. The latter is primarily a protective measure and looks mainly to the immediate safeguarding of the health of the community. The former aims at securing physical soundness and vitality and looks far into the future.
The physical examinations conducted in these dispensaries have shown conclusively that a large percentage of the Cleveland children—like those of all other cities—suffer from defective vision to the extent of requiring an oculist's care if they are to do their work properly, and if permanent injury to their eyes is to be avoided. More than this, a considerable proportion of the children are so seriously defective in hearing that their school work suffers severely. Most important of all, only a small minority of these defects of sight and hearing are discovered by teachers or known to them, to the parents, or to the children themselves. When the children attempt to do their school work while suffering from these defects, among the results may be counted permanent injury to the eyes, severe injury to the nervous system due to eyestrain, and depression and discouragement, owing to inability to see and hear clearly.
Moreover, there are other defects, in particular those of nose, throat, and teeth, which are common among children and which have an important bearing upon their present health and future development. The importance of these defects is emphasized by the fact that, if discovered early enough, they may easily be remedied or modified, whereas neglect leads, almost invariably, to permanent impairment of physical condition. These are the reasons why Cleveland's heavy investment in school dispensaries is yielding a return in enhanced health, happiness, and vigor probably unexcelled by the dividends from any other sort of educational expenditure.
Dental Clinics
Dental work for school children was introduced about a year ago by the Cleveland Auxiliary of the National Mouth Hygiene Association. Building space is provided by the Board of Education in four schools, Stanard, Lawn, Fowler, and Marion. The Association furnishes equipment, dentists, and assistants. Clinics are open three forenoons a week and are crowded to capacity.
The equipment of the Marion School dental clinic cost about $700.
When this work started, it was frankly an experiment. Through wise and thoughtful management the Mouth Hygiene Association has shown that dental clinics for school children are both practical and necessary. This having been demonstrated, the time has come when the city should take over their direction. Cleveland should no longer rely upon the activity of a private organization, but at an early date should assume full financial and administrative responsibility for dental clinics in the public schools.