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HEALTH
of blood. The Institute of Pathology carries out laboratory work for the blood banks. The Government Chemist is responsible for the work of an analytical laboratory which undertakes a wide range of investigations concerned with food, water supplies, narcotics, medico-legal work and dutiable commodities. A considerable amount of investigation into the standard of commodities supplied to Government under contract is also performed.
DENTAL SERVICES
The Government Dental Service operates in two divisions—a school and a general dental service. The school dental service carries out examinations and treatment for children who participate in the school health scheme. The emphasis is placed on dental health education and the training received by dental nurses in this type of work has proved invaluable.
The general dental service undertakes complete dental care for all monthly-paid Government officers and their families and a limited treatment programme for in-patients of Government hospi- tals, prisoners and inmates of training centres. The division also provides a limited emergency service for the general public at certain clinics. There are 26 Government dental clinics, including one at Tai O on Lantau Island which is visited by a dental team for one month every half year. A mobile dental unit serves the New Territories.
Voluntary Agencies. Four years ago the Church World Service was the first of the welfare organizations to put a mobile dental clinic on the roads of the New Territories. This has now been replaced by a more modern air-conditioned clinic, and with a full- time staff serves St Christopher's Home and the Haven of Hope Sanatorium and also operates in various townships of the New Territories. During the year an average of more than 800 patients a month received treatment free of charge or at low cost.
The Lutheran World Service also operates a modern mobile dental clinic, concentrating particularly on resettlement estates. A full-time dental clinic also operates in modern surroundings in Kowloon and there is a part-time dental clinic at the Lutheran World Service Hospital in Fanling. The Hong Kong Dental Society operates free clinics and provides a part-time dental service in
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