[Note: This is the second part of a report, written by Captain Warren. The first relates to Stalag VIIIB and may be read at the top of this page.]

 

DENTAL TREATMENT - BRITISH PRISONER-OF-WAR-CAMPS.

 

Marlag und Milag Nord, (Merchant Navy section).

 

Personnel: Initially                            Captain Green, A.D.C.

                 As from above date        Captain J LeB. Warren, N.Z.D.C.

                 Also                               Mr. F. Bullen, engineer, M.N., mechanic.

                                                       S.B.A. Selby, R.N.R., orderly.

                                                       Mr. A. Denton, M.N., mechanic's assistant.

 

Accommodation: Good.

 

Equipment: Furnishings and instruments supplied by the German Authorities. Materials: A limited quantity of "Paladon" and teeth have been supplied by the German Authorities. Plaster - a good supply provided. Amalgam, porcelain and zinc cements, etc. - a good supply obtained by purchase. Novocain and spirits supplied by German Authorities. Dental rubber, teeth etc., - good stocks have been provided by British Red Cross. Equipment and stocks are good.

 

Funds: Running expenses are defrayed by a very small charge for denture work.

 

Patients: This is a self-contained camp of merchant seaman, mostly non-working. Consequently the problems attendant on dental treatment in working camps do not arise. It should be noted

        (a) that the age-group represented is older than in Army camps.

        (b) many men have had no treatment prior to capture. Necessary extractions constantly make new denture cases.

 

Work: An average monthly return is:-

Fillings with root-treatment

Fillings without "      "

Extractions

Scalings

Treatments of gingival conditions

New dentures

Remodels

Repairs

Number of visits

:      6

:    80

:  150

:    12

:    20

:    35

:     6

:   30

: 350

        N.B. Denture work from Marlag Nord is processed here and is included in "new dentures".

 

Conclusions: The situation re fillings and extractions is very satisfactory. The maintenance of the large number of dentures already being worn, and the provision of dentures for patients on medical grounds, is a task occupying most of the time which can be devoted to denture work. There is, therefore, an inevitable delay in the provision of dentures for the edentulous fit men here, but from my own experience of working camps and the experience of other dental officers, this problem is, I believe, common to most P.O.W. Lagers.

 

(Signed: J.LeB. Warren, POW No.23903,

             Captain, N.Z.D.C.,

             Dental Officer, MILAG