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howing interest in the child' s physical condition. There is an excellent opportunity during our work to observe a child' s mental and psychological development and to note any apparent aberrations that may occur. We should be aware that our work might in itself reveal emotional instability that might otherwise have gone unnoticed. We must also remember that our own unguarded actions can produce an emotional upset that may cause needles unhappiness and anxiety to both the child and the parent. Thus, as a member of a health team, our first aim must be the total physical, mental and emotional well-being of our patients. We should appreciate that our background in medical science has given us knowledge and experience above that of the lay public, and we can use these to the benefit of our patients, even though their problems may not be directly dental. We must be equally certain that our efforts to improve dental health are always in accord with the general health of our patients. It is possible, especially when treating the handicapped, to place general health at risk in an over-enthusiastic effort to care for the teeth. Thus, the primary aim of a dentist treating children is the total care of his patients.
     More specifically we are concerned with oral health, and our second aim should be to prevent disease. For the most part healthy oral structures are to be found only in young children, and to practice prevention to the full we have to begin at this stage. Our earliest attempt at prevention should be directed at the expectant mother, and, as she frequently attends for dental care at this time, we can advise her on the future dental health of her unborn child.
     After the child is born we should encourage the mother to return regularly so that the advice can continue. Seeing the child from an early age will encourage and interest the mother still further, and establish the face that good oral health practices cannot begin too early.
     The concept of prevention must pervade everything we do, so that a child and parent are not just content to leave dental care in our hands. They should be educated to conduct their lives in such a way that dental health becomes a routine. Dental health depends more on the individual' s style of life than on the work of dentists. Only by appreciating this can our efforts be really worth while. The second aim is, therefore, the prevention of dental disease and the development of an awareness of the importance of dental health by effective dental health education.
     However, if disease does occur then our third aim must be to restore the mouth to good health. When restorative treatment is carried out on children what must be achieved? First and foremost is the need to convince patients and parents that dental treatment is worth while. Only work of the highest technical standards will succeed in the primary dentition, and the same skills must be applied to young permanent teeth if further dental disease is to be avoided as a direct result off restorative procedures. However, this must at the same time be, at the best, enjoyable and at the worst acceptable for the patient. If dental treatment is unpleasant for children then this will build a resistance in them to future treatment. A compromise on standards in order to overcome this will result in technical failure. This will make dentistry for children appear