Medical, Dental, and Nursing Services for School Children *

American medical science has a great potential contribution to make to the health of the school child. To what degree is this potential being realized? Some evidence exists that as our medical knowledge increases, a generation somewhat more aware of its health needs is developing, but it is doubtful whether the health instruction to which school children are subjected leads to desirable health practices in adulthood. One cannot gainsay the many reports which have indicated success in correcting physical defects. At least a certain number of children have been helped to a better physical condition. While some of this individual improvement might have come about in any case, through the influence of parents, for example, it seems clear that the school has often played a significant role. Certainly there have been striking decreases in the morbidity and mortality of the diseases commonly attacking children. Smallpox, measles, diphtheria, impetigo, scabies, pediculosis are no longer major problems. There is, however, a serious question as to whether the preventive activities carried on in the school are largely responsible for these improvements.