Services
Learning disability
specialised dentistry
We work with patients, families and carers to establish long-term relationships to provide caring, understanding environments for those with learning disabilities.
On this page
Specialised dentistry for those with learning disabilities
It may be appropriate to use behavioural and communication techniques, inhalation sedation, home visits or general anaesthetic to facilitate dental treatment. We also communicate and liaise regularly with hospital services, social services, specialist learning disability services and special schools to ensure all the patient’s needs are met.
Meet our specially-trained team
Our learning disability champions have undertaken specialist training to better understand the inequalities faced by people with learning disabilities and are able to identify reasonable adjustments that can be made to help the patient have the best experience. This has provided a greater awareness and understanding of treating patients with disabilities, ensuring that they are not disadvantaged or excluded in any way. Specialist equipment is available to make reasonable adjustments to meet our patients’ needs.
Who will benefit from this service?
We offer a caring and compassionate environment for patients who will benefit from the reasonable adjustments. We work closely and build healthy relationships with our patients, carers and other health professionals.
- Community learning disability team
- Intensive health outreach team
- Social services
- School nurses
- GPs
- Health visitors
- Hospital staff if necessary
We have developed a range of easy read leaflets to help explain the treatment we offer. Staff with additional training in learning disabilities act as points of contact for the dental team, patients and their carers. All patient leaflets are available in easy read.
When to use this service
- Do you or someone you care for find it difficult to communicate with those around them?
- Does your/their disability impact on your ability to accept dental care?
- Would they be able to understand and consent to their treatment or would others need to make a decision in their best interest?
- Do you/they require assistance to carry out and maintain oral hygiene?
You may be eligible to be treated by our service. We accept referrals from general dental practitioners and healthcare professionals. Ask about being referred to us for your dental treatment.
