Dental treatment for people with special needs

Some dentists may be able to treat people with special needs in their surgery. However, some people may not be able to get to their dental practice because of a disability or medical condition. In this case, the dentist should refer the patient to a more specialised dental service. Ask your dentist what is needed for a referral and if it is suitable in your case. Who is it for? People who may need community dental services include: children with extensive untreated tooth decay who are particularly anxious or uncooperative children with physical or learning disabilities or medical conditions children referred for specific treatment children who are 'looked after' or on the 'at risk register' adults with complex needs who have a proven difficulty in accessing or accepting care in general dental services, including adults with moderate and severe learning and physical disabilities or mental health problems adults with medical conditions who need additional dental care housebound and homeless people Ask your dentist what is needed for a referral and if it is suitable in your case.