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Gaining access to dental services for the people we support at time can be difficult, but it’s extremely important that we ensure that every person have access to this.

CQC have reported they are looking into how services access Dental services. Covid has a huge impact in access Dental services, in some regions where dental service can be done the in the home environment have been stopped.

As providers to vulnerable people of our society it is important that registering for a dentist is the same as registering for a GP it is service that to ensure the wellbeing of the people we support.

Poor dental care can lead to some many different things that will impact the physical health of the people we support such as, losing weight, behaviours that challenge, social isolation. When a person is unable to communicate pain changes in behaviour and eating habits are key indicators that there may be a issues. Regular check not only ensure good oral health care but also allow check up to look for signs such as cancer in the mouth.

Clear care and risk planning in this area is key to ensure all avenues have been looked into support the people. The following should be considered

• Choice: – consider has the person attended a dentist previously/type off tooth paste/brush
• Home visit: – speak to your local NHS hub can home visit be arranged
• Urgent dentist contact number
• Referral to special dentist
• Evidence: – is there clear evidence in daily support notes that a person is being supported with oral care, appointments for dentist, referrals to dentist, chasing up appointments
• weight loss: – If a person is losing weight do you consider dental issues to be the cause.

Cqc article  https://www.cqc.org.uk/publications/major-reports/covid-19-insight-10-dental-access-during-pandemic

All Wales Special Interest Group / Oral Health Care (SIG)

sigwalesscd@gmail.com
www.sigwales.org

An advisory group of special care dentists and dental care professionals working in the Community Dental Service and Hospital Dental Service in Wales. The website includes advice and resources for the public.

Business Services Organisation (Northern Ireland)

0300 555 0113
www.hscbusiness.hscni.net/services

Provides a range of regional business support functions and specialist professional services to the health and social care sector in Northern Ireland. The website includes lists of all registered dentists in Northern Ireland.

British Society of Gerodontology (BSG)

www.gerodontology.com
www.gerodontology.com/contact-us (contact form)

Aims to protect, maintain and improve the oral health of older people. It provides advice and guidance for the public on its website.

NHS

www.nhs.uk/service-search (find services)

The NHS website s a comprehensive information service that helps to put people in control of their healthcare. The website offers advice and information on NHS services in England, including a directory of dentists.

NHS Direct Wales

0845 4647
www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/localservices

NHS Direct Wales is a health advice and information service available 24 hours a day, every day. The website includes a section on how to find information on dental practices in Wales.