Innovative Cornwall pilot project supports access to dentistry for vulnerable patients

Carriage Works Lostwithiel Dental Surgery has been struggling to maintain NHS services due to national challenges affecting NHS dental provision.

NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board and NHS England worked closely with the practice to create a local solution that enabled them to continue to offer NHS services and support with dental emergencies.

The aim of the pilot project is to focus the practice’s limited NHS capacity on people with the greatest need for those services.

NHS services at the practice will continue to be available to children under 18, patients over 80 (without complex restorations such as dental implants), and patients with medical conditions that may impact on their ability to maintain their dental health.