People-centred care

In general practice we see a wide range of patients, and this can include patients with additional support needs. It is a common misconception that all patients with additional support needs have to go to a ‘special care’ dentist in a community setting. Although this is the case for some patients, it is not the case for all.

The term “additional support needs” can apply to those with physical disabilities, learning disabilities and emotional/behavioural difficulties. I think it is so important for the entire dental team to be aware of disabilities, especially ones that you cannot physically see.

Before I became a dental nurse, I was a support worker in a care home for special needs and learning disabilities. There, I learnt a lot about learning disabilities and autism, and how important consistency and routine can be for an autistic person. Recently, I created booklets for my practice that can be used for patients with learning disabilities, autism or even dental anxiety. They include a step-by-step explanation of what will happen at their dental appointment and in which order, with accompanying photos. I made one each for adult exams, child exams, filling, scale and polish, and extraction. These are displayed at reception and are available to any patient who may need them, and they are laminated and attached with book rings, so they are easily disinfected between patients.