Guidelines for Dental Care for Individuals with Dementia

Maintaining Continuity of Dental Care

It's beneficial to maintain the same dentist for familiarity:

• Inform the Dental Practice: Notify the dental practice about the person's dementia.
• Choose a Suitable Time: Schedule appointments during quieter periods, such as after lunch.
• Presence of Carer: Ensure a carer or family member accompanies the individual during the visit.
• Take Home Advice: Request the dental team to provide written advice to take home.

Planning Dental Visits

Effective planning ensures optimal dental care:

• Frequency of Visits: Discuss with the dentist the recommended frequency of visits based on oral health needs.
• Denture Check: Even with full dentures, annual visits are important to check soft tissues and denture fit.
• Special Care Dentistry: Explore options like home visits or special care dentistry if attending a regular practice becomes difficult.

Treatment Considerations

Addressing treatment needs:

• Options for Complex Treatment: For complex treatments, discuss options such as sedation or general anaesthesia.
• Legal and Decision Making: If decision-making capacity is lost, involve a named person (power of attorney) in treatment decisions or proceed with a 'best interest' assessment.