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Domiciliary Dental Care and Supporting Access to Dental Services

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Oral Health and Dental Care in the Ageing Population

Part of the book series: BDJ Clinician’s Guides ((BDJCG))

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Abstract

Domiciliary dental care (DDC) is an essential part of dentistry for older people confined to their home or residential setting. Demand for DDC is increasing due to an ageing population that is increasingly dentate. The provision of dental care at home requires significant preparation before the visit to ensure safe and effective delivery of care. This must include an individual risk assessment of the home environment to ensure patient and staff safety. In addition, appropriate training is required for the whole dental team to develop the knowledge and skills to perform this care. Whilst DDC is essential for providing care for patients who cannot access dentistry in a dental surgery, the range of treatments provided will be limited. Future commissioning of DDC, including appropriate use of the dental skills mix, will need to reflect the changing demographics of the older population.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Or other appropriate individuals in the devolved nations.

  2. 2.

    There are two types of LPA: An LPA for Property and Financial Affairs covers decisions about money and property. An LPA for Health and Welfare covers decisions about health and personal welfare. Clinicians need to clarify whether or which type is present and contact the named LPA as appropriate.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Special Care Dentistry, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, Dorset, UK

    Debbie A. Lewis

  2. Special Care Dentistry, Bristol Dental Hospital, Bristol, UK

    Jessica Mann

Authors
  1. Debbie A. Lewis
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  2. Jessica Mann
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Correspondence to Debbie A. Lewis .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dental and maxillofacial, Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, Surrey, UK

    Mili Doshi

  2. School of Dental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK

    Andrew Geddis-Regan

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Lewis, D.A., Mann, J. (2022). Domiciliary Dental Care and Supporting Access to Dental Services. In: Doshi, M., Geddis-Regan, A. (eds) Oral Health and Dental Care in the Ageing Population . BDJ Clinician’s Guides. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-10224-0_12

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-10224-0_12

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