Dental health is an important aspect of overall well-being, but not everyone can access dental services in a clinic setting. Some people may have physical, medical or mental health conditions that prevent them from attending a dental surgery, such as mobility issues, dementia, anxiety, or complex medical needs. For these people, domiciliary dental care can be a viable option to receive dental treatment in their own home or care setting.
What is domiciliary dental care?
Domiciliary dental care is the provision of dental services outside the clinic setting, by a dentist or a dental care professional who visits the patient’s home or care setting. The aim of domiciliary dental care is to provide preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic dental care for people who cannot access dental services in a conventional way.
Who is eligible for domiciliary dental care?
Domiciliary dental care is available for people who have a clinical need for dental treatment and who are unable to attend a dental surgery due to their physical, medical or mental health. This may include people who are:
Housebound or bedridden
Living in care homes or residential homes
Suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
Experiencing severe anxiety or phobia of dental treatment
Having complex medical conditions or disabilities
Receiving palliative or end-of-life care
How can I access domiciliary dental care?
Domiciliary dental care can be accessed through the NHS or privately, depending on the availability and cost of the service in your area. To access NHS domiciliary dental care, you need to contact NHS England and ask for the details of the community dental services in your area. You may also need a referral from your GP, dentist, or other health or social care professional to access the service.
To access private domiciliary dental care, you can search online for private dental companies that offer domiciliary dental care in your area, such as Dental Care At Home, which provides domiciliary dental care for care homes in Scotland. You can contact them directly and arrange an appointment for a domiciliary dental visit.
What kind of dental treatments can be provided in domiciliary settings?
The type and extent of dental treatments that can be provided in domiciliary settings depend on the patient’s needs, preferences, and consent, as well as the equipment and facilities available in the domiciliary setting. Some of the common dental treatments that can be provided in domiciliary settings are:
Dental examination and assessment
Oral hygiene advice and instruction
Scaling and polishing
Fluoride application
Fissure sealants
Fillings
Extractions
Denture fitting and adjustment
Some dental treatments, such as root canal treatment, crowns, bridges, implants, or orthodontics, may not be possible or suitable to be performed in domiciliary settings, due to the complexity, duration, or equipment requirements of the procedures. In such cases, the domiciliary dental care provider may refer the patient to a dental clinic or hospital for further treatment, if the patient is able to attend and consent to the referral.
How much does domiciliary dental care cost?
The cost of domiciliary dental care varies depending on whether the service is provided by the NHS or privately, and on the type and number of dental treatments required. For NHS domiciliary dental care, the charges are the same as for regular dental treatment in a clinic, which are:
Band 1: £23.80 - covers an examination, diagnosis and advice. If necessary, it also includes X-rays, a scale and polish, and planning for further treatment.
Band 2: £65.20 - covers all treatment included in Band 1, plus additional treatment, such as fillings, root canal treatment or removal of teeth.
Band 3: £282.80 - covers all treatment included in Bands 1 and 2, plus more complex procedures, such as crowns, dentures or bridges.
There may be an additional charge for the travel costs of the domiciliary dental care provider, depending on the distance and time of the visit. Some people may be entitled to free or reduced-cost NHS dental treatment, such as those who are under 18, pregnant, on certain benefits, or have a low income. You can check your eligibility for free or reduced-cost NHS dental treatment [here].
For private domiciliary dental care, the charges depend on the private dental company that provides the service, and on the type and number of dental treatments required. You can contact the private dental company directly and ask for a quote for the domiciliary dental care service. For example, Dental Care At Home charges £75 for a domiciliary dental visit, plus the cost of the dental treatment, which ranges from £25 to £250 depending on the procedure.
Conclusion
Domiciliary dental care is a valuable service that enables people who cannot attend a dental surgery due to their physical, medical or mental health to receive dental treatment in their own home or care setting. Domiciliary dental care can provide preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic dental care for people who have a clinical need for dental treatment. Domiciliary dental care can be accessed through the NHS or privately, depending on the availability and cost of the service in your area. Domiciliary dental care can improve the oral health and quality of life of people who otherwise may not receive dental care.
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