Appendix 22 - Dental information and referral form

DSMIG guidance on dental care:

Dental overview on the Downs Syndrome Medical Interest Group website

British Society of Paediatric Dentistry

In Barnet we refer to the Whittington Health Paediatric Dental service.

“The best time so see a patient is as soon as teeth come through. The British Society of Paediatric Dentistry recommendation is at age 1.  It would be ideal if we saw them directly in the Community services as there are some considerations to their care that need to be taken into account and high-street Dentists are not always ready to support parents on their needs. If when they are older, the dentist believes they can be treated in normal high street the patient will be referred out of the service.  Your team can make the referral directly to our service online. It would ideally be picked up and placed in a Senior Dental Officer diary.

On an initial appointment to the dentist the parents will be informed about the assessment, prevention advice and diet recommendations.  Obviously an oral exam is performed as well.  Discussion about fluid thickeners, timing of medication and feeds will also be relevant to dental care, and timetabling these to optimise dental care (reducing acidity).  In addition, advice about palatal shape, tongue positioning and other anatomical issues would be discussed with parents by the senior dental officer.”

(Discussion with Maria Noguerado, Senior Dental Officer in Paediatric Dentistry, 2019)

• Referral to be made at 12 month review.

• Paediatric Dentistry referral form (Children 15 years old and younger)

• There is also a leaflet online detailing Dental Services Dental Services

• The referral will be triaged and the family sent to one of the clinics around Barnet.

• There is another form that can be downloaded too for those older than 15 years.

Paediatric Dentistry

We specialise in the dental treatment of children who cannot be treated in general (or "high street") dental services.

Examples include young children that have

• severe anxiety and not able to cooperate, or who may need a general anaesthetic

• physical or learning disabilities

• medical conditions that require special provision

• 'Looked after' children

NOTE: Access to this specialist service is by referral only.

How to make an appointment 

• If you are already a patient of our service, you can contact our head office on 020 3317 2353 to arrange a suitable appointment.

• If you have been referred to our service, we will contact you to arrange an appointment.

• For the Eastman dental appointments email uclh.referrals.edhappts@nhs.net

• IF A GENERAL ANASETHETIC IS NEEDED – CAN THE ROUTINE BLOODS BE DONE AT THE SAME TIME?

Other dental Guidelines:

• UK National Clinical Guidelines in Paediatric Dentistry: Guideline for the Use of General Anaesthesia (GA) in Paediatric Dentistry (May 2008).  Authors Dr. Caroline Davies (Consultant Paediatric Anaesthetist) Mr. Mike Harrison (Consultant in Paediatric Dentistry) and Prof. Graham Roberts (Professor and Honorary Consultant in Dental Paediatrics) Guideline for the Use of General Anaesthesia (GA) in Paediatric Dentistry

• Clinical Guidelines and Integrated Care Pathways for the Oral Health Care of People with Learning Disabilities 2012: Clinical Guidelines and Integrated Care Pathways for the Oral Health Care of People with Learning Disabilities

• BSPD National Guideline for appointment of Paediatric Dentists with Special Interest: The British Society of Paediatric Dentistry List of Guidelines

• Oral health/dental care: Oral health care for children document on the Downs Syndrome Association website

  Helpful resources for visiting the dentist:

• Your Dental Appointment - A Positive Choice - Video from Public Health England

• Your dental visit: a positive experience - information and video on Makaton website

• Team Smile

  Aims to raise awareness and promote a positive dental experience so that everyone, including adults and children with learning disabilities who often face extra barriers to care can maintain good oral health.Accessing the dentist:

  Features a series of short videos demonstrating what it’s like to visit the dentist or a member of the dental team, including getting a check-up, a radiograph, having a tooth extracted or a filling, and having your teeth cleaned. The resources are aimed at helping children and adults with learning disabilities to have a positive experience at dental appointments.

  Makaton signs

  Accessible oral health for all

  Going to the dentist - a positive experience - video:

  Going to hospital - Healthcards