Special Care Dentistry
Special Care Dentistry is concerned with facilitating the delivery and provision of oral and dental care for persons with an impairment, disability and/or complex additional needs. It includes screening, preventive and treatment programs tailored for, and taken to, specific groups.
SCD recognizes that some groups of persons are unable to access oral healthcare unaided; are unable to express a desire or need for oral healthcare; and/or unable to make an informed decision about the benefits of oral healthcare to them.
Individuals who require SCD are at increased risk for oral diseases. Oral diseases can have a direct and devastating impact on the health of those with certain systemic health problems or conditions.
The persons for whom SCD services are commissioned and who are suitable for referral to those services, will have one or more of the following impairments/disabilities or include one or more of the following groups:
| (i) medically compromised |
| (ii) learning disabilities |
| (iii) sensory impairment |
| (iv) chronic mental health problems |
| (v) physical disabilities / limited mobility |
| (vi) dental phobias |
| (vii) elderly and frail |
| (viii) vulnerable adults (e.g. substance abusers, asylum seekers) |
| (ix) homeless |
Dr. Clarke recognizes the importance of providing comprehensive preventative and therapeutic oral healthcare to individuals with special health care needs. Therefore, his main objective is to promote high standards in oral healthcare for his patients. His guiding principle is that everyone should have access to high-quality oral healthcare using the latest and most appropriate technology.
