Improving access to dental services for people with dementia is of paramount importance. It can significantly improve their quality of life and prevent further problems associated with poor oral health. The Appointment” is a short film inspired by an award-winning series of films called “Barbara’s Story” that was developed to highlight issues around caring for people with dementia in an acute hospital setting. It is intended to show insight into just how confusing attending a dental appointment can be for someone with dementia and highlights the crucial role played by the whole team, especially receptionists and dental nurses, in supporting vulnerable patients.
» Click here to view “The Appointment” on Youtube
» Click here to download “The Appointment” in MP4 file format
» Click here to download the resource pack for “The Appointment” (pdf.)
Tips for Trainers
- Dementia training is important and is relevant for all members of the dental team. The principles of caring, compassion, good communication, competence and commitment apply to all patients regardless of their age.
- Ask the audience to turn off their phones and bleepers at the start
- This film has been designed to trigger discussion. It is not intended to tell people what to do but to help them to develop a sense of things that they could do.
- Allow space and time for them to think about what they have seen before you start the discussion.
Make the point that there are people who show a caring and compassionate attitude in the film.
These sessions may not be suitable for someone recently bereaved or those who are carers themselves. Please be sensitive to this and organise support if required. Let the audience know before showing the film.
The film, “The Appointment” highlights the crucial role played by the whole dental team, including receptionists and dental nurses in supporting patients with short term memory problems and undiagnosed dementia. Its running time is just under 15 minutes and is designed to be watched by the members of the dental team together as part of a practice meeting. The accompanying resources have been designed to stimulate discussion and facilitate planning to meet the needs of such an individual in the dental practice environment.
Working Towards Dementia Friendly Dental Practices
The aim is to enable staff to provide safe, effective, caring, and responsive treatment for their patients with dementia which meets CQC requirements. You may like to complete a practice audit to help you identify areas that you could improve and develop an action plan for addressing these.
NHSE WT&E Audit for Dementia Friendly Dentistry
Mouth care for people living with dementia
Older people are more likely to have poor oral health. They experience higher levels of untreated disease, especially if dependent on others for their oral care.
Learning Hub: Improving Mouth Care
This free resource has been designed to give health and care staff advice and guidance for them to provide evidenced based mouth care for their patients and clients including those with dementia https://learninghub.nhs.uk/catalogue/Improving-Mouth-Care
Tips for mouth care for a person living with dementia
Mouth care for people living with dementia
Further resources on dementia