New special needs dental service launched in Scotland
Public health minister, Michael Matheson has launched a new dental service for children with special needs.
The existing paediatric dental service, which is operated from Bridgeton Health Centre, has been adapted to make it more child-friendly and suitable for children with autism and special needs. The redevelopment came about after two members of staff came up with the idea to improve the service; senior dental officer, Lyndsey Ovenstone and health improvement senior for oral health, Debbie Connelly felt that the service could be better for children with special needs and autism, as a trip to the dentist can be a daunting and scary experience.
As part of the new initiative, children are now given talking books to prepare them for their appointment and help them to feel comfortable in the dental surgery; the books show pictures of the surgery and the members of staff and they allow children to become familiar with the set-up so that the appointment is not such a terrifying experience.
Questionnaires are also being sent to parents and carers before a child is due to attend an appointment; this enables members of staff to tailor the service to the child’s individual needs.
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