"These five videos highlight critical actions we could take to support our most vulnerable patients”
Ask your Dentist or MP for these services
To find a dental care professional who will provide these services log into the dentalhealthservice website.
Screening in Care Homes & Schools
"We now have portable dental scanners, and the software is rapidly improving. These advancements allow us to send images directly to dentists, with some systems even assessing the disease process on-screen. It's time we adopt this cutting-edge technology, in the same manner as abroad." |
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"A society will be judged by how it treats its weakest members"
- Pope John Paul II
- Pope John Paul II
How to stop Disease
In the USA, trained professionals now apply varnishes to help protect teeth from decay, just as Japan has done for over 70 years. This simple procedure can significantly reduce the number of children needing hospital visits for tooth extractions. Similarly a varnish can be applied to the root surfaces of older adults, especially in care homes, to prevent the need for challenging trips to the dentist. |
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"Necessity is the mother of invention"
-Plato
-Plato
Single visit replica dentures
Every year, over 14,000 dentures are lost in care homes and hospitals. To prevent this, we need to scan them before they go missing. Instead of requiring four challenging visits to the dentist, a nurse can handle this in a single visit and then mail the denture to the patient. To use this service, visit 3D-dental.co.uk. |
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"The purpose of getting power is to be able to give it away"
- Aneurin Bevan
- Aneurin Bevan
Improve Access, reduced cost
During COVID, we all became more reliant on our phones. The best way to support people is in a familiar, relaxed environment like their home, rather than a dental surgery. On the Teeth4life YouTube channel, you'll find nine more videos on how we can improve dental health services. Just search for "DHS." Can you help make a difference? |
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"What do we live for, if not to make life less difficult for each other?"
- George Eliot
- George Eliot
What is your BPE?
"When visiting your dentist or hygienist, ask for your BPE (Basic Periodontal Examination). Just as you monitor your blood pressure and BMI for overall health, your BPE is a screening system for oral health, which is directly linked to your general health. A score over 2 may indicate a weakened immune system and other health concerns." |
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Many dentists, similar to General Practitioners (GPs), do not work a full five-day week. As a result, numerous dental practices have idle equipment that is not being utilized effectively.
By employing trained nurses, these practices can maximize their resources, generate potential income, and provide care for patients who seek reassurance about their dental health. This approach not only enhances the efficiency of the practice but also benefits the community by addressing the needs of the worried well. |