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Improving dentistry in Wiltshire

Improving dentistry is one of our top priorities: we’re working hard to increase access to NHS dental services in Wiltshire.

A three-year investment programme is helping to improve the services we offer in dental health in Wiltshire by increasing new NHS dental practices and increasing NHS places at existing dental practices.

In 2009, as a result of our programme, the number of Units of Dental Activity (UDAs) increased by 22.9%. This has had an immediate effect and it is hoped that around 43,000 extra patients will be able to register an NHS dentist as a result.

NHS Dentistry in England - patient leaflet  - this leaflet explains how to find an NHS dentist, what treatment you can expect and how much it will cost.

Wiltshire Primary Care Dental Services

Dr Sarah Thomas, Clinical Director, Wiltshire Community Health Services (WCHS), heads up the team whose head office is in Savernake Hospital, Marlborough.

Services are divided into two sections

Dental Access Centres (DACs)

Which provides a service for those people who are unable access NHS dental services . This is not a walk-in service and appointments must be made before attendance. Treatment at the DAC is not free. Treatment is charged using the new NHS charging bands.

The dental access centre will treat immediate pain and may offer further treatment to repair any other teeth with decay and gum problems. The dental access centre cannot offer long term treatment and support or offer appointments for regular check-ups.

Special Care Dental Service

Working closely with other health professionals and social care groups, the Special Care Dental Service provides a range of skills and services which are complimentary to the General Dental Service (dental practices), Dental Access Centre (DAC) and Hospital Dental Service meeting needs which are not otherwise provided for.

Patients who are referred to the service will be:

  • Child or adult with learning disabilities
  • Medically compromised
  • Elderly housebound or immobile  
  • Referred by a General Dental Practitioner for a specific course of treatment

The Special Care Dental Service is a referral service only and patients must be sent to the service by a health or care professional (e.g. Health Visitor, Doctor, General Dentist, Care staff).

As of October 2006 treatment at the Special Care Dental Service is not free. Treatment is charged using the new NHS charging bands.

The Special Care Dental Service will offer patients long term continued care, providing that the patients, because of their disability, continues to fulfil the acceptance criteria. However if the patient has been referred in by a General Dental Practitioner that patient will be referred back to the Practice when the course of treatment is completed. The Special Care Dental Service will only see the referred person and will not offer treatment to other family members.

To enquire if you are entitled to receive free or reduced cost NHS dental services click here.

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