For many people, maintaining oral health means regular visits to a dental practice. But for those with limited mobility, chronic illnesses, or physical disabilities, making the trip to a hospital or clinic environment isn’t always possible. That’s where in home dental care and domiciliary dental services provide a practical solution, delivering essential dental treatment directly to a patient’s own home.
In some cases, individuals may already be receiving 24 hour care at home, where support for daily living is provided around the clock. This type of service ensures that patients’ overall health — including oral health — is managed with comfort and safety in mind. It works in partnership with mobile dentistry and domiciliary dental care to offer convenient treatment options for patients who may not be able to access traditional clinic environments.
What Is In Home Dental Care?
In home dental care, also known as domiciliary dental care, provides dental services to patients who cannot attend a dental practice due to physical, medical, or psychological reasons. This form of dental work is delivered in a patient’s own home, care homes, or other domiciliary settings.
A mobile dentist or dental team, including dental nurses, dental therapists, and other professionals, will visit patients with the necessary equipment to carry out dental procedures safely and effectively. Although not all dental procedures can be performed outside a dental surgery, many treatments — including denture work, check-ups, and x-rays — can be provided during home dental visits.
Who Can Benefit from Domiciliary Dental Services?
Domiciliary dental services are designed for patients who:
- Have physical disabilities that prevent travel to a dental surgery
- Are frail or elderly
- Are recovering from a hospital stay
- Live in care homes or residential facilities
- Have conditions that make attending a clinic environment stressful or impractical
Each patient’s case is individually assessed to determine the most suitable treatment options. The patient’s safety is always a priority, with equipment safely secured and treatment rooms or alternative rooms adapted where needed to ensure easy access for the dental team.
How In Home Dental Care Works
When a patient, family member, or carer requests domiciliary dental services — either through self-referrals, liaison services, or NHS services — the first appointment will usually include an assessment. This involves completing a medical history form to help the dental team understand any health conditions or medications that may affect treatment.
During the first visit, the dental team will examine the patient’s oral health and discuss any dental treatment required. In some cases, the team may recommend that certain procedures still take place in a hospital or clinic environment for the patient’s safety.
Where appropriate, treatment can be carried out during home dental visits. This might include:
- Adjustments or repairs to dentures
- Simple fillings
- Extractions (where safe to do so)
- Preventive care such as cleaning or fluoride application
Patients will be provided with information about NHS dental charges, if applicable, or any private fees involved.
The Role of Mobile Dentistry
Mobile dentistry is a vital part of in home dental care. With portable equipment, dental professionals can provide services outside a fixed dental practice. Mobile dental units can be used for more complex dental procedures where space and equipment allow.
Mobile dental services help reduce waiting lists for domiciliary dental appointments and improve access for NHS patients in need of care at home. The dental team always carries proper identification, such as NHS name badges, and takes care to provide services in alternative formats if patients require them — for example, information in large print or easy-read versions.
Challenges and Limitations
While in home dental care offers essential services, it is important to note that not all dental procedures can be carried out outside a dental surgery. More complex treatments, such as some forms of restorative dental work, may require access to equipment only available in a dental practice or hospital setting.
Additionally, the availability of domiciliary dental services can vary across regions. In areas like West Sussex, for example, patients may need to contact local liaison services or use a telephone number provided by their dental practice to arrange home visits. There may be a waiting list depending on demand and staffing levels.
Preparing for a Home Dental Visit
To help ensure a smooth visit, patients or carers should:
- Provide accurate medical history information
- Ensure the treatment room or alternative room is ready and accessible
- Have any dentures, medication lists, or medical records available
- Inform the dental team in advance of any special requirements
This preparation helps the dental team deliver care efficiently and safely.
Working Together for Better Oral Health
In home dental care is most effective when delivered as part of a wider network of health and social care support. Mobile dentists often work closely with care home staff, family members, and other professionals to ensure patients receive the right dental treatment at the right time.
Liaison services help coordinate between domiciliary dental teams and other healthcare providers, ensuring continuity of care. This collaborative approach helps safeguard oral health, reduce hospital admissions, and improve the quality of life for patients who rely on home dental services.
Conclusion
In home dental care plays a vital role in ensuring that people who are unable to attend a dental practice still have access to high-quality dental services. Whether through NHS dental treatment or private options, domiciliary dental care offers essential support to those in care homes, recovering from a hospital stay, or living with conditions that limit mobility.
From the first visit and medical history form to the completion of treatment, the dental team works with patients and carers to provide safe, effective care in the comfort of the patient’s own home. While not all dental procedures can be carried out in a domiciliary setting, home dental visits provide a crucial service that helps maintain oral health and overall wellbeing.
If you or someone you care for could benefit from dental domiciliary service, contact your local dental practice or NHS service to learn more about how mobile dental care can help.