Guidelines and Best Practice - Oral Care - Complex Needs

These guidelines focus on oral health care and how it can be improved through an integrated care approach. Recommendations for all age groups are: dietary recommendations that are in line with healthy eating policies, a good oral hygiene regimen with the use of fluoride toothpaste, and regular visits to the dentist. Published January 2001. Guidance published more than 5 years ago, but publisher has confirmed its continued validity - December 2010.

These new guidelines for people unable to comply with routine oral health reflect recent developments in legislation. The guidelines cover legal and professional issues, risks, training, practical approcaches and post treatment management. Case study examples of good practice are also included as well as communication plans. Published by the British Society for Disability and Oral Health, 2009.

Valid consent to treatment can only be given by an individual who has the legal capacity to give consent. There are a number of grey areas related to consent and child patients because of the different jurisdictions across the UK. The guidelines consider some of the underlying principles that clinicians should bear in mind, at all times and in all parts of the United Kingdom, namely, the role of ethics and the purpose of consent. Prepared on behalf of the British Society for Paediatric Dentistry

Written mainly for parents and carers, the documents describes the main oral care problems that can occur and information on care and treatment. Produced by the Rett UK.

This document addresses the delivery of appropriate oral healthcare to patients whose circumstances make it impossible, unreasonable, or otherwise impracticable for them to receive dental care in a fixed clinic, hospital or mobile dental clinic. Produced by the British Society for Disability and Oral Health, 2009.

A report by Contact a Family on the problems experienced by families in accessing dental care for their child. 2005.

Produced by the US Department of Health, this 2 page overview provides photographs and descriptions of the main oral care problems children with complex needs experience. Areas include oral trauma, bruxism, oral infections and gingival overgrowth. 2003.

Written for the Profound & Multiple Leaarning Disabilities Network, this 13 page practical guide covers some of the key areas in ensuring good oral care. Areas covered include toothbrushing techniques, assisting with toothbrusing, diet and residential care. Published 2009.

Produced by the US Department of Health, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, this booklet for professionals and carers outlines the main oral health care problems in autism and strategies for care. 6 pages, 2006.

Produced by the US Department of Health, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, this booklet for professionals and carers outlines the main oral health care problems in cerebral palsy and strategies for care. 6 pages, 2006.

Produced by the US Department of Health, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, this booklet for professionals and carers outlines the main oral health care problems in down syndrome and strategies for care. 6 pages, 2006.

Produced by the US Department of Health, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, this booklet for professionals and carers outlines the main oral health care problems in intellectual disabilities and strategies for care. 8 pages, 2006.

Best practice guidance to improve oral health in disabled children and adults. This document builds on the principles within Choosing Better Oral Health and uses the evidence-based approach within Delivering Better Oral Health as a guide to assist all who provide and commission dental services for people with disabilities. Published by the Department of Health, 2009.