A comprehensive Special Care Dentistry Consultant level clinical service is provided within Dundee Dental Hospital & School. There are clear referral criteria about when to refer to Hospital Consultant-led services in Adult Special Care Dentistry and clear criteria about when to refer adults to the PDS. There may be some overlap and judgement based on clinical and geographic factors is recommended.
Patients attending staff clinics should be aware that as part of a teaching hospital, students are often present on clinics in an observational capacity.
Whilst patients are awaiting or undergoing treatment within the Dental Hospital they are expected to remain under the care of their General Dental Practitioner (GDP) for routine and emergency dental care.
Special Care Dentistry and Clinical Psychology
Specialty Description
Our Team
Special Care Dentistry operates with a highly skilled team located on floors 1-4 of the building. The team is led by NHS Consultant (Dr Heffernan) and is supported by Specialty Dentists, Specialist Registrars, Dental Core Trainees and a part-time Clinical Psychologist. Undergraduate Students also regularly attend clinic and treatment sessions within the department. The Special Care team work closely with other dental specialties within DDH as well as medical colleagues at Ninewells Hospital and other hospitals across Scotland.
Who to refer
Dundee Dental Hospital Specialist Services Service: Special Care Dentistry and Clinical Psychology – Who to Refer for accepted and rejected referral criteria
How to refer
SCI Gateway should be used for making referrals and be aware that your patient may be offered a virtual appointment as appropriate
Please see Dundee Dental Hospital Specialist Services Service: Special Care Dentistry and Clinical Psychology - Making a Referral for more information on making a referral
Please see Dundee Dental Hospital Specialist Services Service: Special Care Dentistry and Clinical Psychology - Making a Referral for more information on making a referral
Patient Journey
The Initial consultation/ assessment appointment
Patients attending for a new patient assessment should not expect treatment at that appointment. The first appointment allows relevant information to be gathered, a dental examination and possible investigations to be carried out. If further appointments are required, the member of staff will advise.
Failure to attend
If a patient fails to attend for an appointment on either a staff or student clinic, they are likely to be discharged and require re-referral.
Patients attending for a new patient assessment should not expect treatment at that appointment. The first appointment allows relevant information to be gathered, a dental examination and possible investigations to be carried out. If further appointments are required, the member of staff will advise.
Failure to attend
If a patient fails to attend for an appointment on either a staff or student clinic, they are likely to be discharged and require re-referral.
Useful resources and information
If you would like help or advice on a clinical matter relating to one of your patients or regarding referral of a patient please contact us.
Main reception: 01382 425791
Enquiries about referrals: 01382 740918
To send or request copies of radiographs email with the patient’s name, address and date of birth within the email: TAY.radiologyddh@nhs.scot
To send photographs related to the referral (maximum of 4 JPEGs) email with the patient’s name, address and date of birth within the email: tay.taysideclinicalphotography@nhs.scot
Useful Resources
Below are dental anxiety self-help booklets. They are designed to be used by patients with mild or mild-moderate dental anxiety. They can also be offered to people who you plan to refer to the psychology service to use whilst they are waiting for this input. Below are links to four booklets for patients and an accompanying booklet for dental teams with information on how to best support your patients to use this resource.
Main reception: 01382 425791
Enquiries about referrals: 01382 740918
To send or request copies of radiographs email with the patient’s name, address and date of birth within the email: TAY.radiologyddh@nhs.scot
To send photographs related to the referral (maximum of 4 JPEGs) email with the patient’s name, address and date of birth within the email: tay.taysideclinicalphotography@nhs.scot
Useful Resources
Below are dental anxiety self-help booklets. They are designed to be used by patients with mild or mild-moderate dental anxiety. They can also be offered to people who you plan to refer to the psychology service to use whilst they are waiting for this input. Below are links to four booklets for patients and an accompanying booklet for dental teams with information on how to best support your patients to use this resource.
Overcoming Dental Anxiety: A Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Self-Help Guide: