Special Care Dentistry for Adults

We regularly treat adult patients who:

• Are autistic or neurodivergent
• Have mobility challenges or use wheelchairs
• Live with learning disabilities or complex medical needs
• Experience high levels of anxiety or dental phobia
• Require adapted communication and care planning
• May lack capacity to consent and need support with decision-making

We offer sedation options to ensure patient comfort and reduce anxiety, including:

• Oral intranasal sedation
• Anaesthetic-led sedation, provided in collaboration with experienced sedation professionals (by our Consultant Anaestetist, Dr Justin Roberts)

These methods allow us to deliver safe and effective treatment for those who might otherwise find dental care overwhelming.

For adults in special care dentistry, The Wand STA offers a more comfortable and controlled anaesthetic experience, which is particularly beneficial for those with dental anxiety, cognitive impairments, or physical disabilities. The system targets specific teeth without numbing larger areas like the tongue or face, supporting better communication and reducing disorientation during treatment. This level of precision and comfort can significantly improve access to care for adults with complex needs. See more here about The Wand.

We follow all legal and ethical standards when it comes to:

• Assessing capacity for decision-making
• Supporting patients in giving informed consent
• Working with families, carers or advocates when decisions need to be made in the best interests of the patient

We’re committed to dignity, autonomy, and clarity in every interaction.

We offer fully wheelchair-accessible treatment rooms, including generously sized surgeries, waiting areas and facilities and designed to accommodate patients with limited mobility. We allow extended appointments when needed and adjust the environment to support comfort and calm.

We work with a trusted network of healthcare providers across the North West to support patients with complex needs. This includes:

• Maxillofacial consultants
• Anaesthetists
• Community dental teams
• Occupational therapists
• Physiotherapists

This collaborative approach ensures each patient receives the most suitable care, whether in our practice or via referral.