Special Care Dentistry (SCD) stands as a profoundly diverse field, bridging medicine, psychology, and even legal considerations. Its unique appeal lies in its emphasis on the individual beyond their immediate dental concerns, a quality that makes SCD clinics particularly rewarding environments. For undergraduate dental students, the focus can easily narrow to the technical aspects of treating teeth, sometimes overshadowing the patient as a person. However, with a significant portion of the adult population living with disabilities – 16% of adults under 65 and 45% over 65 in the UK4 – SCD clinics play a vital role in demonstrating how dental practices can adapt to meet the diverse needs of these patients. Observing clinicians employ varied communication methods, from sign language to communication boards, and adapt treatment environments with wheelchair hoists and customized room layouts, offers invaluable learning experiences. Moreover, students gain exposure to rare clinical presentations, such as medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw, which might otherwise remain confined to textbooks. Despite these rich learning opportunities, a UK-wide survey of undergraduates revealed that 42.0% had no experience in SCD, and only 9.4% had treated patients with additional needs (see Figure 1). Considering the likelihood of encountering patients with complex needs throughout their careers, it is crucial for dental students to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills in SCD during their undergraduate training.
Fig. 1 Survey of undergraduate students’ experience of special care dentistry across the UK (n = 53)
Personal experience underscores the benefit of early and consistent SCD integration within the dental curriculum. Recalling a formative period shadowing Dr. G, a dentist specializing in community practice, the adaptability and patient-centered approach were striking. In just two weeks, a spectrum of patients with additional needs were encountered, from those managing severe dental phobias to individuals with specific communication requirements. Witnessing the team’s unwavering commitment and specialized skills served as a powerful inspiration to pursue dentistry. This early exposure highlighted that the true Commissioning Tool For Special Care Dentistry is comprehensive education and practical experience, equipping future dentists to confidently and competently provide care for all members of society, regardless of their individual challenges. By prioritizing SCD within undergraduate dental education, we effectively commission a future generation of dentists ready to meet the diverse needs of their patient populations.
