Paediatric and Special Community Dental Service

The Paediatric and Special Community Dental Service, located at St Leonards Hospital in Hackney, London, is dedicated to providing a comprehensive range of dental care tailored to meet the needs of diverse patient groups. Operated by the Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust, this service is particularly focused on individuals who may face challenges accessing traditional dental care, including those with social, psychological, or physical disabilities.

Patients can benefit from Community Dental Services, which offer full dental care for those requiring specialist intervention or home visits. The service operates from 17 sites and includes a mobile dental unit, ensuring accessibility for all. Special Care Dentistry is also available, catering specifically to patients with complex medical histories who may need high-risk dental treatments.

In addition to routine care, the service provides an Out-of-hours Emergency Dental Service (DentaLine) for urgent dental issues during evenings, weekends, and bank holidays. This ensures that patients experiencing severe symptoms, such as heavy bleeding or acute pain, receive timely assistance.

The North East London Outreach Dental Services focus on oral health promotion and education, emphasising the importance of oral health in overall well-being. Furthermore, the Domiciliary Dental Service offers treatment for patients unable to visit a dental surgery, with each case assessed individually to determine the most appropriate care.

Referrals to these services are typically made by general dental practitioners or health professionals, although self-referral is also an option under certain guidelines. For further information, patients can contact the service directly.