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Dementia-Friendly Dental Nursing

• Dementia can impair memory, understanding, communication, judgement, mood, behaviour and daily oral care routines.
• Dental nurses can spot changes, support clear communication, prepare the clinic and appointment, record helpful adjustments, and escalate concerns when needed.
• Address the patient directly where possible and involve carers in ways that protect dignity, consent, confidentiality and safety.
• Do not assume lack of capacity. Capacity is specific to the decision and may change over time.
• Use simple steps, familiar routines and calm reassurance. Where possible have one clear speaker to reduce confusion.

Oral Health and Appointments

• Oral health risk can increase because of reduced toothbrushing, diet changes, dry mouth from medication, denture problems, fatigue and handovers between carers.
• Preventive measures should be practical: targeted fluoride use, regular denture cleaning, clear written aftercare, carer involvement and realistic daily routines.
• Appointments may need quieter times, shorter or staged treatment, carer presence, clear records of adjustments and referral when the practice cannot safely meet needs.
• Document what helps and what causes distress so the patient does not have to repeat explanations at each visit.

Speaking Up and Practice Change

• Raise concerns if a patient appears confused, distressed, pressured or unable to understand the care being offered.
• Escalate suspected safeguarding issues, coercion, neglect, failure of oral care or repeated system barriers.
• Push for practical practice changes such as dementia-friendly booking notes, quieter waiting options, clearer aftercare instructions, agreed carer contact arrangements and team debriefs.
• Legal and regulatory details vary by country, but UK professional principles require dignity, patient-centred communication, valid consent and safe escalation.