New Support for Children with Additional Needs at Leeds Dental Institute

Improving dental care for children with learning disabilities and autism

The Paediatric Dental Department at Leeds Dental Institute receives around 45 new patient referrals each week. Approximately 25% of these patients are children and young people diagnosed with learning disabilities or autism. For these patients, visiting the dental hospital can be particularly challenging due to sensory processing differences.

The hospital environment, which includes bright lights, unfamiliar sounds, strong smells, and an element of unpredictability, may cause sensory overload. This can lead to distress, heightened anxiety, and in some cases, challenging behaviours, making dental treatment more difficult.

Development of a new support pathway

To address these challenges, Susan Kindelan, Consultant in Paediatric Dentistry, developed a sustainable pathway aimed at identifying patients who may benefit from additional support. This pathway offers families the opportunity to receive a reasonable adjustments call before their appointment.

With funding from Leeds Hospitals Charity, the Leeds Dental Institute launched a new telephone clinic in October 2024. The clinic is led by Zoe Shrivastva, Specialty Dentist in Paediatric Dentistry, and is designed to improve the hospital experience for young patients with additional needs.

Telephone clinic objectives and benefits

• Identify patients with sensory processing differences early in the referral process
• Provide families with tailored advice and support ahead of appointments
• Reduce anxiety and distress by preparing patients for what to expect during their visit
• Help dental staff make reasonable adjustments to the care environment and treatment approach

This initiative aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for children and young people with learning disabilities or autism, enabling them to access urgent dental care more comfortably and effectively.

Source: Leeds Hospitals Charity