People with learning disabilities and specialist services

Valuing people and Valuing people's oral health both advocate choice and inclusion for people with learning disabilities. Research suggests that services and policy and guidance, while prescriptive and available, have not been effective in reducing oral health inequalities for people with learning disabilities. There is a risk that specialist services led by newly created consultants in special care dentistry may have the unintended effect of reducing choice if general dental practitioners are encouraged to refer all those with learning disabilities. A modified model of access is proposed that primary care organisations could use as a commissioning tool for dental contracts to facilitate choice and maximise involvement in oral health care for those with learning disabilities.