Newcastle’s community dental team has been reunited with a patient and his family after their nomination led to the team being awarded the ‘Everyday Miracles Award’ by the British Society of Special Care Dentistry.
Dominic, who has a severe learning disability and autism, initially found the clinical environment very overwhelming, but thanks to the exemplary efforts of the dental team he was able to feel more at ease and receive the care he needed.
Nominated by Dominic’s mum Audrey, the team were described as making ‘astonishing reasonable adjustments’ to ensure that he received the best treatment possible.
From pretending to be superheroes when putting on their PPE and using the patient’s favourite catchphrases to put him at ease, through to the careful thought that went into the timing and length of his appointments. The team went above and beyond to ensure that Dominic had the best possible experience.
Audrey commented: “It is a testament to the team that despite my son’s complex needs, including acute sensory processing, he has only needed one filling and to date, and no extractions.
“What’s amazing is that it’s not just my son who benefits from the work of this unique team, but so many others. When I talk to my friends who have relatives with similar needs, we all speak so highly of the work from Mary, Jen and the rest of the team. We are so lucky to have this service, and I’m really pleased that their outstanding work has been celebrated.”
The Everyday Miracles Award is presented by the British Society of Special Care Dentistry to recognise special care dental teams who provide exceptional, life-changing care, with nominations coming directly from patients or carers who chose to share their stories.
Mary, senior dental officer within the community dental team, said: “It is a pleasure to work with Dominic and his family to provide his dental care and it is fantastic to see what he has achieved over the years. We are all delighted to receive this award, and I am proud to work with a truly amazing team who go out of their way to support the needs of special care patients on a daily basis.”
Dr Graham Walton, consultant in special care dentistry, commented: “I was truly delighted to hear of my colleague’s success in being awarded this national award by the BSSCD. This fantastic accolade is a wonderful achievement and a fabulous acknowledgement of the excellent care they provide for their patients. They are so understandably proud of this and are to be congratulated.”
