Dentist for bed bound people?

[Noitsnotteatimeyet]

My dad has been bed bound for more than 6 weeks now. He's just moved into a nursing home (possibly for respite, more likely to be permanent as I can't see him coping at home). He's fretting about going to the dentist as he's due a 6-month check-up. The last time he went I wheeled him down the road to the dentist on the corner but he was much stronger then and able to transfer from the wheelchair to the dentist's chair. The nursing home is about 20 minutes drive from his old dentist but I don't think we could get him into the car safely. What do dentists normally do with people who can't get to them?

My dad's nursing home have just started having a visiting dentist, or do they say. I keep asking but my dad hasn't actually seen one yet. I would ask the home, they will be able to advise, this must come up all the time.

Some dentists will happily do it in a wheelchair if it tilts back. Ask.

My DH is a dentist. Community dentists go into old people's homes and generally deal with vulnerable patients. You can ask his existing dentist to make a personal referral to speed things along and make sure he is not over looked

When DGD was in a care home they got him a dentist. When he first came home and was unable to get out they came to his home. Speak to the care home they will point you in the right direction.

Thanks everyone - I'll start by asking the nursing home

Hi OP, your dad's nursing home manager or GP can do a referral to the local Community Dental Dept.

I had a problem of needing dental care after a major accident resulting in me being confined in a hip to ankle cast. I asked the dentist what to do and they arranged for some sort of hospital bed where I was wheeled in and treated lying flat.

Google domiciliary dental services for your area. I just did so for my mums area and found both a local practice that would come in and a specialist practice covering a wider area.

She is actually signed up to the local community dentist. I don't think they offer domiciliary services in her area, but do understand dementia and problems with compliance. The wait list to get on their books was very long.

She sees a domiciliary optician from a specialist firm. They tend to phone up and offer an appointment when they are in the area.