Introduction to community dentistry
The Community Dental Service (CDS), and Public Dental Service (PDS) in Scotland are managed services where you will have a contract of employment and be expected to meet specific service standards. As part of the CDS/PDS, you will provide a range of dental services, including:
- Comprehensive care for people of all ages with special needs and/or who are medically compromised
- Care for people facing barriers to accessing dental services
- Specialist services such as orthodontics, sedation, general anaesthetics
- Screening of school children and other groups
- Planning and delivery of oral health promotion
- Providing epidemiology work to support dental public health activities.
As a community dentist, you will work in various clinical settings alongside a variety of support staff. Domiciliary visits and mobile surgeries may be a routine part of the service. Visiting patients in their own homes or care homes is often necessary due to their special care needs. This can also give you deeper insights into a patient's social history, living conditions, and how these factors might affect their compliance with your advice. You will work closely with other healthcare professionals and social services to deliver effective holistic care.