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<p>The purpose of this pilot was to evaluate a new domiciliary dental model for care home residents in Sussex, focusing on a dental therapist (DT) led skill mix and supported by NHS flexible commissioning. The project aimed to improve access to primary care dentistry for older people in residential care, re-engage NHS general dental practice with domiciliary care, residential care homes, and assess patient needs.</p><p>The evaluation was conducted into three areas: user feedback, activity data, and cost analysis. A total of 186 residents across six care homes were screened by the DT. The majority of care home staff appreciated the improved ease of access to oral health care and advice. However, the response rate from care home residents/families was very low (n = 2) and in general communication with care homes was found to be time consuming and challenging. </p><p>The DT-led model proved cost-effective, and while the aims were mostly met, the primary challenge was engagement and support from care home staff. This was evidenced by cancelled training sessions, often challenging translation of training into daily preventive practice, and a low feedback response rate. This evaluation demonstrates that DT-led domiciliary care, supported by flexible commissioning, is a feasible and cost-effective method for improving access and re-engaging general practice, but for its future success some changes to this current model would be needed.</p>

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An evaluation of an ICB-sponsored pilot into improving access to domiciliary dentistry for care home residents using dental skill mix in Sussex

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月20日

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  • Robert Emanuel,
  • Simon Hearnshaw,
  • Carolina Machuca Vargas,
  • Shumaila Rahim,
  • Kellie Downie,
  • Carole Crathern,
  • Madalyne Tucker,
  • Eleanor Coleman

摘要

The purpose of this pilot was to evaluate a new domiciliary dental model for care home residents in Sussex, focusing on a dental therapist (DT) led skill mix and supported by NHS flexible commissioning. The project aimed to improve access to primary care dentistry for older people in residential care, re-engage NHS general dental practice with domiciliary care, residential care homes, and assess patient needs.

The evaluation was conducted into three areas: user feedback, activity data, and cost analysis. A total of 186 residents across six care homes were screened by the DT. The majority of care home staff appreciated the improved ease of access to oral health care and advice. However, the response rate from care home residents/families was very low (n = 2) and in general communication with care homes was found to be time consuming and challenging.

The DT-led model proved cost-effective, and while the aims were mostly met, the primary challenge was engagement and support from care home staff. This was evidenced by cancelled training sessions, often challenging translation of training into daily preventive practice, and a low feedback response rate. This evaluation demonstrates that DT-led domiciliary care, supported by flexible commissioning, is a feasible and cost-effective method for improving access and re-engaging general practice, but for its future success some changes to this current model would be needed.