A new research project is aiming to improve dental care for individuals with learning disabilities by using creative methods to make dental visits more accessible and supportive. The "Caring Beyond Words" project, led by the University of Plymouth and funded by the NIHR, will explore how art and innovative communication can help transform patient experiences in dental settings.
The initiative will involve collaboration between researchers, individuals with learning disabilities, and healthcare professionals to identify current gaps in care. Pilot schemes will be trialled within dental practices to test new approaches, ensuring they are effective and can be integrated into mainstream services.
Evidence shows that people with learning disabilities often face poorer oral health and are more likely to be hospitalised for dental issues, particularly during childhood. As they get older, their oral health can decline quickly if appropriate support is not in place. This project builds on earlier work by the University that brings together health and the arts to support patients who face barriers to care, including dental anxiety.
Working closely with partner organisations such as Learning Disability England and Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, the project will ensure the voices of those directly affected are heard, helping shape more inclusive and responsive dental services for the future.
