CHW189-Consent to Dental Treatment Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Consent to Dental Treatment Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all individuals living at {{org_field_name}} are supported to access and receive dental treatment in a manner that is lawful, ethical, person-centred, and compliant with the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, the Mental Capacity Act 2005, and expectations set by Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW). This policy outlines how we seek, record, and review valid consent for dental treatment, including where individuals have fluctuating or impaired capacity, and how we ensure access to oral healthcare that promotes dignity, wellbeing, and physical health.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff at {{org_field_name}} involved in the planning, facilitation, documentation, and delivery of support for individuals receiving dental treatment. This includes care staff, nurses, team leaders, the Registered Manager, and where relevant, advocates, family members, and visiting dental professionals. The policy covers all forms of dental treatment, including routine check-ups, emergency dental care, hygienist visits, denture fittings or adjustments, and specialist referrals.

3. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:
CHW07 – Person-Centred Care Policy
CHW08 – Dignity and Respect Policy
CHW09 – Consent to Care Policy
CHW11 – Safe Care and Treatment Policy
CHW13 – Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy
CHW21 – Medication Management and Administration Policy
CHW39 – Mental Capacity and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Policy

4. Policy Statement

All individuals have the legal right to make decisions about their own healthcare, including dental treatment, and must be supported to give informed consent before any procedure is undertaken. Consent must be voluntary, informed, and given by someone with capacity. At {{org_field_name}}, we ensure that dental treatment is only carried out when valid consent has been given, or, where necessary, when a best interests decision is made in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Staff are trained to understand the principles of consent and apply them in daily practice, ensuring that individuals are treated with dignity, clarity, and respect.

5. Supporting Access to Dental Services

Individuals living at {{org_field_name}} are registered with a local NHS or private dental service as appropriate and based on preference. Appointments for check-ups and treatments are arranged in collaboration with the individual, and staff provide support to attend appointments or access domiciliary dental services if required. Oral health assessments are included in the care planning process and reviewed regularly to identify any emerging needs. Preventative oral care is encouraged and documented in daily records.

6. Obtaining Informed Consent

Before any dental appointment or procedure, staff ensure the individual understands:
What the treatment involves
Why it is needed
What the risks and benefits are
What alternatives (if any) exist
That they have the right to refuse or delay treatment
Consent may be given verbally, in writing, or through non-verbal communication, provided it is clearly documented. The individual must be given the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers in a format they can understand, including the use of easy-read materials or interpreters if needed. Care staff do not seek or give consent on behalf of the person but may assist in facilitating understanding and communication with the dentist.

7. Consent for People with Impaired Capacity

If there is concern that a person may lack capacity to consent to dental treatment, a capacity assessment is carried out in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005. This assessment is decision-specific and time-specific. If the person is found to lack capacity, a best interests decision is made involving relevant professionals, family members or advocates, and the dental practitioner. This decision is fully documented in the care plan and includes consideration of the least restrictive option, known wishes and preferences, and potential risks of not proceeding with treatment. Any use of sedation, restraint, or urgent intervention is carefully considered, justified, and reviewed.

8. Documentation

All discussions about consent, capacity assessments, best interest decisions, and outcomes of dental appointments are documented clearly in the individual’s care plan and medical notes. Consent forms provided by dental professionals are filed appropriately. Where consent is ongoing (e.g. for regular cleaning), it is reviewed at regular care planning intervals. Any changes in the person’s capacity, understanding, or dental needs trigger a reassessment.

9. Emergency Dental Treatment

In emergencies where immediate dental care is required and the individual cannot consent, staff will act in the person’s best interests in line with the Mental Capacity Act. A dentist will be consulted urgently, and efforts made to contact family members or representatives. Pain relief and first aid measures are provided in the interim, with any intervention being the least restrictive necessary to prevent further harm.

10. Training and Competency

All staff receive training in the principles of consent, the Mental Capacity Act, and communication support techniques as part of their induction and annual development. Staff are expected to understand their role in facilitating access to dental care and supporting individuals to make informed decisions. The Registered Manager ensures that staff are confident in these areas through supervision, observation, and reflective practice.

11. Dignity and Emotional Support

Dental treatment can be distressing or uncomfortable for some individuals. We ensure that emotional support is offered before, during, and after any appointment. Care is taken to respect personal preferences, provide reassurance, and promote a calm environment. For individuals with cognitive impairments, familiar staff may accompany them to appointments to reduce anxiety. Where someone expresses fear or concern, we seek to explore the reasons and adapt our approach.

12. Liaison with Dental Professionals

We work collaboratively with local dental services, ensuring they are aware of each individual’s communication needs, medical history, and support requirements. Consent forms provided by dentists are reviewed in advance and discussed with the individual. Any recommendations made by dental professionals are incorporated into care plans and followed up in a timely and coordinated way.

13. Quality Monitoring and Review

The Registered Manager oversees compliance with this policy through audits of care records, incident reviews, feedback from individuals and families, and supervision meetings. Any concerns about the consent process, access to treatment, or outcomes are addressed promptly. Consent practices are reviewed as part of the Quality of Care Review and during CIW inspections, with clear evidence provided to inspectors.

14. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner in response to changes in legislation, guidance from CIW, feedback from stakeholders, or incidents involving consent to dental treatment. Updates will be shared with all staff through internal briefings and training.

Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.