The Dental Service helps children and young people to take care of their teeth, gums and mouth and cares for children who need more specialist treatment or find it difficult to visit a regular family dentist. This might include:
- Children with significant health conditions.
- Children with diseases, anomalies or trauma affecting their mouth or teeth.
- Children who need to be seen for longer and at a slower pace than a family dentist.
- Children with anxiety, physical or intellectual disabilities or complex needs.
- Young children unable to cope with treatment at their family dentist.
Children and young people can be referred to the Dental Service within NHS Lothian by their family dentist, doctor or by an orthodontist. We understand that children and young people can feel worried or scared before visiting the dentist. All of our staff are used to working with young patients and helping them to stay calm and relaxed. We are also happy to answer any questions you might have.
We have several different places where you may be seen for your dental treatment. Explore the links below for more information about:
- Your visit to the dentist
- Our dental clinics
- Dental treatment under sedation
- Dental treatment under general anaesthetic
- Tips for looking after your teeth
- Dentistry and Autism- resources for neurodiverse patients
Your visit to the dentist
This video shows you what to expect at your first visit to the dentist.
Our dental clinics
We have several places where you may be seen for your dental appointment. The details will be on your appointment letter.
Click on the link below for a social story for the clinic you will visit:
Dental treatment under sedation
Inhalation sedation can make having dental treatment a bit easier to manage. This is also called happy gas or laughing gas. We have an information leaflet available for you to read about Dental Care using Inhalation Sedation.
This videos shows you what to expect when you come for dental treatment with happy gas:
Dental treatment under general anaesthetic
Sometimes a general anaesthetic may be the only option for having dental treatment carried out. This is where your child is put to sleep for their dental care. We have an information leaflet available for you to read about Dental Care using General anaesthetic
Click the links below for more information
Tips for looking after your teeth
Dentistry and Autism- resources for neurodiverse patients
Click on the links below for tips on looking after your teeth:
