Your First Visit to GSDC

The Geriatric Special Care Dentistry Clinic (GSDC) delivers integrated oral care for patients with complex medical needs, geriatric conditions, and intellectual and physical disabilities. The clinic houses a multidisciplinary team of dental specialists and allied health professionals under one roof so that patients need not make multiple visits to see different specialists.

The clinic sees:

1. Geriatric patients aged 65 and above, frail and functionally dependent with complex medical conditions such as:
1. Stroke with disability
2. Progressive neurological disorder with cognitive impairment such as dementia, Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease
2. Special needs patients aged 13 years and older with congenital and developmental conditions resulting in physical disabilities and cognitive impairment such as:
1. Cerebral palsy, epilepsy
2. Autism or Down's syndrome

All patients are first seen at the General Dentistry Department before they are referred to GSDC. The clinic is conveniently located on Level 1 of NDCS, within walking distance to the bus stop and the Outram Park MRT Station (North East Line) with wheel chair access.

Clinic Features

Every room in GSDC has an intra-oral X-ray machine so that patients need not be transferred to another room or level to get their X-rays done, and treatment time is shortened. The clinic has a wheelchair-friendly dental chair that allows the patient to remain in their wheelchair during dental treatment, eliminating the need to be transferred to the dental chair. General dental radiography and surgical procedures under local anaesthesia can also be done within the clinic.

The First Visit to GSDC

A family member or caregiver should accompany the patient on the first visit, and whenever possible, for subsequent visits.

Things to bring on the first visit:

1. Patient's medication list (if any) and details of medical history
2. Referral letter informing of any special precautions such as whether the patient is at risk of bleeding and requires antibiotic prophylaxis or is at risk of pneumonia or dysphagia
3. Patient's own toothbrush and toothpaste for the dentist to understand the patient's level of care at home and to facilitate patient's cooperation during clinical examination
4. Proof of legal guardianship such as Lasting Power of Attorney, Appointed Deputy if the patient is aged above 21 and is not able to give consent themselves

What to Expect at the First Visit

A first visit usually involves an examination and diagnosis of the patient's oral cavity. Depending on the condition, X-rays are usually taken to aid in diagnosis and treatment planning. Dental treatment is only provided on subsequent visits, unless the patient requires urgent dental care.

If time permits, proper oral hygiene instructions will be shared with patients and their caregivers during the first visit. 

Click here for more information on dental care in special needs patients and the elderly.