What does the Dental HELP assessment consist of?

The Dental HELP assessment is a low cost examination, currently £20, to decide and advise you whether your oral health is affecting or likely to affect your general health. After completing medical history and dental concerns forms, the dentist will assess you.

If there are no grounds for concern then nothing further is required, other than another assessment in a year or two.

Should the dentist see potential problems, he will invite you to attend a comprehensive 15 minute or 30 minute examination, depending on the range of problems seen. After those a full treatment plan will be offered. Even though the dentist may advise further examination or treatment plan there is no obligation to accept these in full or part. A staff member will be available to answer questions you may have

The assessment is a visual examination, where soft tissues are checked for signs of early cancer , obvious indications of general health problems, the gums are examined to decide whether they are healthy or unhealthy, and the teeth checked for early decay or obvious gross damage.

Detailed examination of existing crowns, fillings, root fillings, fitting of dentures and so on are not carried out, nor is there any discussion of cosmetic appearance or taking of X-rays, but may be discussed during a subsequent examination if desired.

Should you be unfortunate enough to show signs of cancer, referral to hospital is included at no extra charge.