Our Services

Comprehensive care for long-term oral health

Tailored care plans, advanced treatments and personalised strategies to achieve and maintain a healthy smile.

Our Services

In special needs dentistry, one of the aims is to provide comprehensive and collaborative care that is suitable for each individual’s special needs.

Consultation

All new patients will be consulted by Dr Lydia See. She will explore in detail the factors that could be influencing each patient’s oral health condition, the type of care required and their wishes for their oral health. To get the full picture, a comprehensive medical and dental history; dental examination and any required radiographs and clinical photographs may be undertaken. After discussing and exploring your goals for dental management, as well as your available options, an individualised management plan will be provided to yourself, your carers/guardians and your referring clinician.

For your first visit, Dr Lydia allocates ample time for a comprehensive consultation. This is the time to discuss your oral health concerns and gather essential information, so please be ready with your medical summaries (including any discharge summaries or behavioural support plans), details of your current medications and information about your arrangements with your carers/guardians, as applicable.

Consultation

All new patients will be consulted by Dr Lydia See. She will explore in detail the factors that could be influencing each patient’s oral health condition, the type of care required and their wishes for their oral health. To get the full picture, a comprehensive medical and dental history; dental examination and any required radiographs and clinical photographs may be undertaken. After discussing and exploring your goals for dental management, as well as your available options, an individualised management plan will be provided to yourself, your carers/guardians and your referring clinician.

For your first visit, Dr Lydia allocates ample time for a comprehensive consultation. This is the time to discuss your oral health concerns and gather essential information, so please be ready with your medical summaries (including any discharge summaries or behavioural support plans), details of your current medications and information about your arrangements with your carers/guardians, as applicable.

Smiling caregiver woman

Dental Managements

Preventive Care

Preventive care such as ​regular recalls, oral hygiene assessment, cleans and fluoride treatments are routine in special needs dentistry. Dr Lydia’s dental treatment philosophy is based on minimal intervention dentistry, where prevention is the absolute key in achieving good oral health.

Assessments and Collaboration

For complex cases, Dr Lydia will conduct thorough assessments and collaborate with other medical and allied healthcare professionals to provide interdisciplinary care, ensuring comprehensive and well-coordinated management.

Dental Treatment

Following the consultation, Dr Lydia will present a range of treatment options. Together with the patient and/or carer input, a customised plan will be created. Dr Lydia understands that comfort is crucial for successful treatment, she appreciates it when patients tell her what makes them comfortable – whether it’s music, pillows, blankets or a low-sensory environment. Happy gas and sedation are available, and for complex procedures, treatment under general anaesthesia may be discussed.

The following are some examples of the treatments and managements offered:

  • Dental treatment for individuals with special needs
  • Dental assessment and management for the following unique situations:
    • Pre-cardiac surgery
    • Pre, during and post head and neck radiotherapy
    • Pre-bisphosphonate therapy commencement
    • Pre-, during- and post- bone marrow transplant
    • Pre- and post- organ transplant
    • Bleeding conditions (such as Von Willebrand disease, haemophilia)

Tele-dentistry

In some circumstances, where there are difficulties in coming into the dental clinic, tele-dentistry can be undertaken for initial discussions and consultations. Please discuss with Dr Lydia if you would like to organise a tele-consult.

Sedation Options

Sedation options will be discussed with patients based on their medical history and dental needs. These options will be aimed at ensuring a relaxed and stress-free dental experience. The following options may be explored:

  • Relative analgesia – Nitrous Oxide (Happy gas): Safe option for a relaxed and happy dental experience.
  • General anaesthesia: Dental treatment under General anaesthesia is available for patients who are medically stable but unable to be treated in the dental chair. These can include patients with severe anxiety/phobia, movement disorders, and intellectual disabilities.

Oral Health Care Training and Education

Receive personalised oral health education training for carers and professionals, addressing the specific needs of the patient and promoting overall well-being. Please discuss with Dr Lydia on arranging these individualised training sessions.

For dental, medical, allied health care practices, residential facilities who wish to have further continuing education and staff training in the oral health care and management of individuals with special needs, please discuss with Dr Lydia on your training requirements.

Helping Patients with Diverse Needs

Dr. Lydia See is experienced in managing a wide range of conditions, including (but not limited to):

men having stroke

Post-stroke or brain injury

The rehabilitation process following acute brain injury, such as stroke, can often be frustrating for patients. A significant challenge in dentistry arises with the management of patients experiencing swallowing difficulties (dysphagia). Dr. Lydia collaborates with medical professionals, allied health experts, and family members to develop strategic dental management modifications aimed at ensuring optimal and safe care for her patients.

happy kid sitting with his father

Gentle dentistry for autism

Dr Lydia takes special care to design tailored strategies for sensory preferences and dental acclimatisation techniques to ease patients who have ASD into routine dental check-ups and simple preventive dental procedures.

having bone diseases

Oral care for bone disease patients

For individuals with a history of treatment for bone diseases such as osteoporosis or metastatic bone cancer, including bisphosphonates and other anti-resorptive therapies, Dr. Lydia prioritises preventive oral health care. Her approach aims to optimise oral health, thereby minimising the necessity for extensive dental treatments and reducing the risk of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ).

bone transplant

Pre, during & post-transplant (bone marrow/organ)

As an integral step in the transplant process, oral health screening is essential to minimise potential issues that could affect the transplant’s success. Dr. Lydia conducts these assessments and collaborates with the medical team as needed. She likes to prioritise patient education, focusing on their dental care needs before and after transplantation, taking into account individual requirements and possible complications.

bleeding conditions

Dental care for bleeding disorders

Patients with bleeding conditions, like von Willebrand’s disease or hemophilias, often require special considerations before dental treatment. During consultations, Dr. Lydia collaborates with the patient and their haematologist to discuss necessary strategies. Specialised approaches are explored to address oral health concerns in individuals with bleeding disorders, ensuring personalised care.

Cerebral palsy

Comfortable dentistry for cerebral palsy

For individuals with cerebral palsy, Dr. Lydia prefers to assess the severity and extent of movement difficulties, oral hygiene challenges and associated co-morbidities (such as dysphagia), ensuring that her patients are managed comfortably and safely during their dental visits.

mental health conditions

Dementia care & oral hygiene

In caring for patients with dementia, Dr. Lydia likes to collaborate with caregivers and family members to develop personalised oral health plans, ensuring simple, tailored care for the individual’s well-being.

senior mental illness

Relaxed dentistry for anxiety or phobia

To create a stress-free dental environment and comfortable dental experience, Dr. Lydia uses tailored techniques like chairside relaxation and sedation. She employs methods such as music and gradual acclimatisation to help anxious patients feel at ease, welcoming their input for a personalised approach to care.

kids with disability

Oral care for Down syndrome

Dr. Lydia considers the unique medical needs and oral health risks of individuals with Down syndrome. She collaborates with caregivers and welcomes input from patients and families to tailor treatment accordingly.

Female Dentist Using Instrument

Before, during & after cancer treatment

Dr. Lydia works with oncologists to manage the oral health of patients with cancer, particularly those who have undergone head and neck radiotherapy. This collaborative effort emphasises comprehensive care, addressing potential long-term effects of cancer treatment on oral health. Dr. Lydia’s approach prioritises preventive measures and timely interventions to ensure optimal dental well-being for these individuals.

heart disease

Pre-cardiac surgery 

For individuals with heart disease and are about to undergo cardiac surgery (e.g. heart valve replacement), Dr Lydia emphasises preventive measures, aiming to reduce the risk of infection and promote long-term oral health. She will often consider the individual’s heart condition, medications and potential bleeding risks as part of the overall dental management.

intellectual disability

Intellectual Disability

Dr. Lydia collaborates with carers and other allied health professionals, forming a team to address the unique challenges of caring for individuals with intellectual disabilities. She enjoys the process of personalising strategies aimed at achieving achievable dental goals, fostering a supportive and effective approach to care.

women having hiv/aids

Immunological diseases

To safely treat individuals with compromised immune systems, Dr. Lydia has a preference to collaborate with medical professionals for comprehensive oral health care, considering specific medical needs and risks. This teamwork minimises complications and enhances patient well-being.

mental health condition

Psychological health conditions

Dr. Lydia adopts a patient-centred approach when treating individuals with psychiatric conditions, often incorporating trauma-informed care principles. Collaborating with the patient’s mental health care team, she aims to motivate and empower patients to take charge of their oral health, particularly during the fluctuating periods commonly experienced during mental health crises.

Holding hands

Palliative Care

Dr. Lydia understands how crucial it is to keep patients comfortable, free from pain, and protected from infections as they near the end of their lives. She knows how emotionally difficult this time can be for both patients and their families. That’s why she’s committed to providing gentle, thoughtful oral care that helps maintain their quality of life and allows for precious moments with loved ones, without the added worry of oral discomfort or disease.

Old man smiling
Dr. Lydia See
alzheimers desease senior
successful business woman
senior lady holding hand
man with diabetes
senior help to stand up