The Geriatric and Special Care Dentistry Clinic

The Geriatric and Special Care Dentistry Clinic (GDSC) at the National Dental Centre Singapore (NDCS) specialises in providing dental care for elderly patients and individuals with special needs who may require additional support or modified treatment approaches.

GSDC is located right beside the ambulance bay to facilitate patient transfers

INDIVIDUALISED, COMPREHENSIVE CARE

GDSC’s dental team is specially trained to manage patients with various medical conditions and disabilities, and to provide appropriate modifications to dental treatment based on individual needs.

The team also works closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care is rendered in a safe manner. Treatment plans are carefully decided on, after considering the patient’s overall health status and capabilities, to develop a rational treatment plan.
 

SYMPTOMS OF ADVANCED FRAILTY

Studies indicate that approximately 5.7% of community-dwelling older adults aged 65 and above in Singapore are frail. The prevalence increases significantly with age, with those above 75 years old showing higher rates of frailty.

Symptoms of advanced frailty include:

• Significant unintentional weight loss(more than 5% over 6-12 months)
• Severe fatigue and exhaustion reportedby the patient
• Marked weakness, particularly in grip strength
• Slow walking speed and impaired mobility
• Decreased physical activity levels
• Cognitive decline and confusion
• Multiple comorbidities requiring complex medical management
• Difficulty maintaining oral hygiene independently
   

WHEN AND HOW TO REFER A PATIENT

When to refer

Referral to a tertiary dental clinic should be considered when patients show signs of poor oral health alongside frailty and have difficulty maintaining proper oral hygiene due to physical or cognitive limitations.

These patients may also present with complex dental needs requiring specialist intervention, with multiple underlying medical conditions that may complicate dental treatment.

How to refer

GPs can refer patients to GSDC via the following methods:
Tel: 6324 8798
Email: appointment@ndcs.com.sg
 

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER REFERRAL

The dental team will perform a comprehensive dental assessment considering medical, dental, functional, nutrition and social factors, as well as caregiving arrangements, and develop personalised oral care plans that account for these limitations.

Dental treatment may be modified to accommodate physical limitations, such as the usage of wheelchair tilters or a semi-supine position to reduce the risk of aspiration.

The team will also collaborate with caregivers to establish effective oral hygiene routines, coupled with regular monitoring and preventive care schedules, with a gradual transition to a family dentist via the Care Partnership Programme for suitable patients.

OUR SERVICES

• Comprehensive dental assessments tailored for elderly and special needs patients 
• Preventive dental care and oral health education 
• Restorative dental treatments modified to suit patient needs 
• Management of oral conditions common in elderly patients 
• Coordination with other medical specialists when necessary

OUR CARE TEAM

1. Head & Senior Consultant
Dr Yang Jingrong

2. Associate Consultant
Dr Shenna Ho

3. Senior Dental Surgeon
Dr Wong Oi Ling

4. Dental Surgeons
Dr Lee Su Lynn
Dr Annabella Low Yu Xin
Dr Aliya Binte Omar
Dr Yeo Hui Woon