Access Compass guide
Specialist dentistry for disabled and autistic children and adults (North and West Northamptonshire)
How to use NHFT Special Care Dentistry, request adjustments, find the North Northamptonshire clinics and understand when a hospital pathway is different.
Published by Access Compass · How we research and check guides
Who it's for: Children & young people, Adults, Parents & carers, Families, Professionals
Not yet verified Last checked 23 Jul 2026. Always confirm details with the service before relying on them.
Step by step
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Start with ordinary dentistry where it is safe and workable
Ask the person's usual dentist for reasonable adjustments such as a quieter appointment, extra time, communication support or a staged introduction. If ordinary care cannot safely meet the need, ask for referral to NHFT.
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Use the NHFT referral route
Dentists, GPs and other healthcare workers can refer. Patients or parents can also submit the NHFT self-referral form. This still goes through eligibility assessment; difficulty finding an NHS dentist alone is not enough for the adult specialist service.
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Choose the right North Northamptonshire clinic
Willowbrook Health Centre in Corby and Isebrook Hospital in Wellingborough both provide specialist dental clinics for children and adults. Use the location card for direct telephone, opening, parking and access-guide details.
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Prepare the communication and sensory plan
Share an oral-health or hospital passport, communication method, sensory triggers, successful positioning, capacity or consent information, medication and previous approaches. Ask the team to record agreed adjustments.
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Let the clinical team decide the treatment setting
NHFT may use behavioural techniques, sedation or arrange hospital treatment under general anaesthetic after assessment. Kettering General Hospital's Maxillofacial and Orthodontic Unit is a separate GP/dentist-referral service for complex oral surgery, jaw, facial or orthodontic needs.
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Ask about home dental care only where travel is not possible
NHFT assesses domiciliary dentistry separately. It is generally for someone unable to attend a clinic even with support. Treatment at home is limited, and the team may still recommend a clinic or hospital for safer or more complex care.
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Use the urgent route for urgent problems
Contact the person's dentist first where possible. If they have no dentist or need urgent advice, use NHS 111 or the NHS urgent-dentist route. Call 999 or go to A&E for a life-threatening emergency such as swelling affecting breathing or swallowing.