News and events

A new dental suite for patients with additional needs, including people with special needs and anxious children, has been unveiled in Hatfield.

Our Special Dental Care Service suite at Queensway Health Centre has been developed to improve access to specialised dental care and reduce waiting times for patients with additional needs in central Hertfordshire. Previously, clinics were only available in Letchworth, Hemel Hempstead, Cheshunt or Watford for people referred to the service. 

To celebrate the opening of the purpose-built facility, more than 40 people attended a launch event, which included a performance by the Purple All Stars, a group of people with learning disabilities who promote important health messages through song and dance.

Dr Nicolas Small, Chair of Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust, said: “The official launch of this new dental suite is a significant moment for the trust and for the patients who will benefit from it. 

“This modern, purpose-designed facility will help us provide high-quality care in a more accessible and supportive environment for people with additional needs, while also reducing waiting times and improving the overall patient experience.

“Its completion marks an important milestone in the trust’s ongoing work to provide more personalised care closer to home.”

Located on the ground floor, the suite comprises two dental surgery rooms, an X-ray room, and dedicated, gold standard, clean and dirty utility rooms, and offers a more accessible, welcoming environment for patients. 

Patients are referred by their dentist into the trust’s Special Care Dental Service because their needs cannot be met within general dentist practice. This includes patients who have complex medical conditions, physical disabilities, moderate to severe learning difficulties or autism. 

Images and video provided by Hertfordshire County Council.