Dentistry in prisons - a guide to working within the prison environment

  • S. Hancocks
UK: Stephen Hancocks Ltd price £34.95 (£59.95 with 3 hours' CPD); pp 88 ISBN ISBN 9780954614584 | ISBN: 978-0-95-461458-4

This pioneering textbook was recently launched at the National Association of Prison Dentistry. It is aimed at dental professionals who work within a prison or secure environment. Historically many such dentists have 'learnt on the job' about the additional responsibilities of working within a prison and there has been little or no formal training or information available. The NAPD(UK) formed three years ago and sought to bring prison dentists together. This book was a direct response to demand.

The book is practically formatted from the patient's arrival at the dental surgery to their departure. There is a detailed overview of the current prison population, its health and dental needs and an example of dental triage.

Preparation of the dental surgery, the importance of cross infection measures, treatment planning for the prisoner and clinical challenges of dental treatment for prisoners are all covered in enough detail to give an overview of the challenges for the prison dentist. There are plenty of references for further reading for those that crave more detail.

Throughout the book, there are references to the current guidelines and documents relating to the provision of dental treatment in prisons including an overview of competencies required for Dentist with Special Interest accreditation.

There is a section dedicated to commissioning of services - an area which will bring clarity to those unfamiliar with this area.

Working within a prison is a unique environment. Dentists are expected to conform to NHS and HMP policies and standards. Knowledge of the former can take years to acquire. This is a pioneering and truly unique textbook. It will save so many prison dental team members from having to find the same information independently and allow its readers to benefit from the many combined years of experience of the book's many contributors.

This book will be a valuable tool for all members of the prison dental team, in particular, those starting out in a career in prison dentistry or special care dentistry. It is the kind of book that I wish was available when I had started working in a prison.