Queensway Dental Clinic in Billingham has partnered with the University Hospital of Hartlepool to provide a general anaesthetic service for patients who have a severe phobia, for which other methods are inappropriate. The service is offered only to suitable adults on a private basis.

Dr Paul Averley

Managing Partner, Dr Paul Averley, Queensway Dental Clinic, said: 'There are a small number of people whose phobia of the dentist is so severe that they haven't attended check-ups nor had their dental issues attended to for many years, sometimes even decades, resulting in substantial oral health issues. It is for these patients for which all other pain and anxiety control methods have been exhausted, that we have introduced this general anaesthetic service.'

Private adult patients wanting to undergo dental treatment with the support of general anaesthetic will attend an initial assessment at Queensway Dental Clinic, where Dr Averley will ensure that all patients who are to be put forward for a general anaesthetic have genuine oral health needs and severe anxiety issues which cannot be met using other methods, such as conscious sedation. This rigorous patient assessment will weigh up the risks with the benefits, working closely with the patient to help them make a balanced decision for the overall good of their oral health, ensuring that they understand risks which may be involved with undergoing a general anaesthetic.

If the patient is deemed suitable they will have an appointment made for them at the University Hospital of Hartlepool where an experienced team from Queensway comprising a lead dentist, anaesthetist and nurse will work with the hospital's staff to provide treatment and after care.

Queensway is also happy to work with fellow practitioners on a referral basis. www.queensway.co.uk