What does “domiciliary” mean?
In short, it means receiving care services at home. But what happens when you need a service that usually takes place in a clinic—like visiting the dentist?
We’re lucky here in Liverpool to have access to an Emergency Dental Service that helps people who are not currently registered with a dentist. If you’re dealing with swelling, severe pain, or trauma, you can call 0161 476 9651 between 8 am–10 pm, seven days a week, including Bank Holidays. You’ll be referred to the nearest emergency provider—this could be Liverpool University Dental Hospital or a local practice.
But for those of us with complex health conditions, dental care isn’t that simple.
Living with Dental Fear and Chronic Illness
I’ve always had a bit of dental fear—who doesn’t, right? When I had my wisdom teeth out years ago, I needed general anaesthetic. I woke up to find they’d had to chip away at the bone. It was traumatic and painful. Add to that my childhood experience with braces and those dreaded tightening appointments… let’s just say the dental chair isn’t my favourite place.
Still, I kept going. We were registered with a local dentist in the same building as our GP—handy, familiar, and they told me they understood my condition (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis). But when the practice changed hands and shut for months without notice, I was left in limbo.
Then came a nightmare: pain in my lower jaw. I assumed it was another wisdom tooth. It wasn’t. A tooth had broken in half, and I needed a root canal. The first dentist warned me it was close to the nerve and not something they could do. I was then sent halfway across Liverpool for a treatment they couldn’t perform, only to be referred back again.
After all that stress and anxiety, I was too ill to attend the appointment. When I tried to reschedule, I was dismissed by the new dentist. No flexibility, no understanding.
When you live with ME, making and keeping appointments is incredibly difficult. I even suggested calling on days when I was well enough to see if they had cancellations. That was flatly refused.
Emergency Help That Changed Everything
Eventually, the pain got so bad that I had to call 111. I didn’t realise domiciliary dental care in Liverpool even existed until that day. A dentist came out to my home—something I didn’t even know was possible. He diagnosed a facial infection, prescribed antibiotics, and told me about a service specifically for people like me.
I couldn’t believe this existed. Why isn’t there a handbook for all of this?
Accessing Domiciliary Dental Care in Liverpool
With the help of my GP, I was referred to Merseycare Dental Service—a team that provides domiciliary dental care in Liverpool for people with complex needs like mine. If you’re in Liverpool or nearby, you can find out more here. If you’re elsewhere, ask your GP about domiciliary dental services in your area or call 111 for guidance.
Within 10 days, I had a phone call from a lovely member of the team who took the time to go over my full medical history and care needs. For the first time in ages, I felt like someone truly listened.
I was assigned a dentist, who arranged a video call to assess how the swelling was since the antibiotics. We went over my medical history and medications, and I was booked in for an appointment at a local, accessible dental practice close to home—at a time that worked for me.
When we met, the whole team was so welcoming. They were calm, patient, and kind, talking me through everything and constantly checking how I was doing. We agreed to tackle the treatment over two sessions to see how I would cope.
Restoring Trust and Taking the Fear Away
What meant the most was that they had taken the time to learn about me and my ME—they understood the unpredictability of my condition without me needing to explain. That alone took so much of my anxiety away.
When the time came for the injection (my least favourite part), she offered to numb the area beforehand—something so small, yet so considerate. Because she’d listened, I trusted her. That trust changed everything for me.
Managing Side Effects Like Dry Mouth
During our chats, I told her about the dry mouth I suffer from due to my medication. It sounds minor, but it isn’t—it affects your teeth and gums, and it’s hard to manage.
I’ve found success using a mouthwash called Biotene, and I always keep a large bottle of water nearby. I was also given some samples of gel by the team—just a pea-sized amount on my finger helps, especially when I’m too ill to even get to the bathroom.
🔗 Unsure if it’s ME? Read: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis – Symptoms, Signs & Effects
Dental Care, at My Pace
I now see the team regularly, and together we’ve built a gentle treatment plan. I no longer wait for things to become unbearable. I can book a small filling without panicking over the needle. That’s huge progress for me.
And the best part? If I have to cancel due to a bad flare-up, I know I won’t be judged. We just rearrange.
If you’re looking for domiciliary dental care in Liverpool, ask your GP about a referral to Merseycare Dental Services.
The team has helped me reclaim something I thought I’d lost—dignity in care. And for that, I’ll always be thankful.
I hope this has been helpful for you. If you need any further help, please get in touch via my Contact page.
If you or someone you care for needs domiciliary dental care in Liverpool, please don’t wait—help is out there.
Love Always,
Alisha ❤️
P.S. If you found this post helpful, you might also be interested in my recent article about the National Disability Card—a valuable tool for accessing support and concessions across the UK.
🔗Affiliate Disclaimer: Some the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no additional cost to you. I only ever recommend products I genuinely use and believe in.
What is domiciliary dental care?
Domiciliary dental care means receiving dental treatment in your home, rather than visiting a dental practice. It's designed for people who are housebound or have complex health needs that make travelling to a clinic difficult.
Is there an emergency dental service in Liverpool for unregistered patients?
Yes. You can call 0161 476 9651 between 8am and 10pm, seven days a week (including Bank Holidays). You’ll be referred to an emergency dental provider, such as Liverpool University Dental Hospital or a local practice.
What should I do if I can't access a dentist due to disability or chronic illness?
If you're in Liverpool, ask your GP to refer you to the Merseycare Special Care Dental Service. If you're outside Liverpool, call 111 or ask your GP about domiciliary dental care in your area.
How long does it take to see someone at Merseycare Dental Services?
After your GP referral, you’ll usually be contacted within a few weeks to assess your needs and arrange a visit or a video call if appropriate.
(Please remember that I was an emergency case with severe swelling so I had a emergency dentist from Merseyside visit me at home that day)
Can dentists help with dry mouth caused by medication?
Yes. Dentists familiar with chronic illness can recommend specific mouthwashes and gels like Biotène and may provide samples to help manage dry mouth more comfortably at home.
What if I need to cancel my dental appointment due to illness?
The Merseycare dental team understands that people with chronic illnesses like ME have unpredictable health. They are usually flexible and can rearrange appointments if needed.
(Please remember to always cancel any appointments with as much notice as possible)
Where can I find more information about Merseycare’s Dental Services?
Visit the official NHS page for Liverpool’s Merseycare Dental Services:
https://www.merseycare.nhs.uk/our-services/liverpool/dental-services
