Celebrating Carers: Supporting Those Who Care
- Dr Avanti Karve
- Oct 9
- 6 min read
At Mind Body Teeth, we know that carers are the unsung heroes of our community. Whether caring for a loved one with a disability, chronic illness, or dental anxiety, carers provide daily support, patience, and compassion that often goes unrecognised. We want to acknowledge the dedication of carers and highlight how oral health care can be a true partnership between dental professionals and those who care for others.
The Essential Role of Carers in Oral Health
Caring for someone with additional needs can be challenging, particularly when it comes to maintaining consistent oral hygiene and attending dental appointments. Many carers juggle multiple responsibilities, including work, family, and managing health appointments.
Poor oral health can affect overall wellbeing, nutrition, and even mental health. By working closely with carers, we ensure patients receive the dental care they need while reducing stress and barriers to treatment.
Dr. Avanti Karve: Leading the Way in Compassionate Dental Care
Dr. Avanti Karve, founder of Mind Body Teeth, is one of Australia’s leading special needs dentists. With a doctorate in Special Needs Dentistry and over 20 years of clinical experience, Dr. Karve has dedicated her career to providing evidence-based, compassionate care for patients with disabilities, dental anxiety, trauma histories, and complex medical conditions.
Dr. Karve believes dental care should not be stressful or intimidating. Instead, it should be tailored to each patient’s individual needs. Her trauma-informed, patient-first approach ensures patients feel safe, understood, and supported.
Understanding the Challenges Carers Face
Carers often encounter obstacles when managing dental care for their loved ones:
Mobility issues: Patients with physical disabilities may require wheelchair access or specialised treatment chairs.
Dental anxiety: Fear of the dentist is common, particularly among individuals with trauma histories or cognitive challenges.
Medical complexity: Chronic illnesses, medications, or conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes, and heart disease can complicate dental treatment.
Time and accessibility constraints: Coordinating appointments while balancing personal and professional responsibilities can be overwhelming. Mind Body Teeth addresses these challenges by offering accessible clinics, home visits, and personalised care plans to suit each patient’s needs.
How Mind Body Teeth Supports Carers – FAQs
1. Does Mind Body Teeth offer home or on-site dental screenings?
Yes. We provide on-site dental screenings for group homes, day programs, and aged care facilities. Each resident receives a personalised oral care plan with daily hygiene guidance and follow-up treatment advice.
2. How are carers involved during on-site visits?
Carers receive practical advice to maintain residents’ oral health between visits, ensuring continuity of care at home or in facilities.
3. Does your team provide training for carers?
Yes. We deliver hands-on oral hygiene training, covering brushing, flossing, denture care, and spotting early signs of dental issues.
4. What kind of oral health advice do carers receive?
Carers are guided on daily routines, techniques, and best practices, so they feel confident supporting the oral health of those they care for.
5. How do you support patients with dental anxiety or trauma?Our team uses a trauma-informed approach, prioritising emotional safety and patient choice. Care is never rushed and is always adapted to the patient’s comfort level.
6. Can carers attend dental appointments?
Absolutely. Carers are encouraged to attend, offering reassurance and familiarity to help reduce stress for patients.
7. Is your clinic accessible for patients with mobility challenges?
Yes. Our clinic is designed with mobility in mind, featuring wheelchair access, adjustable chairs, and supportive equipment for a comfortable experience.
8. How do you make your services patient-centred?
We adapt care for everyone, ensuring both patient and carer feel supported and respected throughout the visit.
9. Do you offer treatment plans tailored to patient needs?
Yes. From gradual desensitisation visits to sedation or general anaesthesia for complex cases, each plan is personalised to balance comfort and effectiveness.
10. What role do carers play in treatment planning?
Carers help communicate patients’ needs, preferences, and responses, making them essential partners in developing treatment strategies.
11. How do you ensure continuity of care outside the clinic?
We equip carers with ongoing advice and support so they can confidently maintain oral health between appointments.
12. Why is carer involvement so important at Mind Body Teeth?
We recognise carers as essential partners in oral health and overall wellbeing. Their daily support ensures patients receive consistent care and comfort.
The Impact of Carers
Carers are the backbone of our patients’ oral health journeys. Their support enables patients to attend appointments, maintain routines, and build trust with dental professionals. Stories from our clinic show that collaboration between carers and the dental team can transform fear and avoidance into confidence and comfort.
For example, one patient, Sally (not her real name), struggled with severe dental anxiety. With the support of her carer and our team, she gradually overcame her fears through trauma-informed care, desensitisation appointments, and tailored treatment strategies. Sally’s journey highlights the powerful role carers play in helping patients achieve positive dental experiences.
Why Oral Health Matters for Those in Care
1. Why is oral health important for people in care?
Good oral hygiene supports overall health, nutrition, and quality of life, making it an essential part of daily care.
2. How does poor oral health affect general health?
Poor oral health has been linked to heart disease, diabetes complications, and respiratory infections.
3. Can oral health impact nutrition?
Yes. Healthy teeth and gums make it easier to chew a variety of foods, supporting a balanced and nutritious diet.
4. Does dental health influence quality of life?
Absolutely. Pain-free chewing, fresh breath, and a confident smile all contribute to comfort, confidence, and social interaction.
5. How does oral health reduce stress for patients?
Compassionate dental care helps ease anxiety during treatment, ensuring patients feel safe and supported.
6. Do carers play a role in maintaining oral health?
Yes. Carers are essential in daily hygiene routines, helping ensure consistent brushing, flossing, and denture care.
7. How does Mind Body Teeth support carers in oral health care?
We provide training, practical advice, and ongoing support so carers feel confident in maintaining oral health between visits.
8. Can better oral health improve mental wellbeing?
Yes. A healthy smile reduces embarrassment, boosts self-esteem, and encourages positive social connections.
9. What are the long-term risks of neglecting oral health in care settings?
Neglect can lead to chronic pain, infections, tooth loss, and serious medical complications.
10. How does Mind Body Teeth reduce dental anxiety for patients in care?
Through trauma-informed, compassionate care and by involving carers, we create a reassuring environment for anxious patients.
11. Why is prevention important in oral health?
Regular oral hygiene and check-ups prevent costly, painful, and complex dental problems later on.
12. How does supporting carers benefit patients?
By equipping carers with knowledge and tools, we ensure patients receive daily support that maintains long-term oral health and overall wellbeing.
A Message to Carers from Dr. Avanti Karve
Carers are central to our approach at Mind Body Teeth. Dr. Avanti Karve shares a message of gratitude and encouragement:
“Carers play an essential role in the health and wellbeing of those they support. Your dedication, patience, and compassion make a real difference in helping patients feel safe and confident during dental care.
At Mind Body Teeth, our mission is to work alongside you, ensuring every visit is comfortable, accessible, and tailored to individual needs. Together, we can make dental care a positive, anxiety-free experience for everyone in your care.
Thank you for the invaluable work you do — we are proud to support you and the people you care for.”
This message reflects our ongoing commitment to carers and our belief that excellent oral health is a team effort — one that includes patients, carers, and our dedicated dental team.
Our Commitment
At Mind Body Teeth, we believe that dental care should be accessible, safe, and tailored to each patient’s unique needs. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Avanti Karve has become a recognised leader in special needs dentistry and anxiety-friendly care.
Our approach combines:
Expert clinical knowledge from a doctorate in Special Needs Dentistry
Compassion and patience for every patient
Evidence-based treatment tailored to individual health conditions
Collaborative care involving carers, family members, and healthcare providers
Our Services Benefiting Carers
Some of the services that make life easier for carers include:
Dental care for patients with physical disabilities – mobility-friendly clinics and specialised equipment
Dental care for patients with intellectual disabilities – sensory-friendly spaces and visual aids
Dental care for patients with anxiety – desensitisation, happy gas, sedation, and trauma-informed care
Senior dental care – coordinated treatment for medically complex patients
At-home dental screenings – convenient, personalised plans for group homes and aged care facilities
Taking the First Step
Whether you are a carer seeking support for a loved one or someone experiencing dental anxiety, Mind Body Teeth is here to help. Our team guides patients and carers through every step of treatment, creating positive experiences and lifelong oral health.
At Mind Body Teeth, every patient is treated with compassion, patience, and expertise. Carers are integral to this process, helping patients feel safe, confident, and cared for.
Contact us today to explore our carer-friendly and anxiety-friendly dental options, and take the first step toward fear-free, personalised dental care.
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