For Dentists

 

NHS Orthodontic Referrals

As you are probably aware with the introduction of the new NHS orthodontic contract in April, 2006 we will only be able to offer NHS treatment to patients under 18 years, as defined by the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). Under the terms of the new orthodontic contract, treatment is only permitted if the Dental Health Component (DHC) is Grade 4 or 5. If the patient is in DHC Grade 3, NHS treatment can be provided if the Aesthetic Component (AC) is Grade 6 or above. We may use our discretion in very exceptional circumstances affecting oral and dental health.

 

All patients under 18 years are entitled to an assessment of orthodontic treatment need on the NHS. But, an important aspect of the referral is the patient's expectation of what might be available under the NHS. To help avoid disappointment, please make all patients with less serious malocclusions aware that NHS treatment may not be possible.

 

The current waiting time for an NHS assessment is 3-4 months, if you feel that a case is urgent please state this on the referral form.

 

Private Orthodontic Referrals

Both child and adult referrals are welcome for assessment, opinions and treatment.

 

For private patients an initial fee of £90 is charged, this fee includes an appointment for examination, study models and all radiographs required and a subsequent appointment to discuss treatment options and fees. The cost of private orthodontic treatment is usually paid in instalments, by monthly standing order over the treatment period.

Private patients can be seen for assessment within one to three weeks.

 

Minor Oral Surgery Referrals

We can help with the following referrals:
Routine extractions, difficult or failed extractions, failure of LA, surgical removal of impacted teeth, including third molars, orthodontic exposures, frenectomies, apicectomies, hemisections, biopsies and enucleation of minor oral cysts. In many cases we can assist with medically compromised patients. You are welcome to refer patients for advice and second opinions. Patients are carefully screened and in cases where appropriate patients will be advised to seek hospital treatment.

 

We very much appreciate any relevant radiographs which will be returned on completion of treatment.

 

Sedation

Where appropriate we have facilities for oral sedation, using either oral midazolam or buccally placed oral midazolam which is absorbed rapidly and works within 10 minutes, with effects similar to IV conscious sedation.

 

We endeavour to keep waiting times to a minimum, usually between one to four weeks, if not urgent. If your case is urgent please telephone the surgery first and we will arrange to treat the patient accordingly.

 

NHS Minor Oral Surgery Referrals

NHS referrals will need to be accompanied by NHS Referral Notice FP17RN and if a patient charge is applicable Band 2 or 3 charges are inclusive of treatment performed by the referring practitioner as well as any treatment needed on referral. As the NHS referral charges are inclusive we cannot collect payment from patients referred to us on the NHS.

 

Private Minor Oral Surgery

Once we have received the referral we will contact the patient, explain the treatment requested and quote the patient a fee. Fees quoted are inclusive of radiographs, prescription drugs, related follow up and any immediate post op "out of hours emergency" treatment.