Triage for Oral Surgery (T&G)

The number of cases being referred to the oral surgeons has mushroomed; much of the growth is perceived to be cases within the scope of general dentistry.  With immediate effect all referrals will be triaged by the consultant staff.  Inappropriate referrals will be returned to the practice.  It is therefore vitally important that the referral forms are completed correctly; if a surgically straightforward case is referred for other reasons (Medical History, unable to tolerate LA etc) this must be indicated.

If you feels that any case has been returned unnecessarily please let me know; please remember that it is entirely appropriate to refer a case which you feel might be too challenging to a more experienced colleague in your practice.

Announcing this at the recent learn without lunch Sabrina did indicate that some training may be available for colleagues lacking confidence in minor oral surgery.  If you feel you might wish to avail yourself of this please drop me a line.

Funding for Access Patients

NHS Greater Manchester has allocated some funds for treating “Access Patients”.  These are patients who have not received NHS dental treatment in the preceding 24 months, (emergency/urgent treatment does not count).  The COTs will have to be completed by 1st April (!), if you have capacity this may be worthwhile.  In Tameside & Glossop please email Janet Bunyan to express interest (j.bunyan@nhs.net).

LDC Meeting

West Pennine LDC will meet on 29th February in the George Hatton Suite, Dukinfield Town Hall; this will be our AGM followed immediately by a regular one.  Please send items for the agenda, already tabled is an update on the new contract pilot and the progress with the orthodontic tender.

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