northern_star
22-10-2006, 9:27 AM
My 18 year old daughter has always had problem teeth. She also gets anxious and tearful when we need to go for an appointment. Over the last 5 years she has been treated by a wonderful dentist who joined our practice. He has helped and supported her through her fear and provided much treatment on the NHS - including crowns (yes, I know - 'crowns at 18?' :eek: but this is the level of work we're talking about). The last time we saw him was Dec 05 when he'd completed some fillings for her and he said she needed more work in the future (she has crooked, different length upper front teeth, plus a canine that won't fully come down - a whole other story) - possibly veneers or some type of 'cosmetic' work to make things better. She is an attractive young woman but refuses to smile because of her teeth. This gives her a look of surliness (which isn't the case) and is sapping her confidence.
This dentist told us that he hoped to start on this work before she reached 19 (as he felt it inevitable) and would need to pay.
In June of this year I rang to make her check up appointment unaware of the changes to NHS dentistry in April. She got an appointment for a couple of weeks ago but when she got there it was a new dentist and we were told 'X has left and is practising elsewhere'. Despite her fear she sat through the check up to be told "all ok". Now all is far from "ok" as she needs some help to get her remaining work done.
I realise that she may not now qualify for this work on the NHS and am wondering what we can do?
Is it ethical to ask our practice where X has gone and for his contact number to get continuity of care?
How do we set about finding a dentist (private if necessary) who would be able to help?
Sorry for the rambling but I've tried to give brief background. I need to know how I can get help to give my beautiful daughter a smile! If the NHS now say it's not 'necessary treatment', what's my next move?
This dentist told us that he hoped to start on this work before she reached 19 (as he felt it inevitable) and would need to pay.
In June of this year I rang to make her check up appointment unaware of the changes to NHS dentistry in April. She got an appointment for a couple of weeks ago but when she got there it was a new dentist and we were told 'X has left and is practising elsewhere'. Despite her fear she sat through the check up to be told "all ok". Now all is far from "ok" as she needs some help to get her remaining work done.
I realise that she may not now qualify for this work on the NHS and am wondering what we can do?
Is it ethical to ask our practice where X has gone and for his contact number to get continuity of care?
How do we set about finding a dentist (private if necessary) who would be able to help?
Sorry for the rambling but I've tried to give brief background. I need to know how I can get help to give my beautiful daughter a smile! If the NHS now say it's not 'necessary treatment', what's my next move?