Do I have to inform my old dentist I am now registering with another practice?

SueTheBlue

Hi...wondered if anyone could help?

I am seeing a private dentist on Thursday for a check up prior to registering with them. I am still registered with an NHS dentist, but have been unhappy with my care there and decided to move.

My question is, do I have to inform the NHS dentist that I am registering with the new dentist, or is it just a courtesy to do so?

Sue

Toothsmith

If you're in England ( Manchester was when I was there - and the Scots haven't invaded again yet!) Then you're not actually registered with the NHS dentist. Registration doesn't exist anymore.

I would say that if you were with a dentist that you'd been with for ages, and quite liked, but for one reason or another you had to change, then it would be courtious to tell your old dentist.

If it's a dentist you are leaving because you don't really like them, then there is no obligation at all.

SueTheBlue

Thanks for replying!! LOL, haven't seen any Scots around here, so I think we're safe in Manchester for the time being;)

Didn't realise I wasn't actually registered with the NHS practice I've been going to...in that case I probably won't inform them I've left...my two teenagers go there too, will leave them "registered" there for now, don't think the new dentist does any NHS work.

Sue

welshdent

Most practices operate an unofficial registration by offering priority appointments and continuing care to existing regular patients. Strictly speaking though you "belong" to the LHB/PCT. It was Tony Blairs great idea to ensure everyone could access an NHS dentist. It is just a name changing exercise from saying there is no space to be registered to saying we have no "capacity" to see you. All politics and a backwards step IMHO.

brook2jack

Actually I know of quite a few nhs practices whose appointment books are run by the pct. They have to see people off the waiting list and are not allowed to "prioritise" regular patients even with toothache. The pct email them monthly with their target figures for new patients recall times etc.

Always_Harassed

SueTheBlue wrote: »

Thanks for replying!! LOL, haven't seen any Scots around here, so I think we're safe in Manchester for the time being;)

Didn't realise I wasn't actually registered with the NHS practice I've been going to...in that case I probably won't inform them I've left...my two teenagers go there too, will leave them "registered" there for now, don't think the new dentist does any NHS work.

Sue

I think you'll find the scots feel safer at home recently.

Toothsmith

Always_Harassed wrote: »

I think you'll find the scots feel safer at home recently.

If only they'd take their bloody politicians back with them!

Always_Harassed

Toothsmith wrote: »

If only they'd take their bloody politicians back with them!

Suits me fine

welshdent

brook2jack wrote: »

Actually I know of quite a few nhs practices whose appointment books are run by the pct. They have to see people off the waiting list and are not allowed to "prioritise" regular patients even with toothache. The pct email them monthly with their target figures for new patients recall times etc.

God I would hate that!!! Its bad enough my principal telling me to take people on LOL. I have a nice cohort of patients that keep me busy and dont really need new patients as I think the quality of care I am able to deliver would really suffer.

brook2jack

Tut tut Welshdent "quality of care" doesn't appear in pct talk only how many are on the waiting list and how many phone calls did we get last month for toothache? Have you not had the nice man from the lhb visiting you with his computer telling you you are off target and to get back on this is how many patients you must see an hour?

welshdent

I think I must have missed that one! LOL. We just inform them we are at capacity - which I think we can honestly say. I also feel my capacity seems to be less than most others! I dont see 40 odd a day, my brain couldnt cope!