Orthodontic Treatment on NHS/IOTN

Zardrian

Hi I been trying to solve my jaw/teeth problem for many years. My Jaw is extended forward so I have
occlusion only on last four teeth. Orthodontists said the operation is Essential . But Surgery refused to perform operation because I was too young. They have told me to come back when I will be 19 years old. When I finally had my 19 birthday they told me I'm too old to get treatment from my insurance And ask me for about 5000GBP just for operation + cost of the treatment teeths and so on. I been trying to get operation for many years. Thing is law says that surgeon decide who will get from budget who do not. So budget is always exhausted for doctors friends and thier friends regardles is grade 1 or 5. All this didn't happen in UK

Then I moved to UK and now im living here for about 3 and half year. I have tried to get information from GP about Orthodontic Treatment on NHS. But they always saying I have to find information on my own Because they don't know about Dentists Oculist or Orthodontics. I have tried to contact Orthodontic but they seems to not want to take NHS cases. I guess is easier with Private customer then complicated NHS case.

Only what I have found that there is IOTN grade system. But I dont know who approve those grades. Dentist said no GP said no. And Orthodontic dont want to bother with NHS case

All this is very frustrating for me because of doctor's attitude. Is different when They get money from my hand and other when they get from me but government hand
Without specific knowledge what law says. They will always me send back to home

So If I may ask what is the proper path where I should start. I guess I should get IOTN grade from legitimate doctor. Who that would be?

Note My English is not Fluent so hilarious sentences may appear

silvercar

See a dentist who can refer you to an orthodontist. The orthodontist then assesses your need according to IOTN grades and tells you if there is funding on the NHS or what can be done privately.

It may be that the dentist or orthodontist need to refer you to a hospital dental department, again that could be NHS or private. Not sure on this one, but I would have thought you could be assessed on the NHS initially.

brook2jack

Iotn grading only applies to orthodontic treatment for under 18s. In general orthodontic treatment is not available for adults.

However if your jaw problems are such that surgery is necessary as well the NHS may fund it.

You will have to be referred to hospital for a joint oral surgery/orthodontic assessment and that would be done by your dentist. Be aware treatment is not guaranteed to be carried out and you may have a long wait.

Treatment of this sort is not routinely done privately as the costs would be prohibitive and if necessary the NHS will provide it.

GlasweJen

First question is are you entitled to NHS treatment?

The correct referral pathway here is to see a dentist who does NHS referrals. They will assess your mouth and refer you to an NHS orthodontist who may or may not be based at a hospital.

The orthodontist will then work out if you need surgery and schedule that surgery and any aftercare.

If you're not entitled to use the NHS then you'd need to see a private orthodontic surgeon, you'd probably get surgery in a hospital but would be billed after your stay. Your medical insurance may not pay out as the condition is ore-existing (unless you informed the insurer that you were seeking treatment while you were here and have cover for your jaw issues).

Zardrian

Yes I'm entitled to NHS treatment. I had dentist treatment on NHS about 4 months ago. But as I mention. Dentist told me. I need to make an appointment to orthodontic and he don't make any referrals. I don't know if this is how all dentists work perhaps mabye just that one. But it seems Such serious case is so abstract to most of orthodontic here. I believe they rather do bands and simple tasks than take such big case as mine. Because Orthodontic is not only need to give me a referral or Grade. He need to "prepare" my teeths for surgery. So it's also a responsibility to get patient ready for surgery. And its serious business and resposibility. Even my dentist couldn't point me any orthodontic clinic who can take such case. So I believe there is not to many clinics who might take care of me

Also I forgot to mention I live in Belfast Northern Ireland.

Edit atm I have found on belfasttrust.hscni information and email adress of The Orthodontic Department in the School of Dentistry. "provides more specialist services for correction of severe problems with the alignment of the teeth and jaw bones."

So I hope this is a good clue. Or alteast they will tell me where i can look for help

GlasweJen

I have no idea how they'd manage you in Belfast, you could try calling your local dental hospital and asking how you get referred?

brook2jack

You can only be referred to the dental hospital by your dentist.

In cases like this you will need to be referred to a joint orthodontic/oral surgery assessment. Any dentist can do that but it does not guarantee you will be eligible for treatment.

As correction of jaw problems requiring surgery and orthodontics is a long , complex and costly process, it is not generally done privately as the cost would run into tens of thousands of pounds.

Zardrian

I have contacted The Orthodontic Department in the School of Dentistry. They have Dentist Orthodontics and Surgery in same office. I should get answer on monday if not then I will call. I belive its local dental hospital.

brook2jack

You cannot refer yourself to the dental hospital. You have to be referred by your dentist.