Can my dentist do this? Isn't this discrimination?

MrHeisenberg

A NHS dentist I saw a few months ago has covertly ended the professional relationship. She claims this is because I was allegedly not happy with her services – an allegation that is simply untrue. I only met her for a check-up where I discussed triggers for my chronic facial pain and the possibility of getting a bridge fitted (my denture seem to be triggering the pain).

I only found this out today after it recently come to my attention that I have been mysteriously transferred from one practice to another and after a routine check-up appointment was mysteriously cancelled.

The decision, which could well be discriminatory, has not been set out in writing to me, contrary to GDC guidelines (page 16).

https://www.gdc-uk.org/api/files/NEW%20Standards%20for%20the%20Dental%20Team.pdf

Moreover, neither have any of the following steps taken place (thought this is GMC guidance):

a. warn the patient that you are considering ending the relationship

b. do what you can to restore the professional relationship

c. explore alternatives to ending the professional relationship

What I suspect has happened here is the dentist was at a loss as to what was causing my chronic pain and decided she could do without the headache, therefore removing me from her practice.

elsien

On what grounds do you consider the decision to be discriminatory? Sex, age, race, disability?

Floss

Have you actually asked for the reason? And what was her professional opinion as to the cause & best treatment for your pain?

MrHeisenberg

elsien wrote: »

On what grounds do you consider the decision to be discriminatory? Sex, age, race, disability?

My facial pain and associated depression amounts to a disability, so it seems I have been treated unfavourably/less favourably by reason of this.

MrHeisenberg

Floss wrote: »

Have you actually asked for the reason? And what was her professional opinion as to the cause & best treatment for your pain?

When I met with her during my check-up I was told she would refer me to a consultant. That was over six months ago and I have heard nothing regarding a hospital appointment.

The reason for her refusing to see me again? I was told today this was because I was allegedly not happy with the service I received (which I regard as a cynical attempt to fob me off).

MrHeisenberg

To clarify, I raised a complaint and only managed to get hold of the Practice Manager today, whereby I was told the reason why this particular dentist is refusing to see me again.

Hopefully they will change their minds but, as it stands, it does not look good. I think the best course of action for me would be the small claims court but because of my health problems etc. that would be very difficult for me.

elsien

Definition of disability under the equality act: a physical or mental impairment that has a !!!8216;substantial!!!8217; and !!!8216;long-term!!!8217; negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.

I'd suggest your dentist may not have followed guidelines, but I can't see it being discriminatory under the meaning of the act.

What resolution is it that you actually want? They will have a complaints procedure as a starting point.
ETA - small claims court for what? What financial losses have you suffered?
Surely if the pain is so bad you wouldn't have left it for several months before chasing it up?

glentoran99

which is....

bugslet

You aren't happy with her, she isn't happy with you. Just get over it, stop trying to make something out of nothing and go and see the new dentist.

MrHeisenberg

Oh, and I got a private dentist to give me a opinion on my teeth and who subsequently found something that may be of significance. I e-mailed those finding to the dental practice around 6 months ago and never received a response, which is another aspect of my complaint.

MrHeisenberg

elsien wrote: »

Definition of disability under the equality act: a physical or mental impairment that has a !!!8216;substantial!!!8217; and !!!8216;long-term!!!8217; negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.

I'd suggest your dentist may not have followed guidelines, but I can't see it being discriminatory under the meaning of the act.

What resolution is it that you actually want? They will have a complaints procedure as a starting point.
ETA - small claims court for what? What financial losses have you suffered in d?

I meet the definition of disabled - I have not had many problems establishing that in the past.

I just want things to return to the way they were as travelling further to a different practice is a serious issue for me. I have also suffered injury to feelings.

Hopefully my complaint will be resolved but it seems the dentist has made her bed, so to speak.