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Dental referral - what happens now?

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Hi all, just wondering if anyone has been referred to the hospital recently by their dentist? I’m a little unsure of how the whole process works...

I had some previous bad experiences with the dentist and regrettably put off going all together for many many years. I joined a waiting list about 10 months ago and managed to get an appointment 2 days ago due to a bad case of toothache. 

Dentist took one look at my teeth and said he would have to refer me to the hospital for 10 extractions as they are too complicated (I am embarrassed at the state I have let my teeth get in)

My dentist did say due to the pandemic I would be waiting well over 6 months but didn’t really explain what would happen next... I’m just wondering if I will receive a letter or something to confirm I have been referred? Sounds silly but it would give me piece of mind knowing I am definitely in the system. 

Comments

  • brook2jack2
    brook2jack2 Posts: 536 Forumite
    Fifth Anniversary 500 Posts Name Dropper
    Hospital administration is just as affected by the pandemic as all other systems. 
    However in most places referral is done electronically and the dentist gets a receipt to say the referral has been received. The patent normally doesn't get notified they are on the waiting list but this varies from area to area. 
    Phone up the practice (but be prepared to wait to get through as very busy at the moment) and ask.
  • When I had my dental referral I just had to wait for an appointment letter. 

    I attended the appointment with a dentist and they said I needed some surgery. 

    After this I attended another appointment at the hospital to see the aneathatist and dentist. 

    Then I got a date for the surgery but then Covid kicked in so it was cancelled and now they are not doing any surgery until further notice. 
  • amoj8
    amoj8 Posts: 2 Newbie
    First Post
    Hospital administration is just as affected by the pandemic as all other systems. 
    However in most places referral is done electronically and the dentist gets a receipt to say the referral has been received. The patent normally doesn't get notified they are on the waiting list but this varies from area to area. 
    Phone up the practice (but be prepared to wait to get through as very busy at the moment) and ask.
    That’s a good shout.. I completely understand the pandemic has put a lot a strain on the NHS. 

    Will give it a week and phone them to double check my referral was sent off without any issues. I will be relieved once I know I’m somewhere in the system 😬 
  • rachel6188
    rachel6188 Posts: 413 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts
    MarkN88 said:
    When I had my dental referral I just had to wait for an appointment letter. 

    I attended the appointment with a dentist and they said I needed some surgery. 

    After this I attended another appointment at the hospital to see the aneathatist and dentist. 

    Then I got a date for the surgery but then Covid kicked in so it was cancelled and now they are not doing any surgery until further notice. 
    I Was due to see a consultant at the dental hospital on the 31st March but it was obviously cancelled. I'm not sure how long the wait is but you are right they aren't doing surgery until further notice. Good luck to the op xx
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