Can a dentist remove you from their list for no reason?!

sk82

Hi

My husband tried to get an appointment with his dentist but they said as it has been 18 months or more since last seen, they have removed him and he can't re-register.

We didn't receive a text or letter so I wanted to ask, can the dentist do this?!

Thanks 

brook2jack2

In England and Wales there is no such thing as registration. A dentist is only obliged to see you whilst you are in a course of treatment. After that if they have no capacity they have no obligation to see you. 

As a result of covid precautions a dentist can only see around 40 to 60% of the patients they were seeing previously so capacity is a problem . 

Most dentists will prioritise patients who are regulars , although in some areas health boards completely manage who is seen.

In other words your husband will have to look for a new dentist.

sk82

brook2jack2 said:

In England and Wales there is no such thing as registration. A dentist is only obliged to see you whilst you are in a course of treatment. After that if they have no capacity they have no obligation to see you. 

As a result of covid precautions a dentist can only see around 40 to 60% of the patients they were seeing previously so capacity is a problem . 

Most dentists will prioritise patients who are regulars , although in some areas health boards completely manage who is seen.

In other words your husband will have to look for a new dentist.

Thank you for your reply. 

It seems a bit unfair as I know with GP surgeries they have to inform you before removing you from their list.

kirtondm

Completely different funding models. GP's are paid per patient on the list whereas Opticians/ Dentists / hospitals paid per px episodes

Vegastare

I saw my NHS Dentist last week, I spoke with them several weeks ago about a prescription I am given for mouth condition and was told to make an appt sometime for a check up. 

I was also told that as I was last seen in July 2019 I needed to not leave it too late as NHS cover is for 2 years.  

Toothsmith

Vegastare said:

I saw my NHS Dentist last week, I spoke with them several weeks ago about a prescription I am given for mouth condition and was told to make an appt sometime for a check up. 

I was also told that as I was last seen in July 2019 I needed to not leave it too late as NHS cover is for 2 years.  

The systems are different in Scotland & NI. 

sk82

But surely they can send a text/letter to remind patients?

Undervalued

sk82 said:

brook2jack2 said:

In England and Wales there is no such thing as registration. A dentist is only obliged to see you whilst you are in a course of treatment. After that if they have no capacity they have no obligation to see you. 

As a result of covid precautions a dentist can only see around 40 to 60% of the patients they were seeing previously so capacity is a problem . 

Most dentists will prioritise patients who are regulars , although in some areas health boards completely manage who is seen.

In other words your husband will have to look for a new dentist.

Thank you for your reply. 

It seems a bit unfair as I know with GP surgeries they have to inform you before removing you from their list.

As has been explained, NHS dentists in England do not have a "list". 

OK they can choose to operate as if they did, if they so wish, giving priority to regular patients but all the NHS actually obliges them to do is complete a course of treatment once they have started. After that they are under no obligation to see a particular patient again.

Given the formula under which they get paid (which isn't related to the NHS band fees charge to patients) they make a loss carrying out some treatments. So, if you look like a high cost patient longer term you may well get dumped!

RoisinDove

I mean...there's been a pandemic?! It's been difficult if not impossible to have a regular check up for the past year! I am normally on it every 6 months but have delayed going because of covid, as I'm sure many people have. What a weird thing for them to do!

brook2jack2

The average dentist , because of the precautions mandated by covid 19 precautions , can only see around 50% of the patients a day that they could pre covid. 

The additional burden placed on practices means they are absolutely stretched to capacity each day without additional manpower or funds to text or send letters to people to remind them to come in. As things stand most practices are so snowed under they could not cope if everyone who has been to see them in the last few years decided to come in now. 

tanifiller

I also book an appointment one day to fix the dentures. But due to Covid, the Dentist removes me from the Appointment list. I really confused because others people remain on the list. I want dental dentures for my teeth. I buy dentures from: