Specialist services Why refer?
Arshad Ali of the Scottish Centre for Excellence in Dentistry discusses the benefits of referral to a
multi-disciplinary centre
carry out every aspect of treat- ment that patients require. More patients are wishing to avoid removable partial den- tures, resulting in the need for more extensive crown and bridge and implant treatment. We also have an increase in the elderly population who are retaining their teeth into old age. This is resulting in more complex treatment planning and treatment
A 50 Scottish Dental magazine
s a general dental practitioner (GDP), it has become increas- ingly difficult to
requirements for our patients. In the Maintaining Standards document published by the General Dental Council, November 1997, paragraph 3.3 states: “When accepting a patient, a dentist assumes a duty of care which includes the obligation to refer the patient for further professional advice or treatment if it transpires that the task in hand is beyond the dentist’s own skills. “A patient is entitled to a refer-
ral for a second opinion at any time and the dentist is under an obligation to accede to the request and to do so promptly”.
When a GDP wishes to refer
to a specialist, he or she can refer to a general or dental hos- pital where dental services are provided. In most cases there are waiting lists for a consulta- tion and also to have treatment carried out. The other option is to refer
to a specialist or dentist with special interest in the high street where, in most cases,
patients can be seen within a relatively short period of time. Some referral centres have a small number of specialists providing their services; others have more specialists in differ- ent specialities. In the latter case, the centre will be able to provide comprehensive multi- disciplinary care in one site. This will often result in better co-operation and com- munication between the specialists, which would be of benefit to the patient. Specialist centres also should have spe-
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