Could I get a dentist referral from GP?
Posted by Adventurous-Tale198@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 89 comments
My teeth are really bad and at 26, I’m having difficulty even chewing food and it’s really affecting my mental health.
My parents never really took me to the dentist as a kid (due to money, I assume) and neither of them have been a part of my adult life so I haven’t really had any kind of adult to look up to if that makes sense. I think I suffer with ADHD and find it paralysing to make phone calls therefore calling around trying to find someone who takes NHS patients sounds like a true nightmare to me. All of my past experiences that I have had with dentists (mainly emergency appts) have been negative, I think I would need a specialist of some kind to make me feel at ease.
The only course of action I can see is to make a Doctors appointment with the mental health nurse and ask if they could refer me, is that something they would do?
I can’t speak to anyone around me because I find it beyond embarrassing that my teeth are worse than most 40 year olds and it’s even taken me about a month to build up the courage to make this post. Honestly any advice would be so welcome!
venuscans@reddit
Oh mate it's so hard. I feel you - I've also not been to a dentist in YEARS and finally bit the bullet yesterday in terms of contacting people so I feel surprisingly up to date on this. Fwiw, I went to the NHS website, looked up the dentists near me and emailed them all - I've already had three get back to me this morning offering me an NHS spot so it seems to be area by area?
Penguin1707@reddit
I think it slowly getting better for getting NHS spots, although I will say, a lot of the work you want done might be private. (for example, you don't get composite fillings on NHS, only the metal ones). For younger people, if you can afford it, in this case I'd definitely recommend getting naturally looking ones. Even more so if they are teeth close to the front.
thatscotbird@reddit
They only do metal for back teeth on nhs and anything visible from the front is composite. I paid like £150 last time for a crown instead
Difficult-Ad2031@reddit
Wait 150 pounds for a crown, come to Sweden, here you pay 1500pounds and that is after a discount...
IAM_THE_LIZARD_QUEEN@reddit
That isn't true at all.
Source: my teeth
Adventurous-Tale198@reddit (OP)
I have had composite fillings when they are closer to the front of my mouth on the NHS
Penguin1707@reddit
Damn, I must have got a bit scammed then, haha oh well
Isgortio@reddit
Premolars and molars tend to get amalgam, canines and incisors get composite. If the premolar is very visible and it's on the cheek side then it'll be composite.
It also depends on how big the filling is. Sometimes it's too big or too small for a certain material.
Amalgam may be banned in the next year in the UK, it's already going to be banned in the EU from January so it'll make it tricky to buy.
venuscans@reddit
That makes sense. Absolutely agree on it being worth paying for the work if possible
Penguin1707@reddit
Oh yeah absolutely, worth noting if you cannot afford, it's absolute 100% still worth doing. Better a filling now, than a root canal later.
Adventurous-Tale198@reddit (OP)
Im glad you were able to get a few offers! I didn’t even think of emailing them as an option for some reason, thank you very much
peppersunlightbutter@reddit
emails are king, i hardly ever use my phone as an actual phone!
Adventurous-Tale198@reddit (OP)
Truth, I usually do email whenever I have the chance I think I’m just wrapped up in anxiety surrounding this subject
venuscans@reddit
Yeah I get that. I felt the same but finally decided to do something about it yesterday and it paid off. Good luck!
Adventurous-Tale198@reddit (OP)
I’m glad it paid off for you! And thank you!
Wise-Taste-7520@reddit
If your anxiety is that bad that you can’t make phone calls then you need to seek medical help. Book in with your GP. This does not sound like ADHD.
And no, your GP can’t refer you to a dentist.
Adventurous-Tale198@reddit (OP)
I have tried to get medical help for my anxiety but always palmed off/ignored. I have other symptoms that make me feel it’s adhd
E420CDI@reddit
Call Bob Mortimer - he'll make it a memorable experience on his kitchen top
r/WILTY
jinkx725@reddit
If you're willing and able to pay, I'd highly recommend going private.
There are plans like Denplan which you pay for monthly, but dental treatment is then 'free' and you can go as much as you need to without it costing extra. My husband is category B and pays £37 per month.
DarknessDesires@reddit
I second things like denplan. I essentially get a reduced cost version of it through my employer. Absolutely excellent. Even without it, routine private dental care has been a lot cheaper than I’ve expected (e.g £85 for a hygienist visit, £140 if it includes a check up and all my scans, and once a year is enough for most). Understand initially OP may need some additional work doing, but on an ongoing basis, routine private dental work is probably cheaper than you’d expect.
Adventurous-Tale198@reddit (OP)
I’m happy to pay private if it’s not too expensive but was unsure about being able to pay monthly, I’ll have a look thank you!
jinkx725@reddit
I'm sure there are other programmes too, denplan is just the one my dentist uses.
Good luck, I really do hope you get everything sorted soon. ❤️
Cordolium102@reddit
Honestly if you call the dentist explain your anxiety they should be accommodating, I had one dental nurse hold my hand the entire time when I had a root canal. There's little a doctor will do dentists need to see your teeth.
Penguin1707@reddit
This, also when it comes to having work done, you can also ask if you can use some noise cancelling headphones (sound of drilling can make some people panic). Personally, I thought it would be bad but I really didn't care about it. I just close my eyes.
Adventurous-Tale198@reddit (OP)
It’s not the work itself that is an issue for me, more so the amount of work in a sense? I’m not sure how to explain it lol but thank you for your input!
Beautifully_TwistedX@reddit
You're in the UK. You can get an emergency dentist at the hospital free if charge if you say it's hurting you. Got my friend it the other week. She actually managed to get signed up with a dentist after that too...
I was just getting the link for you and seen this
" Do not contact a GP, as they will not be able to offer emergency or out-of-hours dental care." So probably don't waste a gp appointment.
Find a nhs dentist here
Adventurous-Tale198@reddit (OP)
I have done this a couple of times in the past but last time it was a student and she had to fill my tooth like 3 times and it sent my anxiety through the roof cause I could hear it cracking 😬
Thank you for the link!!!
Isgortio@reddit
Hey, we've got to learn somehow! Plus, it's cheap for you.
Adventurous-Tale198@reddit (OP)
Oh I know, I’ve had a few student appointments and am always willing and patient, I’m just really anxious at the moment and don’t want to traumatise either of us haha. I hope your training goes well!
Isgortio@reddit
We're desperate for patients at the moment so if you're still registered, give them a call. The supervisors can help as well.
Beautifully_TwistedX@reddit
A student? Christ that seems harsh they would let a student continue if they weren't doing it correctly. I just signed up to my LOCAL dentist then when I was getting you a link .loads are taking on. I got booted from mine for missing appointments WHEN I WAS IN HOSPITAL . Lol. Absolute joke. This ones closer tho lol.
Redditor274929@reddit
Obviously it's too late now and i don't know what your exact situation was so this might not apply but it could help someone.
If you're in hospital and have a dental appointment, let the staff know. If possible they will arrange to make sure you can attend your appointment, this also applies to any other medical appointments you already had booked If it's still relevant for you to attend. Sometimes there will also be an option to see a dentist within the hospital you're admitted to but this is much more variable. Dental health is just as important as other aspects of your health so where possible they will make sure you can attend. This can even include arranging transport on your behalf or sending a member of staff with you if needed.
There are so so many factors that can influence this but you're always better to let the staff know bc worst case scenario you just miss the appointment which you would have had to do anyway.
Source: I work in an NHS hospital caring for patients and have had several attend dental appointments while inpatient.
Beautifully_TwistedX@reddit
I did cancel my appointment and told them I could prove I was in hospital ect. . .
It was only 6 monthly check up. They rescheduled it. But I've been very poorly since hospital. Sick. Everything makes me sick. Someone putting their hands I my mouth would definitely make me sick.
Week before the next appointment I taken ill again . Explained the situation. They tried to reschedule the appointment and I suggested waiting until I had seen the gp again n got sorted so I could actually attend.
Then I got a letter saying I'd been booted for not going to my appointments.
Redditor274929@reddit
Yeah if you physically couldn't have anyone put their hands in your mouth then my advice wouldn't apply to your situation. I have no idea what the rules are around dentistry but I find it awful that they did that and imo it shouldn't be allowed especially since you gave them notice and didn't just not show up. Hope you're feeling better now and found a better dental practice
Beautifully_TwistedX@reddit
Lol yes I actually managed to sign up to the one closer to my house today when I was getting the link for OP .
I explained the situation to them and they couldn't have been more accommodating. They seemed really shocked about my treatment at the other place as. I had cancelled the appointments .not just missed them ect. Got me on the books and just said ring up and book a checkup when I'm able to not vomit on them lol...
Redditor274929@reddit
Glad to hear it and sounds like it worked out for the best. Hope it goes well for you and you get well soon
Beautifully_TwistedX@reddit
Awh thanks 💜
Adventurous-Tale198@reddit (OP)
Yeah, there was a guy supervising but 3 times was just too much for me personally. Wow that’s a total joke! At least it’s easier for you now lol
DimensionMajor7506@reddit
Note it won’t necessarily be at a dental hospital, it varies by area
peppersunlightbutter@reddit
there’s also such a thing as a ‘mindful dentist’ for people who might need extra support during the session :)) probably not on the nhs though, it depends how important it is to you!!
Adventurous-Tale198@reddit (OP)
I would sell my soul to find someone I feel totally comfortable with
peppersunlightbutter@reddit
this sounds like a great thing to pursue then!!
Penguin1707@reddit
Unless you have root canals which have to be done over 2 sessions (at least in my experience). They will likely do all fillings in one or two sessions. I requested all mine to be done in one go, which they agreed to. They can flexible if you ask - I even got the cleaning done at the same time as well. At the end of the day, if you tell them you are a bit anxious, they will accommodate you. Even if you don't, they can usually tell if someone is a bit anxious and still accommodate you.
Adventurous-Tale198@reddit (OP)
It’s finding a dentist that I’m finding difficult but thank you for your reply
Big-Parking9805@reddit
Search NHS dentists nearby. Then you can book it online at most places.
ClarifyingMe@reddit
Sounds more like anxiety disorder rather than ADHD. Executive dysfunction from ADHD is not anxiety fueled primarily. And what you're describing sounds like general anxiety and social anxiety. Doesn't mean you can't have ADHD as well, but just what you're describing here, the first thought is not ADHD. Many mental health conditions impair executive dysfunction.
Your parents did you dirty because dental care is free for children.
If you are unable to make phone calls due to anxiety, then you should email them. My dentist practice responds same day, so just type up a simple email explaining you were never provided dental care by your parents and now you really want to start taking care of your dental health, do they have openings?
Once you are registered, then bring up your anxiety issues surrounding treatment and care and a good dentist will take this all into account for you.
Astraphobia95@reddit
It seems to not be that well known but I got treated under a scheme (I think it's maybe called the dental recovery scheme) that allows you to pay NHS prices for the initial consult/check up and any work needed as a result of that consult. You won't be on the books as an NHS patient for future work, but it's a good option in the meantime.
I found an NHS dentist that was full but offered this scheme, maybe you could ring around local dentists and see if they offer it.
Adventurous-Tale198@reddit (OP)
Definitely something more people should know, I’ll try and ask, thanks!
Astraphobia95@reddit
No worries, for you and anyone else reading I think it only runs until march next year!
asmzi101@reddit
A lot of people have spoken about how a gp is unlikely to help and the routes you should take instead and I see it’s the phone calls and even emails that seems to be a difficult part for you, do you have any friends or people in your life who could spare an hour to make calls/ send emails on your behalf? I have friends with ADHD who struggle to do similar things and I’m more than happy to help them out where I can, you could offer to make them dinner or order a pizza afterwards as a thank you if you feel weird about it. Or even do a job for them that they may struggle with like putting up a shelf for example. Hope you get it sorted!
Adventurous-Tale198@reddit (OP)
I figured as much but this was the only way I could even start lol. I know people would help but I’m embarrassed and hate feeling like a burden. Just full on anxiety really haha. Good idea to help them out though, I may try. Thank you!
PM-ME-YOUR-DIGIMON@reddit
No the drs won’t do anything to do with teeth. My mate got refused antibiotics for her rotten tooth because it was a dental problem. She managed to get seen through emergency dental but she was on hold for 5 hours.
Adventurous-Tale198@reddit (OP)
I had a similar situation when I was younger, it’s horrible. 5 hours is crazy!
DeliciousCkitten@reddit
If you’re up for calling 111, they might be able to book you in for an emergency appointment with a local private dentist at the NHS rate, if you are experiencing severe pain.
I also recently read about a “dental holiday” clinic in Croatia that sounds intriguing if you need major work done (like full mouth restoration). It’s sad to me that traveling and staying in another country for treatment can be more affordable, but let’s hope that changes soon.
Good luck!
Adventurous-Tale198@reddit (OP)
I’m not in pain, more so scared of getting to that point as I have many times before. It is very sad people have to travel, dental care should be more accessible for people
Cali4niaEnglish@reddit
Hi lovely. If you call 111 and mention you're in a world of pain they can refer you to an NHS out of hours dentist.
Call at weekends/after 5 is my top tip and they'll get you someone quite quickly.
Slim chance but I you're based in Brighton I know of an NHS dentist taking patients.
Best of luck and please ring them x
Adventurous-Tale198@reddit (OP)
Thank you xx
unthinkingclaws@reddit
Obviously I don't know where you work but some employers have dental as a benefit so worth looking into that.
Penguin1707@reddit
Why do you need to get an NHS referral? Check out local dentists, a lot offer services to nervous patients, specifically people in this situation. Trust me. Dentists see people like you everyday, they really will accommodate you. I actually was in a similar position a few years a go. Now my teeth are perfectly healthy (after a couple fillings and a deep deep clean). Hardest part is booking the appointment, so just get that done and deal with the rest. I'd try personally to get it ASAP (the more time, the more anxiety). First time you go you will realise it's no big deal. Likely you will be booked in a couple more times in the few months after your first appointment to do the initial work + clean, then after that, you just go every 6 months
Adventurous-Tale198@reddit (OP)
That is the only way I can see myself moving in any kind of forward direction. I’ve been in this spot for about 3 years now, paralysed at the thought of even trying to find a dentist. Though I know some are wonderfully accommodating. I’m more so scared of what they will say as at the first appt, everytime I’ve been it’s been multiple fillings etc.
I really appreciate your reply, thank you
AonghusMacKilkenny@reddit
I go to the dentist every 6 months, had about 4 fillings in total, it's honestly not a big deal at all. I barely even feel the needle go in my cheek when they administer the anaesthetic. I think they give fillings out very liberally these days. I can assure you, anything you present to then, they'll have seen far worse.
Penguin1707@reddit
Nothing wrong with fillings, often they are just use to fill a tiny gap, it doesn't mean your teeth are absolutely terrible. At the end of the day, fillings are so common that whether it be 1 or 5 fillings, it's nothing to the dentist. My dad went recently after not going for like 30 years (big smoker as well), had to have a load of teeth extracted, root canals etc, but now he has no oral pain, and teeth that look perfectly normal. He also said the dentist was really good, talking him through all the different options, the best way to get them back to the best state they can be in.
Timely_Egg_6827@reddit
You can to the dental hospital - I had to when got an abscess.
Ambitious-Two-253@reddit
All I get told by dentist in the Norfolk and Suffolk area when I ask about NHS spots is to come to the dental surgery and fill out a registration form and then I'll be put on a waiting list. I've been waiting for three years now for some of them to get in touch.
Adventurous-Tale198@reddit (OP)
Wow, that’s outrageous. I don’t understand why dental health isn’t taken as seriously as physical health. I’ve heard that my city is notoriously bad for finding NHS places too which definitely hasn’t helped my anxiety for calling them
Ambitious-Two-253@reddit
I'm at the point I try my hardest not to show my teeth when I smile now as I know they ain't perfect and I get self conscious about it. I've had multiple dental infections that I have had to visit a&e for antibiotics because I can't get an NHS appointment and with four kids and a house to run I can't afford private care and neither the hospital or my GP will do referrals to dentist.
Adventurous-Tale198@reddit (OP)
I am the same with showing my teeth, the feeling is a whole other level of embarrassment. Maybe sending a few emails as people have suggested here could help? You could’ve been lost in their systems etc? And hopefully seeing how long you have been waiting, they would try and fit you in. Private dental care is a crazy luxury.
Ambitious-Two-253@reddit
I suppose at this point anything is worth a try.
Adventurous-Tale198@reddit (OP)
I reckon so, fingers crossed for you!
Ambitious-Two-253@reddit
Thanks let's hope for some results
ExpressAffect3262@reddit
GP, Dentist or any other professional you may be under can referred you to a Community Dental Services (NHS Service, typically a part of your NHS Trust), which have a DAN service (Dental Anxiety Management), who deal with patients with extreme anxiety with dental services.
Adventurous-Tale198@reddit (OP)
Thank you so much!
horrible_goose_@reddit
I was going to suggest something similar. I was referred to my local Special Care Dentistry team by my autism counsellor and they've been fantastic.
Definitely worth having a search online to see if you can locate a similar service in your area and request a referral from your GP. I was even able to locate the referral form online for my local service, and I sent this to a friend to take with them to the GP when requesting a referral - that way they couldn't deny the existence of the service or find any other reasons not to refer
Adventurous-Tale198@reddit (OP)
Ahhhh thank you so much, I will have a look around!
horrible_goose_@reddit
No problem. I really empathise with your situation, as that was me not long ago. I hadn't seen a dentist for far too many years, firstly due to fear and later due to the shame of how bad I'd allowed my teeth to get. I knew I needed to see a dentist, but I was so afraid of being judged. The Special Care team have never made me feel judged, and I'm so grateful that I was able to be referred.
If you're comfortable DMing me with the area you live in, I'd be more than happy to see if I can find any info online for a similar service in your area
face-cake@reddit
If you live near a university you can usually get cheap treatments easily as they are always looking for people. They will be supervised the whole time and you can usually contact them by email to see what slots or clinics they have available.
That might alleviate the stress you’re feeling of finding someone, as they’d probably be delighted to have you. They’re also a fraction of the cost. The only issue is that it will probably take longer, as they are slow and being extra careful while being supervised.
Buddyyourealamb@reddit
If you really don't want to make a phone call, you could try putting your postcode in here and emailing the ones that come up in the results. I managed to get a NHS place by doing that - I did call some but some had info on their website where I could just send an email asking to be put on their register and eventually one came back to me saying I now had a place with a link to book an appointment.
If you can't wait for that, you could also email asking to be treated as a private patient in the meantime, some also have payment plans like DenPlan where you pay a set cost each month and it includes an annual check up, clean etc. It's more expensive than NHS but not too bad.
The dentist I now go to has an online booking system so I didn't even have to talk to anyone to make an appointment.
Link to NHS find a dentist
Adventurous-Tale198@reddit (OP)
Thank you so much for your time and the link!
nobreakynotakey@reddit
No - family doctors would not be able to help - GPs have no access to dental services. Some hospital systems will have restorative dentistry/maxfax but that is generally for issues beyond basic dentistry.
Adventurous-Tale198@reddit (OP)
I think I need something more than basic dentistry lol, I know the doctors can’t do anything. Was just wondering if they would refer or something
sunkathousandtimes@reddit
Dentists will refer you to specialists if you need advanced dentistry - a doctor can’t make those referrals. It’s like how you go to the GP for a (non-dental) specialist referral - you go to the dentist and they refer you to a specialist if needed.
DimensionMajor7506@reddit
I believe GPs can refer people to primary care dentistry, but there is specific criteria, and I’m not sure if OP would qualify. For my local area, this criteria is
To enable us to provide care to this group, we can therefore only accept patients who meet our acceptance criteria and have not been able to access care within a general dental practice (please specify the reason on the referral form) Our Acceptance criteria includes: ● Severely Medically compromised patients including patients with a bleeding disorder. ● Patients with severe physical disabilities which may require them to be hoisted into the dental chair/ require a wheel-chair for mobility. ● Patients with a Learning Disability ● Patients with an Autistic Spectrum disorder ● Adults with Dementia ● Children with a high caries rate and low tolerance for stabilisation ● Behavioural problems in children, eg. ADHD ● Patients with a diagnosed mental health disorder currently/ previously under Psychiatric care. ● Domiciliary care for house bound patients only
sunkathousandtimes@reddit
Yes, but OP is asking about referral for specialist dentistry as they believe they may need specialist intervention due to the severity of their dental health.
DimensionMajor7506@reddit
Oh, I thought they just wanted a “referral” to a normal NHS dentist (which isn’t really a thing), or a dentist who specialises in treating those who are anxious.
sunkathousandtimes@reddit
The comment I replied to says they believe they need more than basic dentistry.
Useful-Ad1155@reddit
Not the main point, but dental care is free for under 18s. Sorry your parents were twats
Adventurous-Tale198@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the validation, I couldn’t agree more lol
ambergriswoldo@reddit
*Your first step is finding an NHS dentist in your area https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-dentist/
*Your second step is booking a consultation with them - all they’ll do is look at your teeth so they can see what needs doing and either book you in for that or refer you to a specialist
*Your third step is booking in with your GP to speak about how bad your anxiety is - and it IS bad because it’s impacted your dental health. The GP can advise on what can be done to help ease your anxiety moving forward
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