These pages are for the benefit of our primary care colleagues both dental and medical.

Referral guidelines & referral profoma

• General referral guidelines

Procedure-specific referral forms - PDF versions for printing and completing by hand.

• Routine dento-alveolar referral form
• Third molar removal referral form
• TMJ referral form
• Oral medicine & intra-oral soft tissue referral form

Procedure-specific referral forms - WORD versions for typing and printing

• Routine dento-alveolar referral form
• Third molar removal referral form
• TMJ referral form
• Oral medicine & intra-oral soft tissue referral form

 Radiographs

Sending existing x-rays with referrals (including digital images)

We strongly encourage (in accordance with GDC guidelines) the sending of relevant radiographs with a patient referral. This significantly improves the running of our clinics and results in less delay for the patient. These do, however, need to be of a minimum quality.

Traditional "wet" film radiographs

We would request that

• All the tooth/teeth in question be imaged completely, ideally with at least 3mm beyond the apex.
• The film be generated with correct x-ray penetration to ensure a good quality film.
• The film be processed and washed properly.

Digital images 

Printed images - the best results are achieved when:

• Good quality photo paper is used
• The image is printed as close to life-size as possible (i.e. please avoid "blowing-up" an intra-oral view to A4 size)

CD images

We realise many practices now have digital x ray systems and view the images on monitors (rather than traditional wet films).

We are happy to accept images on a CD providing the following criteria are met (to ensure compatability with our system & data protection laws)

The images must be in a DICOM format

Each image must contain at least 3 points of identification. Forename, family name, Date of birth & NHS number (if known)

The images must be encrypted if being sent through the post. The password should be sent under separate cover detailing which patient it refers to.

Electronic transfer of images

Unfortunately we are unable to accept images by email at the current time.

One-stop dento-alveolar & intra-oral soft tissue treatment

We would like, where possible, to carry out this treatment in one sitting (i.e combine the out-patient appointment and the surgical treatment). We are actively identifying patients who may be suitable and arranging for one -stop treatment when they so wish.

For this to work we have to have a good quality, contemporaneous radiograph and a full medical history at the time of referral. Please help us to provide this efficient service (that patients seem to like) by including this information whenever possible.

 Bisphosphonates & Oral Surgery

Click here for references and guidelines for the dental and oral surgical care of patients who are on these medicines