Specialty - Dental

Overview

If the problem is not urgent, the GP/referrer will write a letter to the Oral & Maxillo-Facial Department requesting an appointment in the outpatient clinic. Each month the Department receives more new referrals than can be seen in clinic. One of the Dental Specialists working in the Department reviews the referral letters to determine who should be seen first, based on the information provided by the GP. Very urgent cases are usually seen within a couple of weeks, but other cases may have to wait a much longer time. Routine cases are often returned to the GP/referrer. 

If you have an urgent problem requiring immediate surgical assessment you are referred acutely to the Oral & Maxillo Facial Department where you will initially be seen by the Dental Specialist who will decide whether you need to be admitted to hospital. Investigations will be performed as required.

Consultants

Mr John Bridgeman
Mr David Chrisp
Mr Gary Davies

Referral / First Specialist Assessment

A threshold for FSA referral acceptance has been set to assist with MOH waiting time compliance. Routinely, category 4 referrals are not accepted.

• National Referral guidelines are available to view:
  Dental Surgery Referral Guidelines
• The National Access Criteria for First Assessment (ACA) are available to view:
  Dental Surgery ACA
• Bay of Plenty Waiting times for First Specialist Assessment are available to view:
  Dental FSA Waiting Times
  Please refer to our local Bay of Plenty Waiting times and not those that that may be quoted on the ACA tools.

Treatment List

A threshold for acceptance onto the treatment list has been set at CPAC score of 70, ie no patient will be accepted onto the treatment list with a CPAC score of less than 70.

• For further information of the CPAC criteria:
  Dental Surgery CPAC
• Bay of Plenty Waiting times for Treatment are available to view:
  Dental Treatment Waiting Times
  Please refer to our local Bay of Plenty Waiting times and not those that that may be quoted on the CPAC tools.

Notes

Special consideration will be given to children, special needs and adults with current community services cards.

Contact Details

Postal: Referral Receipt Centre, BOPDHB, Private Bag 12024, Tauranga 3142

Fax: 07 578 1247

Phone: 0800 333 477