Specialty - Dental

Overview

Hospital dental services are for those patients who require hospital support for their dental treatment (ie Children and Medically compromised patients).

Oral /Maxillo facial is a surgical specialty dealing with conditions of the mouth, jaw and face.

Patient expectations

If your problem is not acute, your GP/Referrer will request an appointment in the outpatient clinic if they are concerned about your condition and feel that you require a specialist opinion. One of our Specialists will review the referral letter and assign a priority based on the information provided.

Very urgent cases are usually seen within a few weeks, but other cases may have to wait a longer time. However each month we receive more referrals than can be actually seen. Information regarding the waiting times can be obtained by selecting the link under “Waiting Times” below.

The specialist may organise an investigation/tests rather than arranging a clinic appointment so that further information can be obtained about your condition. This may result in either an appointment or a letter to your GP/Referrer with recommendations regarding your condition.

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

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

Waiting Times

• Bay of Plenty Waiting times for First Specialist Assessment and 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 ACA/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 9571

Phone: 0800 333 477