Broadly speaking, patients are referred to the PDS (Public Dental Service) because they have special care needs, are anxious, or need treatment not available at the family dental practice.
Referral may be for an item or course of treatment, continuing or shared care. In most cases we are unable to offer registration and may only offer a single course of treatment to patients who do not have a dentist. Demand is high and patients may be put onto a long waiting list. Missed appointments will result in treatment being discontinued.
Treatment will be limited to what is needed to stabilise the patient’s dental health. This will be NHS treatment only and no cosmetic work can be offered. NHS charges apply unless the patient is exempt.
In all cases, the initial appointment will be for assessment only. Treatment Plans or modalities should not be agreed in advance as these may lead to unrealistic expectations on the patient’s part.
If an appointment is made, please ensure that the patient is accompanied by sufficient staff or family members to meet any needs that may arise during the visit to our clinic.
NHS Tayside Public Dental Service (PDS) recognise the difficulty in registering with NHS dentists at present. If you are not registered with a dentist for NHS care, you are entitled to emergency and urgent care from the PDS.
Referral Criteria for Special Care Patients (>16 years old)?
• Medically Compromised?
• Learning Disabilities /Cognitive Impairment?
• Physical / Mobility Problems?
• Mental Health?
• Dental Anxiety?
• Care Homes/ Domiciliary care?
• Bariatric?
Patients who can only attend premises via patient transport can be seen at Broxden, Kings Cross, Whitehills or Springfield. There are wheelchair platforms and bariatric facilities at Broxden, Kings Cross and Springfield.??
Public Dental Services - External Referrers
NOT DENTISTS AND NOT MEDICAL
Specialty Description
Who to Refer
PDS accept referrals from residents of Angus, Dundee, Perth and Kinross and North Fife.
Who not to Refer
Referrals are NOT accepted for patients who live outside this area, but whose GDP is located within Tayside.
How to Refer
Use the external agencies referral form
Complete all sections. Failure to complete relevant section will result in a delay in the referral process. Email the completed form to the relevant clinical mailbox.
• Dundee: Tay.pdskingscross@nhs.scot
• Perth: Tay.broxdencommunitydental@nhs.scot
• Angus: Tay.springfielddentaldept@nhs.scot
The dental department will acknowledge receipt of the completed form and advise of action taken.
Complete all sections. Failure to complete relevant section will result in a delay in the referral process. Email the completed form to the relevant clinical mailbox.
• Dundee: Tay.pdskingscross@nhs.scot
• Perth: Tay.broxdencommunitydental@nhs.scot
• Angus: Tay.springfielddentaldept@nhs.scot
The dental department will acknowledge receipt of the completed form and advise of action taken.