Dental problems
From Ganfyd
Access to affordable dental treatment on the NHS is far from universal. Reliable out-of-hour dental provision is often patchy, and although primary care organisations will be responsible for provision of out-of-hours dental care from April 2006, it is expected that patients will continue to consult their GPs about dental problems.
The BMA has set out guidance on the responsibilities of the GP in patients with dental problems.[1] The approach to suspected dental problems should be to exclude any medical problems. If the GP is satisfied that the patient has a purely dental problem, then they should refer the patient on to a dentist or a local emergency service.
If a GP undertakes treatment of a dental problem, including prescribing antibiotics at the behest of a dentist, they also assume responsibility for that aspect of the patients treatment.
As with any specialty, the bottom line is that GPs should be very wary of treating conditions outside of their expertise and contractual obligations.
See also dental abscess
