Referral Process for Non Eligible Patients[^8][^9]
If a patient does not meet the standard eligibility criteria, follow these protocols:
Consultation and Internal Review
- Speak to the tutor covering the clinic on the proposed appointment date (e.g., for cases involving multiple teeth).
Referral to E Block
- For standard specialist referrals, use the following Titanium workflow: 3. Select “Add a new waitlist entry” 4. Select “Oral Surgery” 5. Select “Referral to Specialist” 6. Add all relevant clinical information.
Urgent Referrals
-
If the case is urgent, complete the referral on Titanium first. The student clinician must then go IN PERSON to E Block with the patient details and the specific reason for urgency.
- Note: If the referral is not found on Titanium, the request will be immediately rejected.
-
Time-Sensitive Referrals: For patients on Prolia or other anti-resorptives requiring extraction in a narrow therapeutic window, follow the urgent referral protocol (Titanium + In-person).
-
Waitlist Context: With approximately 2,500 patients on the waitlist, urgent referrals should not be routine.
Patients who do not meet the specific criteria for the Extraction Clinic must be managed through alternative referral pathways. It is essential to ensure that these patients are directed to the appropriate service to receive necessary care.
Referral to Oral Surgery (OS) and Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS)
For patients requiring specialist intervention, referrals should be directed to the OS/OMFS departments. This includes cases involving:
- Complex surgical extractions beyond the scope of the student clinic.
- Patients with significant medical comorbidities that require a hospital setting.
- Suspicious lesions or pathology requiring urgent assessment.
Referral to the Primary Care Oral Surgery (PCOS) Service
The PCOS service is available for patients who require minor oral surgery that can be performed in a primary care setting but is too complex for general dental practice.
- Submission Process: All PCOS referrals must be submitted via the Vantage Rego electronic referral system.
- Documentation: Ensure all relevant clinical notes and high-quality radiographs are attached to the electronic referral to avoid delays in processing.
General Principles for Referrals
When redirecting a patient, clinicians must:
- Clearly explain to the patient why they are not eligible for the student Extraction Clinic.
- Provide an estimated timeframe for the alternative referral, if known.
- Ensure the patient’s immediate pain or infection is managed appropriately before they leave the clinic, or provide a clear plan for emergency care while they await their referral appointment.