Can GP's prescribe for dental/oral problems?

[sasskins]

I'm sure I read somewhere fairly recently that gp's can now prescribe for dental/oral problems. Can anyone confirm/refute this? If it's to confirm, do you have a link to the info please?

[parkie]

I'm afraid I have not heard of this, but I was surprised when I went to my dentist a few of months ago when he told me I needed some flouride based toothpaste and prescribed me two tubes of the stuff, (I am retired and don't pay for my prescriptions). They were Colgate brand and in small tubes and lasted me for weeks.

[bednobs]

Gp's can prescribe anything that is in the BNF and within their realm of skills

[Sqad]

GP's have always been able to prescribe for oral/dental conditions.
Oral signs are often a manifestation of generalised medical conditions.
As long as a medical practitioner has made a reasonable diagnosis based on a history and an examination, then there is no reason for him, not to prescribe.

[sasskins]

My brother woke up with a swollen face and a sore mouth this morning. No hint last night. He has phoned his dentist and can't get an appt till a week on Tues. He has poned his GP and has been refused treatment - full stop.

[sasskins]

At the moment he is struggling to eat.

[Sqad]

sass....that is DISGUSTING............I hate advising A&E as it is so often abuse (particularly by ABer posts) but in this case I will change my opinion.

A diagnosis must be made and the appropriate treatment provided......get him to A&E or anywhere that he can be assessed by a medical practitioner.

[murraymints]

CLEARLY needs anti bs...your outpatients will do it if gp wont..shame on him !

[Jumbo747]

I would have thought the dentist would have some provision for emergency on-the-day appointments (just as GPs do); don't be put off by a receptionist - usually those patients who persist and 'make the most noise' get what they want!

[Smowball]

What is wrong with GP's these days??

[Sqad]

smowball.......

\\\\\What is wrong with GP's these days??\\\\

They are overpaid and poor value for money BUT...the British electorate wants them.

[sasskins]

Thanks sqad - I will pass that on to him, but doubt he will act,. He like many others put more store in what they are told by a medical receptionist than simple common sense. If it were me, I would persist until someone saw me. I have been in his position many times. I once had three mouth ulcers lanced at the local hospital, because I coulfn't swallow. That is a good reason why GP's should be able to prescribe.

[Robinia]

Has the GP actually refused or was it one of the receptionists?

[murraymints]

Sqad.....If only the no 3 bus went to the Balearics...!!!

[Sqad]

murray........;-).........if only!

[sasskins]

It was the receptionist. How can he get past her?

[sasskins]

Impregnable eh?

[Robinia]

I thought as much...the doctors are often very good about these things, once you get to them that is. Tell him to ring again, (quite often at a different time of day another receptionist will answer) and stress he really needs to be seen or he'll go to the hospital. Or he could try going into the surgery, they're often less bolshie when you look them in the eye!

[murraymints]

sass..would not waste any more time there..head for outpatients for prescription..