The latest Orthodontic Waiting Lists Newsletter has been delivered to Practices but can also be accessed by following this link.
The newsletter lists the current orthodontic providers, their contact details and waiting list times. It also provides Key Messages for both GDPs and Orthodontic Providers. In addition to this it outlines the Authorisation Process for a Request for Orthodontic Treatment for Patients who do not meet the NHS criteria.
It also provides a link to the British Orthodontic Society website which is full of advice for the GDP on referrals and IOTN, particularly in their Information for Dentists pages which can be accessed here.
For those colleagues who are not confident in assessing IOTN, the BOS has also approved and recommends a smart phone application called Easy IOTN which can be accessed through iTunes for iPhone and Google Play Store for Androids (search for Easy IOTN). There are two primary functions for the app, the first being that it a simple guide to aid IOTN classification and will therefore help dentists when referring patients to specialist orthodontists. The second is a series of professional development questions which, when completed will result in 1 hour of GDC approved CPD credit. The app is free to download and use.