peter (sax) 🌈
A query about dentists and #disability.
My mum, who cannot get up stairs, got a call from her dentist saying that the dentist she’s been seeing will no longer switch surgeries from upstairs to downstairs, and now mum has to see a different dentist.
Is there anything we can do about this?
#NHS #Dentistry #Accessibility
Mar 10 at 6:13pmWeb
Show threadMike 🇬🇧 🇪🇺Mar 10

@saxifraga My uninformed guess is that they will say that they are still providing NHS dentistry and that the contract doesn't say that anyone will get continuity of care by the same person (dentist).

At our NHS surgery my wife rarely sees the same dentist twice, whereas I always see the same dentist. I think it's coincidental that she can't get up the stairs at the surgery.

Show threadpeter (sax) 🌈Mar 10
@MikeFromLFE thank you - yes, I think you’re probably right about not having a continuity of dentist.
It seems odd to me that the dentist said she would go downstairs and now, three days before, has changed.
But still, we soldier on!
Show threadLionelBMar 10

@saxifraga

The Disability Discrimination Act provides for an equivalent service. Unless the first dentist is more or differently qualified than the second (in a way which materially affects your mother) it is hard to argue that she is getting a lesser service.

Just that she likes one dentist more than the other is probably not sufficient. I suppose dementia might strengthen the argument for continuity but against that, any dentist is entitled to move or retire.

Show threadpeter (sax) 🌈Mar 10

@lionelb thank you for this.

Yes, I suppose it’s just a little hassle and something mum will have to get used to.
Thanks for highlighting the Act - I was unsure of what’s in it, so that’s helpful - as long as it’s equivalent, it’s all good.

Show threadLilly HunterMar 10
@saxifraga What's wrong with seeing a different dentist? They might even be nicer/better than the first!
Show threadpeter (sax) 🌈Mar 10
@LaChasseuse nothing’s wrong with seeing a different dentist. And you’re quite right, they might be!