Dr. Shireen, an NHS GP known for her insightful social media videos, has shared an important message with her followers regarding dental care. In a recent TikTok post, she highlighted one crucial piece of advice that she believes everyone should be aware of when it comes to seeking treatment for dental issues: “Your GP is not responsible for treating dental problems; that’s the role of dentists.”
Dr. Shireen explained the limitations of GPs in dealing with dental matters, stating, “In medical school, we might have had one lecture on teeth, but we aren’t trained to handle dental problems.” She emphasized that GPs lack the necessary expertise and training to treat dental conditions effectively, and attempting to do so could have serious legal consequences. “If we miss something serious, like an abscess that requires drainage or IV antibiotics, and we only prescribe oral antibiotics, we’re not covered legally,” she added. This, according to Dr. Shireen, could lead to dangerous outcomes, such as sepsis, which could potentially have been avoided with proper dental care.
The NHS GP also acknowledged the ongoing challenges patients face in accessing timely dental care. “I understand that it can be tough to secure an appointment with both NHS dentists and GPs,” she said. However, Dr. Shireen advised that if individuals are experiencing dental pain or problems, their best course of action is to seek out a dentist directly, rather than trying to get help from a GP.
For those struggling to access dental care outside of regular hours, Dr. Shireen reassured viewers that NHS commissioning bodies are responsible for providing out-of-hours dental services. “If patients come to me with a dental issue, I first assess the situation and, if necessary, direct them to local out-of-hours or emergency dental services.”
In the comments section, several followers shared their personal frustrations. One commenter noted that when dental emergencies occur, patients often face long waits at A&E, only to be told that nothing can be done. Dr. Shireen responded by affirming that, in such cases, patients should be referred to the appropriate emergency dental care providers.
The NHS recommends that individuals visit their dentist for regular check-ups at least once every two years, or annually for those under the age of 18, to ensure proper oral health and early detection of any issues.
By sharing this message, Dr. Shireen aims to empower patients with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their dental care and help them navigate the complexities of the NHS healthcare system.
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