Referral for care

Refer to Section 11 of the full guidance.

• Be aware of the referral options available locally and the agreed referral procedures.

• Before referring a child for treatment, first relieve pain, provide prevention and attempt caries treatment using behavioural management techniques and local anaesthesia if indicated.

• Consider the need for temporary dressings to reduce the chance of further pain.

• For children who live in a different locality than your practice, beware that you should refer to the service local to the child. This may be different to the service you routinely refer to.

• Ensure all the relevant information is included in the referral communication (electronic or letter). A checklist provided in the full guidance can be used as a reminder.

• If referring a child for sedation or general anaesthesia (GA), follow your local protocol if there is one in place.

• This flow diagram may be helpful in deciding whether or not to refer a child for treatment under sedation or GA.

• If a child is referred for care, ensure that you provide their continued dental care.