prospect

Hi, we are moving from Australia to the UK at the end of the year. Our daughter has just had some braces put on (medical reasons). Just wondering if anyone else has done this and they managed to do it, process and time frames -- obviously we'd be hoping to get support via NHS. Thanks.

petitefrancaise

[QUOTE=prospect;12382314]Hi, we are moving from Australia to the UK at the end of the year. Our daughter has just had some braces put on (medical reasons). Just wondering if anyone else has done this and they managed to do it, process and time frames -- obviously we'd be hoping to get support via NHS. Thanks.[/QUOTE

Medical reasons?

You could start with the GP. They might be able to refer you to maxillo facial specialist at the local hospital. That MIGHT be the quickest route. Depends on the actual reason and whether the dr feels it is justified.

Obviously a dentist could refer you as well but you'd need to find an NHS one and get an appointment, have a consultation/exam and then they'd go about referring you. For dental reasons, the teeth have to be pretty bad to get it covered by the NHS.

You could also ask your current orthodontist to contact the manufacturer of the system they are using and request a list of orthodontists using the same system in the UK. They are likely to be private ones though but it's worth a shot.

spouse of scouse

You might find this link helpful, there's a further link in the document that explains the rating system for orthodontic treatment such as braces. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/orthodontics/

prospect

Thanks spouse of scouse -- I'm familiar with that index and we would come in as a level 5 at the moment (probably not going to get a front tooth without further surgery ... sigh). Guessing one of first stops will be to find a NHS dentist and get on the waiting list. I was hoping that there might have others on here who had to move mid-treatment as well.

uk_grenada

You are aware of the habitual residence test and the inability to access specialist services after you arrive for [6 months according to the nhs site i saw, 3 months according to another, and an undefined period depending on the circumstances according to another [sigh...]]

Im guessing in reality one sees the gp - always available - gets on the waiting list then wait for 6 months anyway :-)

spouse of scouse

I think the OP's family is coming over on a settlement/spouse visa? If so, the habitual residence test doesn't apply to any of them, the British citizen, their spouse and their children, all the family are eligible for NHS services including specialists/consultants immediately. Payment and/or exemptions for dental services will the same as for all British citizens.

spouse of scouse

According to the link, a GP can refer directly to an orthodontist.

Gella

Be prepared that your daughter's teeth may not be badly enough affected to qualify for NHS treatment. Also you should know that if she does qualify, the nicer ceramics are not available on the NHS though some youngsters that pay privately actually ask for the metal fronts rather than ceramics as they want to be the same as their friends. You'll soon get the hang of qualifying for treatment, If you're thinking of any op or procedure it's worth looking at NICE Guidelines in respect to it to put your case forward. I did that successfully when I couldn't get Insurance Company to pay up.

petitefrancaise

medical reasons?

Ex dental hygienist here - with experience in special needs kids dental care.
I'm just wondering if the "medical " reason would be better met by going via the GP to max fax unit - where yes, they will have orthodontists.