The opportunity for us to buy the practice came as a result of I – the recent merger of Dentex (who previously owned us) and – the Portman group of dental practices. The Competition and Markets Authority decided that in order for them to approve the merger, the new group would need to release a small number of practices in order to avoid a monopoly in a particular area.
Cornwall was one such area as The Portman Group already owns several practices. We very much enjoyed working with Dentex, but are grateful for the opportunity that they offered us and are looking forward to being independent again. Most importantly, it has given the practice long-term security and enabled us to add to our team (please see our team page).
NHS Orthodontic Referral Waiting List Update – New referrals now seen within 12 weeks!
The expansion in our orthodontic team, combined with some additional non-recurrent NHS funding has enabled us to significantly reduce our waiting list, at least for this financial year.
For the first time in many years, we are now able to screen all patients within 3 months of referral. Our main aim is to enable patients to commence treatment at the optimum time, with the most urgent cases having the option to start within a few weeks, if appropriate.
We are able to see NHS patients in our Truro or Penzance practices, so please specify on the referral if the patient has a preference.
Referrals now accepted by email
To reduce paper usage, we are happy to accept all referrals (Endodontics, Orthodontics, Oral Surgery,
Periodontology, Paedodontics and Restorative/Implants) by email if being sent via an encrypted NHS email address, or if password protected.
Please use river.practice@nhs.net and include all usual information, including whether private or NHS (orthodontics for under 18s only), reason for referral,patient demographics and contact details.
Please also include a brief statement of medical history. If you have recent radiographs, please include these as well. Our team is also available to advise if referral is appropriate via email if you require some guidance.
Study Club – Re-starting Wed 27 September
We are re-introducing our popular study club for GDPs. The format will be a presentation by one of our clinical team, followed by case discussions over some nibbles (and you are welcome to join us for a curry and a beer afterwards if you would like).
The aim is for GDPs to bring challenging cases that we can discuss as a group, with input from our team of specialists and DWSpl dentists. There will be 90 minutes CPD. Our program kicks off on Wednesday 27 September at 18:30 when Jamie Deans (Specialist Orthodontist) will provide expert guidance on the timing of orthodontic referrals.
On January 17th 2024, Tamsin Hearle, Specialist in Paedodontics will talk about the management of dental trauma in children. We will send out further details, but as spaces are limited, please let us know if you would like to reserve a space on either evening.