Access and Prevention Programme (Flexible Commissioning) – Dental Referrals for Children and Young People

This guidance explains how pharmacy teams can support referrals into NHS dental practices participating in the Access and Prevention Programme (Flexible Commissioning) in Doncaster.

For many children and young people, this referral may be their first link into dental services.

Who Can Be Referred?

Children and young people who:

• Are at high risk of poor oral health, and

• Do not have an NHS dentist

Automatically eligible

• Children Looked After

• Care leavers (up to age 25)
  These individuals can be referred automatically and are considered high risk.

Special considerations

• Children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities may need referral to Doncaster Community Dental Services rather than a flexible commissioning dental practice.
  (Full details are included in the risk assessment guidance.)

How to Decide if a Referral Is Appropriate

Pharmacy teams should use the Doncaster Tooth Decay Risk Assessment and Referral Guidance to help identify children and young people at high risk of poor oral health.

This guidance supports consistent decision-making and ensures referrals are appropriate for the Access and Prevention Programme.

How to Make a Referral

1. Complete the referral form 

   • Doncaster Access and Prevention Programme Referral Form 06/11/25

   • This form includes a table with current contact details for all Doncaster dental practices in the programme.

2. Send the referral securely by email

   • NHS.net → NHS.net

   • Email subject line must include:
     FAO Oral Health Champion – Access and Prevention Programme (Flexible Commissioning) Referral

What Happens Next?

Access and Prevention Programme dental practices must:

• Confirm receipt of the referral within 5 working days
  (Sent to the individual referrer’s email address listed on the referral form)

• Prioritise referred patients

  • Children and young people must not be placed on routine waiting lists

• Follow safeguarding procedures

  • If the practice cannot contact the patient/parent/carer, or

  • If appointments are missed

  • Was Not Brought (WNB) safeguarding letters must be emailed to the referrer’s individual email address

Safeguarding Responsibilities

Safeguarding processes apply throughout the referral pathway. Pharmacy contractors should ensure:

• Accurate referrer contact details are included on the referral form

• Any safeguarding correspondence is received and acted upon appropriately

Further Information and Support

If you have any questions about the referral process, please contact:

Sarah Robertson
Consultant in Dental Public Health
📧 s.robertson5@nhs.net