Each section provides guidance on referral processes, clinical requirements, and shared-care protocols.
Patients suitable for referral to Toothsome are those who require specialist assessment or treatment within our clinical scope. This may include complex periodontal care, dental implant treatment, oral surgery, or advanced restorative procedures.
Toothsome also see patients that may prefer their treatment in hospital under general anaesthesia. Each referral is reviewed individually, considering the patient’s medical history, diagnostic findings, and the complexity of the case.
Toothsome accepts referrals for a range of specialised treatments including periodontal disease management, dental implant placement, wisdom teeth removal, surgical tooth exposure, bone grafting, and other advanced surgical or restorative procedures.
Toothsome also see patients requiring treatment under general anaesthesia. If you are unsure whether a case falls within our scope, our team is happy to review the details and advise.
Cases that fall outside Toothsome’s clinical scope may be better managed by other specialists or hospital-based services.
This may include cases requiring multidisciplinary medical management, highly complex maxillofacial surgery, or care that is better delivered in a hospital setting. When appropriate, we will guide referrers toward the most suitable pathway.
Yes. Toothsome accepts urgent referrals when clinical circumstances require prompt attention. Cases involving acute infection, significant pain, swelling, or dental trauma can be prioritised where possible, depending on clinical availability.
A formal referral letter is preferred as it provides important clinical information about the patient’s condition and treatment history. However, if a detailed letter is not immediately available, our team can review preliminary information and assist in arranging the referral process.
Referrals to Toothsome can be submitted through our online referral form, by email, hardcopy paper referrals, or by contacting the clinic directly. Our team will confirm receipt of the referral and review the information to begin the assessment process.
A complete referral typically includes the patient’s contact details, relevant medical and dental history, a summary of the clinical concern, and any available imaging or diagnostic reports. Providing this information helps our team assess the case efficiently.
Yes. Referrers are encouraged to include relevant imaging such as OPG, CBCT scans, or periapical radiographs along with clinical reports where available. These can usually be uploaded through the referral form or sent securely via email.
If a referral is missing key clinical information or imaging, the Toothsome team will contact the referring practitioner to request the additional details required to review the case properly.
Yes. Multiple patients can be referred to Toothsome, although each patient should have an individual referral submission to ensure their records and clinical information are reviewed accurately.
At Toothsome, referrals are reviewed as soon as possible after they are received. Our team assesses the clinical information, imaging, and urgency of the case to determine the most appropriate next steps. In most situations, the referring practitioner is contacted promptly with confirmation that the referral has been received and reviewed.
Urgent referrals generally involve situations where the patient is experiencing significant pain, active infection, facial swelling, trauma, or complications following previous treatment.
Urgent or time-sensitive referrals also include some treatments that are required prior to orthodontic therapy. Routine referrals typically involve planned specialist assessment or elective procedures where there is no immediate risk to the patient’s health.
When a referral indicates acute pain, infection, or swelling, the Toothsome team aims to prioritise assessment as quickly as possible. Depending on the situation, the patient may be scheduled for an urgent consultation or treatment appointment to stabilise the condition and relieve symptoms.
If a case is identified as urgent during referral review, it is escalated within the Toothsome clinical team for priority scheduling.
In situations requiring immediate intervention, our team will coordinate directly with the referring practitioner and the patient to ensure timely care. Children and patients requiring care as part of their orthodontic therapy are seen promptly.
Yes. Toothsome works within a shared-care model and patients are returned to their referring practitioner once the specialist treatment phase has been completed.
This ensures continuity of care for ongoing maintenance and routine dental management. In some cases, Toothsome may refer the patient to another specialist (with the input of the referring practitioner) if this is in the best interest of the patient.
The Toothsome team provides updates at key stages of the patient’s treatment. This may include after the initial consultation, following surgical or specialist procedures, and when the patient is discharged back to the referring practitioner.
Routine maintenance appointments will not usually be reported back to the referring practitioner.
Clinical updates from Toothsome are typically provided as written reports, which may be sent via email or other agreed communication channels.
These reports summarise findings, treatment performed, and any recommendations for ongoing care. X-rays, histopathology reports and periodontal charting may also be included.
At Toothsome, the treatment scope and responsibilities are clarified at the beginning of the referral process. This ensures both the specialist team and the referring practitioner understand which aspects of care will be managed by each provider.
Referring practitioners can contact Toothsome directly for clinical queries. Our team will ensure that questions are directed to the appropriate clinician so that timely and accurate information can be provided.
The imaging required depends on the type of referral and clinical concern. For many cases, recent radiographs such as periapical X-rays or an OPG are helpful for initial assessment.
In situations involving implant planning, surgical procedures, or complex pathology, CBCT imaging may be recommended. Providing available imaging with the referral allows the Toothsome team to assess the case more efficiently.Â
Yes. If additional imaging is required, Toothsome can arrange diagnostic imaging as part of the patient’s consultation. This may include periapical radiographs, panoramic radiographs (OPGs) or CBCT scans where clinically appropriate.
After assessment or treatment, Toothsome provides clinical reports to the referring practitioner that may include relevant findings, treatment details, and copies of diagnostic imaging where appropriate. This helps ensure continuity of care once the patient returns to the referring practice.
Yes. Toothsome can review imaging provided by referring practitioners, including external OPG or CBCT scans, provided the files meet diagnostic quality standards.
For implant planning, we would usually take our own CBCT imaging so that we have an image for implant planning and guide fabrication within a suitable timeframe of the procedure. Our team will advise if additional imaging is required.
Patient records at Toothsome are stored securely in accordance with Australian healthcare and privacy regulations. Clinical documentation and imaging are maintained within secure systems to ensure appropriate access and data protection.
Toothsome provides a range of specialised dental treatments including periodontal therapy, dental implant placement, wisdom teeth removal, surgical tooth exposure, bone grafting, and other advanced surgical or restorative procedures.
Our team works closely with referring practitioners to deliver targeted treatment within a defined scope.
A typical referral pathway at Toothsome involves an initial consultation, followed by treatment planning and the procedure itself where indicated. After treatment is completed, the patient is reviewed if necessary and then returned to the referring practitioner for ongoing care.
For complex cases, Toothsome provides comprehensive assessment and may recommend staged treatment planning. In certain situations, collaboration with other specialists or healthcare providers may be advised to ensure the most appropriate outcome for the patient.
If complications arise during or after treatment, the Toothsome team will assess the situation and determine the most appropriate management. Referring practitioners are kept informed of any significant developments in the patient’s care.
Where relevant, Toothsome may provide recommendations for ongoing maintenance following treatment. These guidelines are shared with both the patient and the referring practitioner to support long-term treatment outcomes.
At Toothsome, treatment options are explained clearly and in detail during the consultation. Patients are guided through the diagnosis, the available treatment approaches, expected outcomes, and potential risks or limitations. This allows patients to make informed decisions about their care before any treatment begins.
Toothsome takes a calm and patient-centred approach to care. Our team explains each step of treatment, allows time for questions, and works at a pace that helps patients feel comfortable. For patients with significant anxiety, sedation options may also be discussed where appropriate.
Toothsome takes a calm and patient-centred approach to care. Our team explains each step of treatment, allows time for questions, and works at a pace that helps patients feel comfortable. For patients with significant anxiety, sedation options may also be discussed where appropriate.
Yes. Toothsome regularly treats patients with a wide range of medical conditions and individual care requirements. Medical history is carefully reviewed before treatment, and care plans are adjusted where necessary to ensure treatment is safe and appropriate.
If a patient raises a concern about their care, the Toothsome team will review the situation carefully and work with the patient to resolve the issue. Clear communication and patient satisfaction are priorities in our clinical approach.
Yes. Toothsome provides detailed treatment plans outlining recommended procedures, associated item numbers where relevant, and the estimated cost of treatment. This allows patients to understand the scope of care before proceeding.
Payment timing may vary depending on the procedure. In many cases, payment is made on the day of treatment, although deposits or staged payments may apply for more complex procedures.
For certain treatments, Toothsome may offer payment plan options that allow patients to spread treatment costs over time. Our team can discuss the available options during the consultation process.
Where applicable, patients may claim eligible treatment through their private health fund. Toothsome can assist with electronic claiming where available, although rebate amounts depend on the individual patient’s policy.
If clinical findings change during treatment and the recommended approach needs to be adjusted, the Toothsome team will discuss the revised plan with the patient before proceeding. Any changes to the cost or scope of treatment are explained clearly.
After treatment at Toothsome, the referring practitioner receives a clinical report summarising the diagnosis, treatment performed, and any relevant findings. This information helps ensure continuity of care once the patient returns to the referring practice.
At Toothsome, follow-up responsibilities are clarified as part of the referral pathway. In many cases, short-term post-treatment reviews are completed by our team, after which the patient is returned to the referring practitioner for ongoing maintenance and routine dental care.
Patients treated at Toothsome receive clear written and verbal aftercare instructions tailored to the specific procedure performed. These guidelines typically include advice on oral hygiene, medication if required, dietary recommendations, and what symptoms to expect during recovery.
If a restoration or treatment requires review after completion, the Toothsome team will assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of action. Where applicable, adjustments or repairs may be recommended based on the clinical circumstances.
Referring practitioners may consider re-referral if a patient experiences persistent pain, unexpected swelling, infection, failure of a restoration, or other complications related to the original treatment. Our team is always available to review these situations when needed.
Toothsome manages patient information in accordance with Australian privacy legislation. Clinical records and personal information are stored securely and shared only when necessary for patient care and with appropriate consent.
When a patient is referred to Toothsome, consent is obtained to communicate clinical findings and treatment updates with the referring practitioner. This ensures that both clinicians remain informed throughout the patient’s care pathway.
Patient records at Toothsome are retained in accordance with Australian healthcare regulations. Records are stored securely for the legally required retention period to support continuity of care and regulatory compliance.
Yes. Toothsome follows the clinical and ethical standards set by Australian dental regulatory bodies, including guidelines related to professional conduct, infection control, and patient safety.
If a clinical incident or unexpected outcome occurs, the Toothsome team follows internal review and documentation procedures to assess the situation and ensure appropriate follow-up care and reporting where required.
Toothsome provides a dedicated point of contact for referring practitioners. Our team can assist with referral questions, clinical communication, and coordination of patient care.
Referring practitioners can contact Toothsome during standard clinic hours for clinical discussions, referral enquiries, or coordination of patient care.
The quickest way to discuss a case with the Toothsome team is usually by contacting the clinic directly by phone. This allows our staff to connect you with the appropriate clinician where necessary.
Urgent referrals can be sent directly to Toothsome through our referral channels. If the situation is clinically urgent, contacting the clinic by phone is recommended so the case can be prioritised appropriately.
Referral forms and templates for Toothsome are available through the clinic’s website or can be provided by our team upon request. These forms help ensure referrals include the information needed for efficient case review.
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