NHS Information Authority

Data Standards and Information Programme

Reference:	Change Request 343
Version No:	1.6
Subject:	DSCN 20/2003 - Clarification of the definition of Dental Episode
Type of Change:	Addition of sentence to clarify definition
Effective Date:	Immediate
Reason for Change:	Clarification was required in the description of the class DENTAL EPISODE (for Community Dental Service), to make it clear that an appointment for a routine check-up is the start of a new episode.

Background:

The description of the class DENTAL EPISODE (for Community Dental Service) has been amended to clarify that an appointment for a routine check-up is the start of a new episode and not the continuation of an existing episode.

Summary of changes:

Class Definitions
DENTAL EPISODE	Change to Description

Name:	Peter Beresford
Date:	27 January 2004
Sponsor:	Data and Information Standards Programme

Note: Additions shown in highlighted with a blue background. Deletions are shown using strikeout.

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DENTAL EPISODE

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Change to Class: Change to Description

A series of face to face contacts with Community Dental Service staff needed to complete a patient treatment plan. It will begin with an initial examination and diagnosis and will terminate either on the completion of a treatment plan or after a three month period in which the PATIENT has failed to make contact with the Community Dental Service. A DENTAL EPISODE may involve more than one DENTAL STAFF MEMBER providing treatment and may involve more than one DENTAL TREATMENT CONTACTS.

Note that an appointment for a routine check-up in six months time would be the start of a new episode, not a continuation of an existing one.

This class is also known by these names:

Context	Alias
plural	DENTAL EPISODES

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Please send enquiries about this DSCN to the mailbox of the Data and Information Standards Programme:-

e-mail: disp@nhsia.nhs.uk