I think it was actually a GP not a dentist who made the out of date and likely sexist referral.

So if asked, I'd say yes, reducing referrals would be a legit and effective part of the mix of reducing #NHS #waitingLists.

When I was a young woman a very ancient solo-practitioner male dentist referred me to a psychiatrist after I presented with a sore jaw from grinding my teeth (just like my dad did). The psychiatrist ended the session and terminated referral very quickly, because useless #NHS #WaitingLists

I was unecessarily referred to a physiotherapist for thumb problems. I had 2 physiotherapist-administered steroid injections that didn't work. They referred to a surgeon who said it would never heal on its own. Over the Xmas holidays I switched hands with the mouse. It healed. #NHS #waitinglists

After many unnecessary podiatrist appts (referred by GP), the podiatrist referred for a foot operation and it was only when I got to the NHS surgeon that he told me all I needed to do was stretch out the backs of my legs. I mean you can't make this stuff up #NHS #waitinglists

I'm turning round to work at home today. What a waste of time