Other information

NHS patients from 1st April 2006 are no longer registered due to the change in the NHS contract. Every effort is made that patients see the same dentist but this is not always possible.

At the start of each course of treatment you will be asked to pay in full for the band of treatment that applies to you. Should your treatment not be completed, you will only pay for work that has been done in any of the bands and we will refund the money to you. If you are exempt from NHS charges, please inform reception staff when you book in. You will have to show evidence of your exemption at the start of each course of treatment.

Privately you can express a preference about which dentist you will see. We will make all reasonable efforts to ensure that the request is met, but this may not always be possible. Should you wish to express a preference of practitioner, please state who you would like to be seen by when booking your appointment.

We endeavour to see all patients and our practice has been design so patients with disabilities can access care. If you do have any disability that you think we need to know about please give us a call before your appointment and we will do our best to put suitable arrangements in place to accommodate your needs.

Missing appointments wastes time and resources which are needed for other patients. Our practice policy is that if, on more than two occasions, patients cancel with less than 48 hours' notice or do not attend an appointment, then we may no longer be able to complete or offer NHS treatment in the future. We will of course take any special circumstances into account. We may still be able to offer private dental care, but will require a non-refundable deposit.

Patients who are violent or abusive to practice personnel, to other patients or anyone else on the practice premises will be refused treatment and reported to the appropriate authorities.

We accept the following methods of payment at the practice: Cash and all major credit and debit cards. Please note from 1st January 2008 the practice no longer accepts cheques.

At the end of your course of treatment, your dentist will discuss with you when you will need to see a dentist again. NHS dentist will now follow guidelines issued by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) on how often patients need to see their dentist, according to their oral health needs. So, it is no longer the norm for NHS patients to have two NHS check-ups each year if you do not need them. The Department of Health wants NHS resources to be allocated to those who need it most. You can of course, visit your dentist more often privately if you want to talk to your dentist more regularly about your oral health needs, have a regular visit to the hygienist, and be reassured that all is well. You will be sent a reminder just before the month decided by your dentist for your next check-up.

NHS patients can opt to have part of their treatment privately. private treatments gives you more time with your dentist as well as personal service, greater choice of materials and higher quality laboratory work for a better aesthetic result. There is also a greater range of treatment options available as cosmetic treatment is excluded from the NHS. Because the charges are changing, some private treatment may be cheaper. Patients are entitled to written treatment plans, please ask your dentist if you require one.