Do I need to bring to anything with me?

Before you are classed as a patient at the practice, you need to be examined by one of the dentists.  Before you see the dentist, you will be asked for photo ID (e.g. passport or driving license) and also £16.20 to cover the cost of your examination. 

If you are exempt from NHS charges, you will be asked to provide evidence of this.  If you cannot provide evidence of your exemption, you will be asked to pay until you produce the required documents.  You should bring this evidence of exemption to each subsequent appointment. 

After your appointment, a treatment plan and estimate will be given for you to sign and provide your consent to the proposed treatment.  The balance of the treatment must be paid at or before your final visit for that treatment plan. 

Will the dentist do my clean at my exam appointment?

Each dentist works differently.  It is each dentist’s discretion as to your treatment needs and how best to achieve them.  If there is sufficient time to provide the clean at your appointment, it may be done.  If you need to return for a further treatment, the clean may be carried out at this appointment instead. 

Some patients do not require their mouths cleaning. Scaling your teeth removes hard deposits called calculus (or tartar) that build up on your teeth.  Some patients keep their mouths so clean they simply do not get this build up so it may be a good thing if your mouth does not need a clean!

Removing stains from teeth is different and can be classed as a cosmetic treatment (airflow)

I don’t need a check up, why can’t the dentist just do my filling?

To provide safe treatment of a high quality, it is necessary to base the decision for which treatment you need on a sound diagnosis.   That is, the dentist must undertake thorough investigations, including x-rays if necessary, before knowing which treatment is best suited to your needs. 

A check-up also lets you know if any other treatment is needed alongside the filling you are aware of and gives you piece of mind everything has been checked. 

If there is sufficient time to carry out all necessary investigations and treatment, the dentist may opt to do this for you

Can you book me enough time for treatment at my check up appointment?

If you are aware you are having problems at the time of booking the appointment, try and tell the receptionist as much as you can as to the nature of your problem and they will endeavour to book you enough time for treatment. 

The appointment book can become very busy, so you may be asked to come for an examination appointment only at which the dentist will plan your treatment with you and make sure you are safe from pain and spreading infection until you can be seen again. 

I have a broken tooth, when can I be seen?

See in an Emergency

What happens if I cannot attend?

If you cannot attend your appointment, we need a minimum of 24 hours notice so that your appointment can be given to someone who can attend. 

If you cannot provide us with 24 hours notice and there is a legitimate excuse, exceptions may be taken into account. 

If you fail to attend your appointment twice or cancel at short notice (within 24 hours) it may be the case that you will not be seen again at the practice. NHS direct can help you find a new dentist on 08454647. 

What treatment can I get on the NHS and what treatment is done privately?

NHS treatments aim to restore the health of your mouth, allowing your teeth to function effectively without pain or infection.  Other options for treatment (including the pros and cons for each) will be discussed at the treatment planning appointment along with subsequent charges incurred. 

Cosmetic work (that is any complaints to do with how your teeth look) require a private contribution from the patient and can be discussed individually with each dentist. 

How do I complain?