Frequently Asked Questions
Contents:
1. CANCELLING & MISSED APPOINTMENTS
2. FIRST TIME VISITS
3. PAYMENT OPTIONS
4. REFERRALS TO SPECIALISTS
5. PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY
6. PATIENT AND STAFF CARE
7. COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
1. CANCELLING & MISSED APPOINTMENTS
If you are not able to keep your appointment please could you try to give 24 hours notice. If you cannot give 24 hours notice please still contact the practice as we may still be able to offer your appointment space to other patients. If you habitually miss appointments the dentist may decide not to treat you in future. If you are a private patient and do not give the required 24 hours notice to cancel or miss an appointment, you may be liable for a missed appointment fee. This will be discussed at the time of cancellation or you will be informed by writing.
2. FIRST TIME VISITS
The following information is required to register with the practice:
• your name and address
• your date of birth
• your NHS number (if you know it)
• other information, such as the name and address of your previous GP
• photo identity, such as your passport or driving license
• proof of your address, such as a recent utility bill (gas, electricity, water or phone bill, but not a mobile phone bill) or council tax bill
3. PAYMENT OPTIONS
Payments can be paid by cash, credit or debit card or by cheque. You may be asked to pay for treatment as it is provided, all treatment is payable on the day it is finished.
4. REFERRALS TO SPECIALISTS
A referral is required when the practice do not have the expertise or equipment to deal with certain dental treatments. We may suggest referral to a particular specialist, if this is appropriate, for example orthodontic treatment, complex root fillings and surgical treatment including implants.
5. PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY
Patient confidentiality at our practice is taken seriously and all information about our patients is treated with the strictest confidence in accordance with our practice policy. No personal information is ever given to a third party without your express consent. If you would like a copy of our practice confidentiality policy, please contact the practice.
6. PATIENT AND STAFF CARE
Nichols and Fisher Dental Practice will not tolerate any violent or aggressive behaviour. If any patients show any violence or aggression they will no longer be treated at the practice and will be removed from the patient list.
7. COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
We hope that you are entirely satisfied with your dental care and treatment and would be happy to recommend our services to others. If not, please let us know about it so that we can rectify the cause for dissatisfaction and improve our service. You can request a copy of the practice complaints procedure from the Practice Manager who will explain the procedure in detail and deal with any concerns you might have.
