Terms of Business
TERMS OF BUSINESS
TREATMENT
1. Contract
The treatment provided in the Practice is on a private contract basis and therefore outwith NHS arrangements. 2. Fees
Fees are calculated on a time plus any laboratory fee basis. Fees for a particular item of service (e.g. a crown) may be reduced if similar forms of treatment to be undertaken at the same appointment. Your dentist or the receptionist will explain this if requested.
3. Treatment
Patients will be provided with treatment estimates. Dentistry is not an exact science and it may prove necessary to carry out further treatment or amend the Treatment Plan in the light of clinical circumstances. Should it prove necessary to amend the treatment the options will be discussed with you and the further likely costs involved so that you can decide on how you wish to proceed.
If the proposed treatment is not carried out within the planned time frame the practice reserves the right to increase fees to cover increasing costs. 4. Hygienists Fees
Fees for the services of the dental hygienist are based upon booked/allocated time, usually 30 minute periods. The time allocated includes not only the period spent by the patient in the dental chair but also includes the necessary preparation time and sterilisation time prior to and subsequent to your treatment. 5. Payment of Fees
Following examination, patients are provided with a Treatment Estimate which will specify:
The proposed treatment.
The costs.
Payment terms are as follows:
50% of the total fee payable at the first treatment visit.
Balance to be paid prior to last appointment.
Payment by instalments may be agreed with the Practice Manager. It is not possible to extend credit and the dates on which payments would be due will be agreed with you in advance. The associate dentists working in this practice are all independent contractors responsible for and personally liable for their own acts and omissions. All professional staff have professional indemnity cover. APPOINTMENTS
1. Cancellations
At least one full working days notice is required for cancellation of appointments. Cancellations of less than one working day (before 8am on the working day before) will be charged at the full rate if the appointment time is not filled. 2. Failure to Attend
Failing to attend for an appointment will incur the full charge for the time lost.
3. Reminders
Patients are normally contacted by telephone on the day prior to the scheduled appointment. This is a courtesy service and the practice will not be liable for any costs incurred by any failure by the practice to contact the patient. 4. Appointment Alterations
If, due to unforeseen circumstances, it proves necessary to reschedule appointments the practice will give as much notice as possible. The practice will not be responsible for any consequential loss incurred by the patient. DISCLAIMER
Treatment should never be considered complete. Patients will be expected to attend for regular maintenance appointments to secure their oral health and to maintain any dental restorations. No liability will be accepted for patients failing to carry out instructions or for failure in compliance of treatment or advice.
