Frequently asked questions
Can I be registered as an NHS patient?
Of course. We are currently still registering patients to our NHS lists.
Which exemptions are valid ?
The following benefits entitle patients to free NHS dental care and include;
I am in a scheme with my employer where I can claim treatment costs. How do I go about this?
Please notify your dentist who will be able to advise you. Most companies require us to complete a form detailing the treatment you have had and an indication of the cost. We may need extra time to complete the form at your visit and would ask that you alllow an extra 5-10 minutes for this. Please notify reception when booking your appointment. We will provide you with all necessary receipts in order that you can claim back the money you have paid from your employer easily.
I used to be a patient of the practice and wish to return?
We welcome all patients who may have visited the practice previously. Registration has not lapsed with change in ownership, and we are now in the process of recalling all patients who are due a check-up. Should you not automatically receive a recall, it may be that we need to update your details on our system. Please call us and we will happily arrange an appointment.
I am nervous about dental treatment and wish sedation - is this safe?
Yes. Sedation is a very effective and safe technique, however we do always request a sedation assessment visit in line with your treatment plan. This allows us to undertake a full medical history check, and ensure sedation is safe and appropriate for each patient.
Sedation, or 'concious sedation' is a technique which allows patients to relax, whether they are anxious regarding dental treatment, require difficult extraction or wisdom tooth extraction, or have a lot of treatment and wish fewer visits- with longer appointments and more treatment completed at each visit.
We undertake a written consent process and give full pre- and post- sedation instruction leaflets, so that you are fully aware of what your visit will entail. An escort is mandatory to return you home safely after treatment, as you cannot drive or operate machinery following sedation for the remainder of the day. We ask that you return home by car or taxi and not by public transport, for your own safety and since your coordination may be affected. This prohibits driving or operating machinery for 24hrs post-sedation .
We cannot administer sedation without your escort being present /attending with you, and ask that they remain in the practice as we have allowed escorts to leave previously, on the understanding they would collect the sedated patient,and they did not return. We ask that you understand our need to have one policy for all, and if you are attending for a long appointment, it may be wise that your escort brings a book or magazine to read.
Any changes in your treatment plan during the visit, will be fully explained and can be adjusted at a later date.
Sedation involves an intravenous injection of midazolam, a drug belonging to the group of benzodiazepines. It has a short half-life of 45min-1 hour and can be reversed immediately in case of emergency (eg. fire or evacuation). We monitor you closely throughout your treatment with pulse oximetry ,and clinical observation, and all of our team are extensively trained in the use of this technique. We also check vital obs prior to discharge (oxygen, heart rate and arterial blood pressure), to ensure you are ready to go home.
Sedation is not a 'general anaesthetic', nor does it provide any local anaesthesia, therefore all your protective reflexes are maintained (e.g. cough), you breathe independantly, and your mouth is still numbed as it would be normally for treatment, although it is unlikely you will remember any injections, as one of the normal effects of sedation is temporary amnesia .
Sedation also acts as a muscle relaxant, useful in managing any patients with a high gag reflex, or fear of choking. After your sedation, we recommend that you return home, rest quietly, and take some standard painkillers as appropriate eg paracetamol or another NSAID (group of anti-inflammatory drugs, commonly available over-the-counter, and which you would normally use for a headache).
Why must I pay a deposit for sedation?
We take deposits for sedation because of the large appointment times we require to block off.
What if I fail to turn up for my appointment?
Your deposit will be retained should you fail to attend a long sedation appointment without prior notice (we ask for 24 hours where possible), or without extenuating circumstance.
Does the practice have 'Childsmile'?
Yes. Our dentists have full access to Childsmile services, and will advise you on all aspects of this, including fluoride varnish application.
How can I pay for my treatment?
We are pleased to accept cash payments, and all major credit or debit cards over the value of £5.00 . We operate a 'pay as you go' policy, in order to prevent you from accruing a large balance at the end of your treatment. We ask that any treatment involving lab work (eg denture work, crowns or veneers) is paid for in advance, to allow prompt service from our dedicated laboratories.
Can my child be monitored for orthodontic referral?
Absolutely. We routinely monitor all children in the mixed/developing adult dentition to ensure timely and appropriate referral. We refer to orthodontic practices which we have established reliable relationships with over many years, and can also liase with any orthodontic practice outwith our usual referral system, should you have begun treatment already.