NHS dentistry

Just a quick blog note to clarify a couple of things around not turning up to appointments and cancelling at short notice.

We understand that there can be occasions when you miss an appointment with us or cancel a booking at short notice however, as is often the way, there are a minority that do this regularly.

If you miss an appointment with is without letting us know we will automatically mark you as inactive on our books and ask you to find an alternative NHS dentist to visit.

If you repeatedly cancel an appointment at short notice (within 3 working days – Bank Holidays and weekends don’t count) then we will ask you to find an alternative NHS dentist to visit.

The reason for this is that there is high demand for NHS dentistry in this area and each missed appointment is time we could have spent reducing our waiting lists and seeing more patients. The same applies to late cancellations, there often isn’t enough time to fill the gaps left by the late cancellation.

If you come to see us privately we may well ask you pay up in advance for all your appointments and apply a charge for the missed appointment if you dont attend or cancel at short notice.

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In order to make the most of the limited finding we have to deliver NHS dentistry we periodically review our active patient lists and mark as inactive or lapsed those who we have not see for some time. This allows us to take on new patients off our wating list and make sure we are providing dentistry to those who need it at the time.

We are not obligated to keep a space for anyone, NHS dentistry is not a like the GP, you dont have a registration so it is vitally important that, in order to enjoy the benefit of NHS dentistry, you note your recall time line and remember book back in when the dentist has asked you to.

Sorry, you can’t rely on us to recall you!

Periodically we recall our patients via text message or email (not by post). This is not done all the time and should be seen as an add on service that we use when we have space in our diary’s to see more patients. The onus is on the patient to understand when they are next due to book in and make that appointment.

Can I appeal against being made inactive/lapsed?

We do have an appeal process if you feel that we have made you inactive unfairly. Applications can only be made in writing (via email ideally or the post if necessary) to the Practice.

Before you apply to be reactivated please consider what your special circumstances are that means you did not come. Please be aware normally the following would not be a reason to be reactivated without joining the wating list:

• I did not get a text or email from the Practice
• The COVID pandemic

We are also unlikely to see you again at Bridge if:

• you have poor attendance
• you owe us money
• you have been badly behaved

How to maintain your NHS dental access at Bridge

1. Note you recall timeline when you visits the dentist and if you can book in before you leave.
2. Make sure your contact details are up to date (including email, mobile and address).
3. Attend your appointments and make sure you give us adequate notice if you cant come (48 working hours) so we have a chance to fill the space your cancellation has left.
4. Pay your fees when requested.
5. Be kind at all times.

Can I re-join the practice as an NHS patient if I am made inactive/lapsed?

Yes you can as long as your previous attendance was good, you dont owe us money and you haven’t been badly behaved. Just fill in the form on our website and wait your turn.

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