Policies & Procedures

 

  • Payments

    Payments are due as treatment(s) progress at each appointment. Patients will be asked to keep up to date with payments as treatment(s) progress and that all payments are made by completion of treatment. Any additional treatment found to be required must be paid for as this treatment is carried out. We accept cash, cheque and credit card payments.

    Emergency Appointments

    We try to see all emergencies within 24 hours and calls before 10:00am we try to offer same day appointment. We have a contact on our answer machine providing weekend cover for our registered patients. Please call as early as possible so that we may accommodate you.

    Deposits

    Deposits may be requested for larger/more complex treatment plans or for appointments that are longer than our routine dental appointments.

    Cancellation Notice 24hrs

    Cancellation notice is required for routine dental appointments to avoid a cancellation charge. This allows the appointment to be offered to others. Appointments longer than our routine appointments will require 48hrs notice. In the event of late cancellations, we will try to rebook the clinical time and avoid the need to make these charges. However, late cancellation will be charged at £1 per minute for the length of appointment missed.

    Failing to Attend

    Failing to attend an appointment with no notice will result in a charged of £1 per minute for the length of appointment missed.

    Administration Fee

    An administration fee of up to £20 is payable if a patient brings any forms or documents to be completed by staff. This includes Insurance claims, passport forms, etc.

  • The All dental professionals are regulated by the GDC and Ballyholme Dental Practice and its’ staff adhere to the rules governing the profession:-

    www.gdc-uk.org

    Northern Ireland dental practices are also regulated and inspected by RQIA (The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority):-

    www.rqia.org.uk

    The registered provider for this service is:-

    Lisa Light BDS

    Ballyholme Dental Practice

    22a Groomsport Road

    Bangor BT20 5LN.

  • If you are unhappy with any part of your experience please let us know, in person or by email.

    We take complaints very seriously and try to ensure that all our patients are pleased with their experience of our service.

    When patients complain, they are dealt with courteously and promptly so that the manner is resolved as quickly as possible:- speak to Elaine or Lisa the Principal Dentist.

    Our code of practice on the practice’s process in handling a complaint is available from reception. If patients are not satisfied with the result of our procedure then a complaint may be referred to:

    NHS complaints

    Northern Ireland Ombudsman

    Freepost BEL 1478

    Belfast BT1 6BR

    T: 0800 343 424

    www.nipso.org.uk

    E: nipso@nipso.org.uk

    Private Dental Treatment Complaints

    Dental Complaints Service Stephenson House 2 Cherry Orchard Road Croydon CR0 6BA

    T: 020 8253 0800

    www.dentalcomplaints.org.uk

    E: info@dentalcomplaints.org.uk