Thompson & Thomas Family Dental Care

We always ensure that our Patients are aware, from the outset, whether they are receiving care under the N.H.S. or Privately. The Government sets the cost of N.H.S. Dental treatment and you will pay the same whichever Dental Practice you choose to go. Information on the cost of Dental care is available from your Dentist or Receptionist. Fees for Private Dental care vary between Dentists and depend, for example, on the quality of materials and Dental Laboratory work as well as general Practice running expenses. Information on the cost of Private care is available from your Dentist or Receptionist.

NHS Costs are as now banded

Band 1 £!7.00

Band 2 £47.00

Band 3 £204.00

For an explanation of NHS Charges see www.nhs.uk

PAYMENT

At the initial visit patients are advised of the expected cost of treatment. Cash, cheques or debit payments will be accepted following any treatment received. Please inform the Dentist or Receptionist if you are entitled to free treatment. You will be required to show proof of your entitlement. As we can no longer charge for missed appointments we are requesting payment for all pre booked appointments, as this may eliminate wasted time.

COMPLAINTS

If you have any complaint about the care and treatment that you have received at the Practice, please speak to our Practice Manager, Mrs.Jane Armitage who will attempt to resolve the complaint according to the Practice's Complaints Policy. If you feel your complaint has not been resolved to your satisfaction please contact Compliments and Complaints Dept NHS Sheffield 722 Prince of Wales Road Sheffield S9 4EU Tel 0114 3051000 or see the link to our complaints procedure for both Private and NHS Patients.

Data Protection & CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY

This Practice incorporates a Confidentiality Policy. Information will only be shared with any Heath Care Professional who has an interest with your Dental background i.e. Referral to a Hospital. All patients have the right to request to see their Dental Record This request should be made in writing and sent to Jane Armitage our Practice Manager who will respond accordingly and inform of costs incurred.

Thompson & Thomas also have a current Information Governance Policy in line with legislation.

DATA PROTECTION

This Practice is fully compliant with the Data Protection and Freedom of Information Act.

INDEPENDENT OPTIONS

We offer affordable Private dental treatments to both adults and children. Please contact Reception for details of our Private Dental Plans that are available to our patients.

MIXING – PRIVATE TREATMENT FOR NHS PATIENTS

The N.H.S provides all the treatment that is necessary to secure and maintain your oral health. There are some treatments (for example cosmetic) which are not routinely available under the NHS, and you may choose to have some treatment privately. You may also choose to have some treatment privately as an alternative to NHS treatment. If you wish to have some private treatment then your dentist will give you a written estimate and treatment plan before the treatment is started.

FAILED APPOINTMENTS

Please be aware that we have implemented a failed appointment policy. Due to an increase in wasted appointments it has been necessary to implement this policy. New patients who have made appointments and fail to attend for their initial appointment will no longer be offered another appointment.

Existing patients who fail to attend two or more appointments will no longer be offered any further appointments. This has been put into place due to the amount of wasted hours we have been experiencing. If you are unable to keep an appointment please notify us so that this time can be offered to another patient.

THE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITES OF THE PATIENT

What we expect from you

To attend for your appointments promptly, and if that is not possible let us know as soon as possible.
To pay your bills as requested on time. To help you to do this we do accept cash, cheques and most credit cards. This will be payable on each visit following the receipt of treatment. As we can no longer charge for missed appointments we are requesting pre payment for any future booked appointment times. This we feel may eliminate wasted time. If you feel you may be exempt from charges (NHS only), please discuss this with your dentist at your first visit. Please note that NHS regulations require us to see evidence of exemption in all cases...
· If you are not happy with your visits please tell us your concern, as that is the only way that we can put it right and improve our service to you.
If you are happy with your visits then we would like you to refer patients, whom you feel would like the things we offer. In this way we can continue to have a flow of new people and be here for you when you need us next time.

VIOLENT BEHAVIOUR

The Practice will not tolerate aggressive or verbal abuse towards any member of staff. If an incident of this nature does take place we will complete an incident form and forward to Sheffield P.C.T. who will take any necessary action. The Patient will not be accepted at this Practice for any further treatment.

SHEFFIELD P.C.T.

Further details of primary dental services in the area may be obtained from:-

Sheffield P.C.T.
722 Prince of Wales Road
Sheffield S9 4EU
Tel:: 0114 305 1000

CQC

Since 2011 we have been registered with the Care Quality Commission our registration number is CQC 1/152997069

Should you have any reason of cause for concern the CQC contact details are as follows.

CQC details

Telephone: 03000 616161
Fax: 03000 616171

Opening hours are Monday to Friday, between 8.30am and 5:30pm.

Write to the CQC

CQC National Customer Service Centre
Citygate
Gallowgate
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 4PA

www.cqc.org.uk