Policy for Non-Attendance of NHS appointments

The definition of ‘failure to attend’ (FTA): Patients that have missed or have not cancelled and or rescheduled at least two working days in advance of their pre-booked appointment.  Exceptional circumstances are at the discretion of the practice management team.

 Under the National Health (Dental Charges) Regulations 2005 (Section 3) the practice will not be able to charge patients for failing to attend appointments. All failures to attend will be documented in the patient record.

First failure to attend as new patient or short notice cancellation ( 2 working days) you will not be offered another appointment on the NHS.

If you are an existing NHS patient a 1st failure to attend will result in a written or verbal communication being given.

The patient will be given the opportunity to rebook the appointment. They will also be advised by reception staff that in accordance with PCT policy and General Dental Service Regulations 2005, Schedule 3 Part 1 (5), they risk refusal of completion of the NHS course of treatment if they miss their next appointment.

A 2nd failure to attend– If a patient continually fails to attend appointments and misses 2 or more appointments, given less than 2 working days’ notice, “the practice may feel this constitutes and irrevocable breakdown in relations”. Under the NHS (General Dental Services) Regulations 2005, Schedule 3 Part 1 (5) and the patient may therefore be refused further NHS treatment at the practice.

Private appointments are managed with a separate private practice policy.

Please note that, although we normally send email and/or text message reminders prior to appointments, the successful delivery of these relies on our text provider, your mobile network provider and your phone and cannot therefore be guaranteed. Therefore, you should not rely on our emails or text messages as the sole reminder of your appointment. We will not be responsible for any appointments missed as a result of non- delivery of these email or text message reminders, regardless of the reasons for its failure.