Are we taking on new NHS customers?

This changes often. Please check our New Patients page for the current information.

Why do I see a new dentist every year?

We provide both NHS and private treatment at Wedgwood House. If you are an NHS patient, you may be booked in with one of our Foundation Dentists (FDs) rather than an Associate Dentist.

Foundation Dentists are newly qualified dentists, who typically do a one year on placement with the dental practice before moving on elsewhere. Sometimes, they choose to stay on longer as an Associate Dentist.

What is the difference between an Associate Dentist and a Foundation Dentist?

A Foundation Dentist (FD) is a newly qualified dentist (post 5 years of intense dentistry school with practical training!) whereas, an Associate Dentist has been practising for a number of years. Foundation Dentists only spend a one-year placement with the dental practice. Sometimes they stay on longer as an Associate Dentist. When FDs first come to the practice, we allow for lengthy appointments for the benefit of their training. Times will improve once they have settled. 

We are lucky to have our FDs at Wedgwood House Dental Practice and we celebrate their work and nurture them in their early career. 
Thanks to their work, we can serve many more NHS patients!

Will I receive reminders about my appointment?

If we have a phone number or email to contact you with - and our phone number/email is not blocked or listed as spam, you will receive reminders. We use a digital communications triage to remind patients of their appointment. You will receive an email 4 weeks and 1 week prior to the appointment, followed by an SMS text 2 days before the appointment.

We recommend calling reception (01449 771 700), if you want to check the date and time of your appointment in the meantime or you want to provide/update your email or mobile number.

How often do I have to come for a check-up?

Your dentist typically recommends you visit the practice least once a year to have the condition of your teeth checked. If you have sensitive teeth or are at risk of dental problems, you may be asked to visit more frequently and/or to see the private dental hygienist.

 Sometimes your dentist will recommend you to visit every two years based on NICE or appropriate dental health guidelines.  Please always follow the recommendations of your dentist and dental hygienist.

Can I just see a hygienist?

Yes you can. You can register to see our hygienist via the "direct-access" method or by contacting reception.
You do not need to be registered with one of our dentists to see the hygienists. However, please also note that seeing our hygienist does not automatically register you with a dentist. See hygienist information.
 

What happens if I forget my NHS exemption or Universal Credit information?

Some NHS patients may be eligible for free or reduced-cost NHS dental treatment. To qualify, they must have a valid exemption at the start of their dental treatment (see NHS document HC11 for details). Patients must provide proof of eligibility by giving their National Insurance Number and noting their exemption on the FP17 NHS consent form when entering the practice. 

If unsure of your entitlement, it is best to pay upfront and then apply for a refund via the HC5(D) form within three months of receiving treatment. Universal Credit recipients may still need to pay, as not all are eligible for free dental care.

NHS checks are routinely done to prevent fraud. If you forget to bring your details for the exemption on the day of your appointment, you are signing the FP17 form under your own discretion. Be aware that fraudulent claims may result in a £100 Penalty Charge Notice plus treatment costs.

What happens if I miss an appointment?

A Failure to Attend (FTA), or a failure to warn us that you could not attend, will appear on your file if you miss an appointment. This  could result in your eventual removal from our NHS list. Private patients may incur a charge if they miss an appointment.

If you miss an NHS appointment, a Failure to Attend (FTA) notice will appear on your file, but we will rebook the appointment for you without charge. However, if you fail to attend another appointment within a two-year period, you will automatically be removed from our NHS list and may only be able to attend as an independent patient subject to dentist availability (i.e. having one-off emergency appointments and no check-ups).

Appointments with the hygienist normally require a financial deposit. Should you fail to attend, or cancel within 24 working hours of the appointment, you will be charged a fee (see private price guide).

Read our "Practice Information Leaflet" on the Pre-Appointment information page to find out more about FTA's.

Are you open at weekends?

We are closed on weekends and do not offer emergency appointments on weekends. 

We have an occasional private treatment day which falls on a Saturday. On these days, patients can only enter the practice by pre-arranged appointment, as organised by the dentists and receptionist team.