Please ensure you arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment to fill out your medical history form. If you wish you may print out the form by clicking here and opening the form. Fill it in beforehand and bring it to your appointment. The receptionist will also offer you a statement to read regarding your health information and our privacy policy. This explains to you your rights regarding any health information you give us.
At the first appointment, if you are not in pain, we prefer to make a full examination and discuss your treatment options and costs. Normally, this is a minimum of an examination and 2 x-rays. If you want treatment at the first appointment we are unable to quote on unseen conditions over the phone. The receptionist can only estimate a wide range of costs but we reserve the right to charge outside of this range if necessary.
What happens at an initial consultation?
At the first appointment a full examination is advised before a course of treatment is started (excepting emergencies).This usually consists of:
- Examination of the teeth for decay, fractures, abnormal wear or erosion
- Examination of the gums for periodontitis or gum disease ("pyorrhoea")
- Examination of the skin in the mouth and tongue for ulcers, inflammation, cancers, and other lesions
- At least 2 standard X-rays to look for problems within the teeth or supporting bone
- Discussion of any problems detected, and the treatment suggested, including any options
- Discussion of concerns that you may want to raise
- Sequencing of treatment
- Estimated cost of treatment
Sometimes there may not be enough time allocated to cover all these steps at the first appointment, depending upon the complexities of each individual situation. An extra appointment may have to be scheduled at a later date for completion.
In keeping with other professional services that run by reserved appointments, we require at least 24 hours notice for cancellation of an appointment or a fee may apply.
If your appointment is made more than 3 days in advance we will send you an introductory letter confirming your appointment and a map of our location.
We will endeavour to contact all patients the day prior to their appointment to remind them.