Appointments

​

Every effort will be made to see patients at the appointed time, however if you are kept waiting there is usually a good reason, so please be patient.

​

If you need to be seen urgently then please phone the Practice as early in the day as possible.

​

If you need to cancel an appointment, please give us at least 24 hours notice otherwise cancellation charges may be incurred.

​

Access

​

The Practice has a downstairs surgery located down 3 steps, as well as another located down 15 steps. If you have any questions about accessing our Practice, please call our friendly team.

​

Sterilisation and Hygiene

​

In the interests of both patients and staff we follow and exceed all the recommended guidelines with respect to sterilization of all instruments and the use of disposable items.

​

Keep Us Informed

​

We will ask you about the medications that you are taking. Make a note of their names and tell us about them when you attend. If you change your address or telephone number please let us know as soon as possible. This helps keep our records up to date and ensures we communicate as efficiently as possible with you. We will ask you to fill in a Medical History Questionnaire to assist us in our diagnosis and treatment – this is confidential and securely contained.

​

Our Aim

​

Our Aim is to provide a friendly high quality service for all the family, with up to date advice and treatment. However, should you have any concerns do contact Sandra Tredwin (Practice Manager) who will be able to help reconcile the situation. A copy of our complaints procedure is displayed in reception and is available on request. We constantly strive to offer you the highest level of service, therefore we always encourage patients to let us know when we have done something well or if there are any suggestions as to how we can do something better. To facilitate this, Patient Satisfaction Questionnaires are available in Reception.

​

Patient Responsibilities

​

You should provide us with 24 hours notice if you have to cancel or change an appointment.

​

Ask your dentist for information on your treatment options and approximate costs. Please ask about your oral health and how often you need to come to the dentist.

​

Confidentiality

​

Strict confidentiality of patients’ records and information is maintained at all times. Patient records will not be passed onto any third parties.

​

Privacy Policy

​

How we use your information

​

To provide you with the dental care and treatment that you need, we require up-to-date and accurate information about you.

 

We will share your information with NHS Referral and if applicable with your dental insurance provider in connection with your dental treatment.

 

We will seek your preference for how we contact you about your dental care. Our usual method are telephone.

 

Sharing information

​

Your information is normally used only by those working at the Practice but there may be instances where we need to share it – for example, with:

​

• A hospital Referral by the Dentist at Yealmpton Dental surgery at Patient request.

 

We will only disclose your information on a need-to-know basis and will limit any information that we share to the minimum necessary.

 

In certain circumstances or if required by law, we may need to disclose your information to a third party not connected with your health care, including HMRC or other law enforcement or government agencies. 

​

Keeping your information safe

​

We store your personal information securely on our Practice computer system and in a manual filing system. Your information cannot be accessed by those who do not work at the Practice; only those working at the Practice have access to your information. They understand their legal responsibility to maintain confidentiality and follow Practice procedures to ensure this.

 

We take precautions to ensure security of the Practice premises, the Practice filing systems and computers

We use high-quality specialist dental software to record and use your personal information safely and effectively. Our computer system has a secure audit trail and we back-up information routinely.

​

We keep your records for 10 years after the date of your last visit to the Practice.

​

Access to your information and other rights

​

You have a right to access the information that we hold about you and to receive a copy. You should submit your request to the Practice in writing or by email. We do not usually charge you for copies of your information; if we pass on a charge, we will explain the reasons.

 

You can also request us to

 

• Correct any information that you believe is inaccurate or incomplete. If we have disclosed that information to a third party, we will let them know about the change

• Erase information we hold, although you should be aware that, for legal reasons, we may be unable to erase certain information (for example, information about your dental treatment)

• Stop using your information – for example, sending you reminders for appointments or information about our service

• Supply your information electronically to another dentist. 

​

If you do not agree

​

If you do not wish us to use your personal information as described, you should discuss the matter with your dentist. If you object to the way that we collect and use your information, we may not be able to continue to provide your dental care.

 

If you have any concerns about how we use your information and you do not feel able to discuss it with your dentist or anyone at the Practice, you should contact The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF (0303 123 1113 or 01625 545745).

 

Date 10.5.2018

 

Review date: 31.07.2019