Terms & conditions

A signed, printed treatment plan is provided once it has been agreed with the dentist, and copies are available on request. If the plan changes because of radiographic or clinical findings, we will inform you and ask you to sign a revised copy.

Written consent is required for certain treatments, explaining the treatment, aftercare and risks involved. Consent can be withdrawn at any point by you or by the dental professional.

• A pre-payment or deposit is required to secure bookings; there is no credit system, and fees are settled at the appointment where treatment is provided.

• For treatments involving a laboratory fee, the full fee is required at the impression stage.

• Finance agreements are available through a third party on treatments over £300, subject to a signed agreement before treatment starts, including a cooling-off period.

• We accept cash and debit/credit card (excluding American Express). We do not accept cheques.

• Unpaid accounts may be referred to a debt-collection agency or the small claims court, with costs recoverable.

• We ask for at least 48 business hours' notice to cancel an appointment.

• A failed-appointment fee, proportionate to the appointment length, applies where notice is not given and must be settled before further appointments are offered.

• After late cancellations or missed appointments we may require a minimum 50% deposit to book again, at the practice's discretion.

• If you are more than ten minutes late, you may be asked to reschedule.

It is your responsibility to provide a full medical history and to keep us updated on any changes to your personal details or medical history.

• The treatment is fully paid for with no outstanding balance.

• The restorations have not been damaged by accident, trauma or excessive grinding.

• You have followed all post-treatment maintenance recommendations.

• You have attended routine examinations every six months. Some treatments may carry a guarantee of less than one year, and you will be told so verbally and/or in writing.

Images of a smile or teeth only — never anything identity-revealing — may be used for marketing or educational purposes across our website, social media and promotional literature, unless you opt out. A consent form is signed before treatment.

We hold a small NHS contract and are predominantly a private practice with limited NHS availability. Patients who do not attend for 18 months or more may be removed from the NHS list; please keep your appointments current.

Complaints can be made in writing to the Practice Manager or by email, and are acknowledged immediately in writing. The Practice Manager aims to resolve them quickly. Unresolved complaints can be escalated to the Dental Complaints Service (dentalcomplaints.org.uk) and then the General Dental Council.

Your data is stored securely in line with the Data Protection Act and UK GDPR. Clinical notes, digital radiographs and photographs remain the property of Cheshire Dental Centre, and copies are available to you on written request. We cannot discuss your treatment or appointments with family members or others without your written consent.