We aspire to being a professional practice that offers state of the art dental care in a positive experience environment. In order to allow for smooth functioning of our practice, we have laid down simple policies that are time tested and tenable.
Patient registration
Our practice uses an electronic registration model for new patients and for updating of existing patient records. If you prefer to use paper, please be aware that these forms are eventually converted to a digital format. Our patient registration forms outline general consent requirements and seek general health information. Of particular importance are the sections on medical history and medications. Any changes in provided details must always be intimated to our Front Office Manager. We depend on you to provide us accurate information and your general health has vast implications for your dental treatment.
Financial and credit policy
Payment for all dental treatment is required on the day of treatment. Any arrangements to receive accounts by mail or email must be made in advance of treatment. In some instances, we require some advance on treatment costs. Any credit arrangements must also be made in advance and credit is not made available unless prior arrangements have been made. In certain instances, we may provide payment plans, automatic debit payments or interest free payments in collaboration with Q card. All unresolved debts of more than 90 days are always sent to our debt collectors and the cost of recovery is passed on to the debtor. You will find that we are almost always wanting to help, we only ask that you make arrangements prior to treatment being provided.
Cancellation policy for appointments
We request at least 12 hours notice for cancellation of appointments and we ask that you respect our time as much as we respect yours. A cancelled appointment that we cannot fill is always a waste of professional time and could have been utilised to help another patient who may have been able to come in if provided with adequate notice. We reserve the right to levy a cancellation charge that is based on the duration of our appointment. This will apply to patients who are receiving treatment supported by Work and Income New Zealand and ACC as well. In the case of ACC supported care, such a levy may be charged as a co payment.
Treatment consents
A number of treatment procedures require specific consent and if this is sought, we will help you understand why you need to provide special consent. We will also provide adequate information for you to make an informed decision. Consent for simple procedures is included in our patient registration document and is implied for all simple dental procedures including examinations, X-rays, cleans, extractions, fillings, dentures, crowns, bridges and similar dental procedures that may be regarded as routine.
Child protection policy
Our practice fully complies with the Children’s Act 2014 (previously known as the Vulnerable Children Act 2014) as part of requirements for contracts we may hold with Hauora Tairawhiti. Our child protection policy can be found here.