Southport Road Dental Practice

Engagement in Our Services – Terms & Conditions

Introduction

At Southport Road Dental Practice, we are committed to redefining how dentistry is experienced. Our mission is to deliver high-quality clinical care in a way that is respectful, pain-free, and centred on the needs of our patients. We continually invest in medical innovation, technology, and service standards to ensure our patients and team are proud to be part of something exceptional.

The following terms and conditions set out the expectations and responsibilities that underpin your care with us.

1. Application and Agreement Scope

• These terms apply to all services detailed in our estimates, consent documents, information materials, and treatment plans.
• By attending an appointment at our practice, you accept these terms.
• You acknowledge these terms override any prior assumptions or representations not made in writing by Southport Road Dental Practice.

2. Our Services

• We will use reasonable skill and care to deliver the treatment specified in your plan.
• We may amend treatment in accordance with clinical need, safety regulations, or applicable law.
• Timelines are indicative and subject to biological variation, courier delays, manufacturing or equipment issues, or unforeseen events including illness or emergencies.
• We provide services solely for your benefit and will not share or discuss your case with any third party without your explicit consent.

3. Your Responsibilities

• Attend all appointments as scheduled.
• Provide at least 2 full business days’ notice for cancellations or changes.
• Maintain good oral hygiene as advised by our team.
• Provide accurate and complete medical and dental history and other relevant details.

We are not liable for treatment delays or compromised results due to failure to follow these responsibilities.

4. Consent

Consent is an ongoing process. Your clinician will determine whether written, verbal, or implied consent is required for each procedure. If you prefer written confirmation in all cases, please inform us in advance.

You are encouraged to ask questions and raise concerns before consenting to any treatment.

5. Treatment Timeframes

• Treatment plans and timelines may change based on biological healing, tooth movement, or unforeseen issues.
• Timings are estimates and may require adjustment.
• Standards of care will not be compromised to meet time targets.
• You are not entitled to compensation for travel, time off work, or inconvenience related to extended treatment.

6. Clinician Status

• All clinicians at our practice are self-employed contractors.
• You may be treated by more than one clinician based on availability, specialisation, or clinical judgment.
• If a referral is necessary, relevant information will be shared with the external clinician or practice with your permission.
• Initial complaints are managed by the treating clinician’s professional indemnity provider, with escalation to the practice as appropriate.

7. Treatment Guarantees

Dental Implants

• Non-smokers with no history of gum disease: 5-year mechanical guarantee (subject to maintenance).
• History of gum disease: 3-year mechanical guarantee.
• Smokers or recent ex-smokers (within 5 years): 3-year guarantee.
• Biological complications (e.g. peri-implantitis): 12 months, with optional extended cover via private warranty.

Conditions apply:

• Maintenance visits at least every 6 months
• Annual x-rays
• Attendance at hygiene appointments
• No guarantee if these terms are not met

Other Treatments

• Crowns, veneers, inlays/onlays (porcelain): 5 years
• Composite fillings: 3 years
• Root canal therapy: Free extraction if treatment fails within 5 years (non-specialist cases)
• Dentures: 3 years against breakage (normal use). Relines offered at reduced fees if needed due to gum shape changes.

8. Pain-Free or Your Money Back

If you experience pain during your treatment and inform your clinician at the time, a pro-rata refund may be arranged for that specific appointment.

This does not apply to:

• Expected discomfort
• Post-treatment soreness
• Emergency procedures under difficult conditions (e.g. swelling, abscess)

The refund value will be based on chair time used and will not apply retrospectively after you leave the practice.

9. Treatment Costs & Estimates

• Estimates are itemised and valid for 30 days.
• Prices are fixed if your appointments proceed as planned.
• Changes to treatment may result in updated costs, which will be explained before continuing.

10. Payments

• Accepted payment methods: Card (preferred), cash, direct debit, or approved third-party finance.
• Cheques are not accepted.
• For lab work or custom components, full payment is required before ordering.
• Non-payment may result in suspension or cancellation of further treatment.

11. Appointment Deposits

• All pay-as-you-go patients must leave a deposit to secure bookings.
• Deposits are fully refundable if cancelled within the required notice period.

12. Membership Plans

• Memberships are a 12-month minimum contract.
• Cancellations require 3 months’ notice in writing.
• If you received discounted treatment in the 12 months before cancelling, the discount will be reclaimed at full cost.

13. Cancellation and Amendments

• We may revise or withdraw quotes at any time before treatment begins.
• If your plan changes due to clinical circumstances, we will inform you before proceeding.
• If you request changes, please inform us as soon as possible (preferably in writing).

14. Termination of Care

We may end treatment immediately if you:

• Breach these terms or fail to pay
• Behave in a threatening or abusive way
• Damage the trust or professional relationship
• Post false, misleading, or defamatory reviews or content about the practice

15. Intellectual Property

All patient resources, forms, and documents created by us remain the intellectual property of Southport Road Dental Practice and may not be copied or reused without writt