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Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer NHS services?

We offer both NHS services and dental services independently of the NHS. Our weekdays (09:00-17:00) are for NHS, and evenings and weekends are for Independent or Membership patients.

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Are you still taking on new NHS patients?

We are still taking on new NHS patients. 

We are constantly evaluating whether the business can continue to run as an NHS practice. This is reviewed and monitored by the principal dentist throughout the year. At present (January 2025) we are still taking on new NHS patients, however, this is subject to change by the end of the financial year (March 2025).

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What are the costs for NHS dentistry?

Please refer to our Pricing page for more information on NHS costs. For more information please visit the NHS website here.

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What if I don't pay for NHS dentistry?

There are multiple reasons you may be exempt from paying for NHS dentistry. A full list can be found here. If you are entitled to an exemption, it is essential to bring proof of this to your appointment. You must read the exemption form carefully before signing, as incorrectly filling in the form could lead to a £100 fine from the NHSBSA plus the cost of treatment. If you're unsure, ring our friendly Reception team on 0191 2655414 who will be happy to answer any questions you may have. 

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Why didn't I receive a scale and polish during my routine examination?

Unless your clinician deems it clinically necessary, you may not require a scale and polish. Please click here for more information. If your clinician does not find it clinically necessary to prescribe a scale and polish for you but you'd still like to book one, you can pay independently to book a cleaning. Costs can be found on our Pricing page.

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How do I book an emergency appointment?

Our phone lines open at 08:30 and same-day emergency appointments are available on a first come first serve basis. You are also welcome to leave your details with us in case of a same-day cancellation.

An emergency appointment will only be offered in cases of emergency, i.e. swelling, trauma, unusual bleeding or extreme pain. You will not be able to get an emergency appointment for cosmetic reasons, i.e. a lost crown or chipped tooth.

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Why are waiting times for treatment so long?

Our dentists are working extremely hard to accommodate all prescribed treatments within their scope. There could be up to an 8-week wait for your treatment appointment after diagnosis, due to long appointment times needed, and the amount of patients requiring treatment. We appreciate your patience at this time; If you wish, we can call you if another patient cancels to offer you an earlier appointment, please let our Reception team know if you would like to be contacted in the case of a cancellation. It is also possible to pay privately to visit us out of hours if you do not want to wait for NHS treatment.

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How can I cancel my appointment?

Please call us on 0191 2655414 and our Reception team can assist you. If you are unable to get through on the phone or are calling out of hours, please feel free to leave a voicemail or write to us via email at Heaton@alecwaugh-dental.co.uk. We do not receive SMS responses if you reply to our reminder texts. If you do not cancel your appointment and do not show up, you will receive a letter from our NHS admin team and may risk your NHS allocation at this practice. You can also cancel appointments via our booking portal. Missed appointments independently of the NHS will incur a charge.

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Why do I have to sign forms before each course of treatment?

If you are a regular attendee, you will know we will ask you to update your contact details and medical history before your examination. We will also ask you to sign an up-to-date copy of our Terms & Conditions and sign your NHS consent form. This is so we can keep your records as accurate as possible. When returning for subsequent treatment appointments, you will not have to re-sign these forms again. You can review and complete all the forms at home via the link sent to you at the bottom of your reminder SMS.

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​What is the difference between a hygienist, a therapist and a dentist?

Each clinician has a different scope of Practice, as issued by the General Dentistry Council. Hygienists will focus on your oral hygiene and can provide examinations, whilst our Therapists are able to provide examinations, restore teeth, and carry out child extractions. This frees up our Dentists to focus on more complex treatments, such as root canal treatment, dentures, crowns, etc.

​More information about each clinician's scope can be found in more detail here.

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Do you offer interpreting services?

Yes, for any patients who struggle with English, we can offer interpreters but we need as much notice as possible to ensure availability for you.

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Do you have female clinicians?

We get asked often if we can offer a female clinician, sometimes for personal or religious reasons. We have four female Dental Therapists and one female Dentist. However, this dentist is private only so if you need extensive treatment, we would recommend visiting our Low Fell practice. You can find more information about them here.

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