Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book an appointment?
You may either telephone or go into the relevant practice where you wish to make an appointment. The telephone numbers and addresses for our respective surgeries are
published within the relevant pages on the website.
Do you accept NHS patients regularly?
Yes, we are always taking on NHS patients and you can register as long as you are a UK resident with a verifiable UK address. You may still register as a Private patient though even if you are not a UK resident.
What happens if I need to change my appointment?
If you need to change your appointment please call the reception team as soon as possible and they will reschedule another time for you. Please note that you will need to give 24-hours’ notic
If I went into one of your surgeries, for example, Staplehurst, can I book an appointment to attend another surgery within the group?
Yes, you can book an appointment with anyone of our surgeries if you walked into a different surgery within the group. However, you can only make telephone bookings
directly with the surgery that you contact
If I transferred from one of your surgeries to another surgery within the group, will my new dentist have access to my previous records?
Yes, your new dentist can have all the records transferred in order to ensure the continuity of your treatment and care.
Including talking to the previous dentist on your behalf.
How often should I see the dentist for a check-up and cleaning?
Most children and adults should see their dentist for a regular cleaning and check up every six months. People at greater risk for oral diseases should have dental check-ups more than twice a year. Tobacco and alcohol use, diabetes, pregnancy, periodontal and gum disease, poor oral hygiene and certain medical conditions are some of the many factors that your dentist takes into consideration when deciding how often you need your dental cleaning and check-up.
What methods of payment do you accept?
You can pay by credit and debit card, cheque or cash after your treatment.
Do you have facilities for disabled people, such as wheel chair access?
Yes, all our Practices are designed to enable ease of access to disabled people and our staff are well trained to assist our patients, as required.
What do I do in an emergency?
If you are in pain during surgery hours please telephone and we will make every effort to accommodate you on the day. If you are in pain outside surgery hours a message on the answer phone will detail our emergency out of hours arrangements. This number is as follows for the respective practices:
Ashford – 01634 890300
Forestgate – 111
Gravesend – 01634 890300
Mottingham – 111
Orpington – 111
Staplehurst – 01634 890300
What do I have to pay if I am registered for NHS services with you?
If you are in one of the following categories, you may qualify for full or partial exemption from charges:
- under 18
- 18+ and in full time education
- expectant mother
- mother of child under 1 year old
- family receiving income support
- family tax credits
- low income household
If in doubt, please ask at the reception. If following a check-up you need further treatment, we will give you a treatment plan showing an estimate of the costs involved. This may alter as treatment progresses or as a result of x-rays. Should it change significantly we will inform you.
Still have questions?
For further information with respect to the care from the NHS that we carry out,
Learn more about visiting an NHS Dentist