Common Inquiries at Allen House Dental Practice
Welcome to our FAQ section, where we address the most common questions about our services, accessibility, and policies. Whether you’re a new patient or a regular visitor, we aim to provide clear and helpful information to ensure your experience with us is seamless and stress-free.
Do you have wheelchair access?
Unfortunately, due to the nature of the building and it being grade 2 listed, we have 3 steps to enter the practice and no alternative access wheelchair patients.
Do you have a hearing loop?
Yes, we have a hearing loop at our reception, which can be transferred to the surgeries if required.
Do you have parking?
Unfortunately, we do not have any parking for patients. There are bays in the road that are free for 1 hour, but they are subject to availability. The nearest pay and display car parks are: St Matthews Street Car Park, Crown Car Park, Wolsey Car Park, and Spiral Car park. Please check their websites for availability and charges.
Are you currently taking on new NHS patients?
Up-to-date information is available at this website: https://www.nhs.uk/services/dentist/allen-house-dental-ipswich/XV000358
What happens if I miss an appointment or short notice cancel with less than 48 hours my NHS appointment?
Our practice policy is that any NHS patient who Fails to Attend (FTA) or Short Notice Cancels (SNC) with less than 48 hours’ notice, 2 or more appointments, our practice will no longer be willing to provide treatment under the NHS and the patient will be deregistered from the system. New NHS patients will be removed immediately following and FTAs or SNCs in their first year of registering.
Do I pay for my treatment under the NHS or is it free?
Some patients may be entitled to Free NHS Dental Care. This depends on certain exemptions in the form of benefits. Allen House Dental Ipswich has no way of checking if a benefit is the qualifying amount. It is the responsibility of the patient when signing the FP17PR to make sure you are fully exempt from paying and claiming the correct benefit for your exemption. If you are unsure, it is best to pay the NHS fees, and ask Reception for an HC5 (Refund) form to claim back costs form the NHS. If a patient claims the wrong benefit on the FP17PR form OR is not fully exempt from paying, the NHS BSA (National Health Service – Business Services Authority) will affix a penalty of £100 plus the cost of NHS treatment claimed for free. More information on NHS charges and dental treatments can be found here: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/how-much-will-i-pay-for-nhs-dental-treatment/
I am receiving Universal Credit; do I get my NHS treatment for free?
Possibly. Universal Credit can be a qualifying benefit, but it depends on the individuals’ circumstances and is recalculated following each months’ earnings. Unfortunately, our staff have no way of checking if a patient qualifies for free NHS treatment and you will need to check this prior to your appointment. Our staff will ask you to fill in your FP17PR Claim form upon attendance, and it is the patients’ responsibility to tick the correct box for the correct benefit. If a patient makes an incorrect claim, the NHS BSA (Business Services Authority) will apply a £100 fine plus the cost of the NHS treatment received.
I am a Full-Time Student; do I get my NHS treatment for free?
If you are in full-time education (University or College – Apprenticeships are not considered full-time education) and are 18 years old or younger, you qualify for free treatment under the NHS. If you 19 years old or over, you will have to apply for a qualifying benefit or pay the NHS charges.
Can I have private treatment and still keep my NHS Registration?
Yes. We always advise our patients of both treatment options so they can make an informed decision on their treatment. If a treatment you want to have is not available on the NHS, we will offer you the private option and this will not affect your NHS registration.
Will I see a Dentist at my appointment or a Dental Therapist?
This depends on what you are booked for. You may be booked with a Dental Therapist. Dental Therapists are like seeing a Practice Nurse at your GP. Dental Therapists can do a range of treatments including check-ups, fillings, and deep cleanings, but they may refer you up to a Dentist if you need a more extensive treatment. All our Dental Therapists are Qualified Dentists from abroad who are awaiting to sit the equivalency exam in England for their qualification to carry across. Unfortunately, there is a lack of NHS Dentists in the UK (1000 dentists left the NHS in 2022/2023) and UK legislation is preventing our overseas dentists from working to full capacity in the UK until they complete their equivalency exams. Due to this, we are finding every solution we can to still provide NHS care to our patients.
Do you offer a pay monthly plan for private patients?
Yes, we offer 3 different plans to suits patients’ needs. Plan A* – £15.75pcm – Includes 2x Exams per year, 10% discount on private fees, and the Practice Plan worldwide Payment Scheme that covers you for emergency appointments out-of-office hours or abroad. Plan B* – £23.75pcm – Includes 2x Exams per year, 2x Hygiene (standard) appointments per year, 10% discount on private fees, and the Practice Plan worldwide Payment Scheme that covers you for emergency appointments out-of-office hours or abroad. Plan C* – £13.75pcm – Includes ONLY 2x Hygiene (standard) appointments per year, and the Practice Plan worldwide Payment Scheme that covers you for emergency appointments out-of-office hours or abroad. This plan is ideal for NHS patients who would like to enhance their care.
For further details or to join one of our fantastic plans, speak to our Reception Team Today!
*You will need to be paying into the Practice Plan of your choice for 6 months for it to be active.
I would like to book a private treatment appointment; will I need to pay a deposit?
When booking a private treatment appointment, a 50% deposit is payable upon booking. When booking a private Hygiene appointment, a £50 deposit is payable upon booking. Any missed private appointments or short-notice-cancellations in less than 48 hours’ will receive a minimum £50/30mins charge or loss of deposit.
Is my private deposit transferable or refundable?
If you cancel with more than 48 hours’ notice, we will automatically apply your deposit to your new appointment. If you cancel and do not rebook, but have given more than 48 hours’ notice and need a refund, please speak to our Reception Team. Any short-notice-cancellations or missed appointments will incur a fee or loss of deposit.
Do you offer any finance options on private treatment?
Yes. 0% interest free is available through Chrysalis Finance for treatments over £500, subject to terms and conditions. An administration fee will apply.
Do you offer emergency appointments for patients who are not registered with you practice?
Yes. We can offer to see patients on a private emergency basis. There is a charge of £100 for the assessment and this is payable upon booking as a non-refundable deposit. Further treatment may incur a further private cost depending on individual patient needs.
