PERMANENT PRACTICE CLOSURE- 30th November 2023

 

Dear Patients,

 

Sadly, I am writing to inform you that due to rising costs, it is no longer financially viable to keep the dental practice open. The NHS dental contract held at this practice will cease to offer dental treatment to patients from 30th November 2023 and we will not be converting to a Private Practice.

 

This means that as a patient who has previously accessed the service here, you will need to find an alternative practice for NHS dental care going forward. I apologise for any inconvenience and distress this may cause and hope you will be able to find other NHS dental providers accepting NHS patients in your area. 

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We are unable to recommend another NHS surgery to you

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Once  Dr Finley has finalised her plans, we will update this site to let you know.

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Dr Hart will continue to work in Daventry in private practice.

Please contact us if you would like these details.

 

Dental Charges

 

Patients are advised that under NHS regulations, you may incur further dental charges payable to your new dentist (unless you meet the criteria for exemption from NHS dental charges) in the following circumstances:

• If you need to have any outstanding treatment completed with your new dentist. 

• Where you would have been entitled to a free continuation of treatment at the same or lower band within two months of completion of your last course of treatment.

• Where you would have been entitled to a free repair or replacement

• If you experience a problem with dental work completed by ourselves. 

• If you have a checkup or an emergency appointment with us before we close and require further treatment as a result of this, we may not be able to complete this for you. Again, you will incur further charges from your new dentist including another examination fee.

 

Unfortunately, current NHS regulations do not permit an alternative to this

 

If you are in the middle of a course of treatment:

We will do our very best to complete outstanding treatments where possible. 

 

Dental Records:

In line with the NHS Code of Practice for records management, we will ensure the safe storage, retention and appropriate disposal of your records.  Your records will not transfer to your new dentist as they will perform a full examination and medical history when you attend for your first appointment.

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Accessing NHS dental services:

 

To help you find another NHS dental provider, you can search online using www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-dentist

If you are unable to find a dentist and you want to raise your concerns about this, contact your local integrated care board (ICB).

If you're still not satisfied with the Integrated Care Board's (ICB's) response, you can take your complaint to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.

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Finally, I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks for all your support over the years. 

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Yours sincerely,

Dr Fiona Smart