The dentist struck off my 4 year old son

[Cornishcharm]

Ok so, in October I had to rearrange my sons dentist appointment because it was his first parents evening. I gave a weeks notice and rearranged for November.

We were about to leave for my sons appointment and he wants to go for a poo. So I called the dentist and explained that we were going to be late (15 minutes max). I asked if he could still be seen i.e. let other patients go first or if that wasn't possible could I rearrange it.

Now I hate cancelling like that and the only other time I have had the cancel his appointment previously was when he had D&V and I wasn't able to give 24 hours notice.

The receptionist told me that I couldn't bring him as he wouldn't be seen and that he had been struck off.

We have never received and formal notice that he could be struck off.

I have submitted a formal complaint about this, which I should hear back from by the 25th November.

AIBU to think that can't strike a 4 year old off without any warning? Does anybody know what the rules are with NHS dentists (I know they operate a 2 strikes and your out).

Thanks

[Tolleshunt]

Rearranging with some notice is not a big deal at all, and may even be helpful, as it may allow emergencies to be squeezed in. The short notice ones will be more problematic, but penalising for d&v is ridiculous.

Ask the dentist for his/her revolutionary tips on how to avert d&v/schedule it for a more convenient time. Medical schools and journals around the world will be clamouring to hear about it, and if (s)/he can patent it they will be able to retire before Christmas.

[havingtochangeusernameagain]

I also think penalising for D&V is ridiculous. Did they really want the OP to take her son in and give everyone a bug? She can suggest doing that next time and see what they say!. I know the same policy applies to hospital appointments, two strikes and you are out, even if you cancel with plenty of notice and not on the day.

15 mins for a poo is a long time Depends on the child, surely?

[Tolleshunt]

I know the same policy applies to hospital appointments, two strikes and you are out, even if you cancel with plenty of notice and not on the day.

Outrageous, given they just dish out an appointment (sometimes at very short notice), and give the patient no chance to choose a doable tome, or even express a preference.

[VenusTiger]

@spanglydangly yeas, I never thought of that - I’m too honest [grins] and yes you’re right, she shouldn’t have left it till the last minute to leave the house.

[VenusTiger]

*yes not yeas

[Gingerkittykat]

My NHS dentist charges for no shows or cancelling at very short notice, I think it is £15. Can you phone the practice and offer to pay a cancellation fee and see if that makes a difference?

[PixieDustt]

You don't need to pay a cancellation fee as he is child and under the NHS meaning his treatment is free.

At the practice I work put it is 2 strikes and you're out (tbh unless they are really bad at attending we usually let the 2 slide for certain reasons).
You have to receive a letter for the first missed appointment and one for the second short notice missed appointment. They can't just strike you off without it in writing. Take it up with the practice manager - ask for a meeting.