Further Information

Emergency Arrangements

This practice is part of an emergency rota with other local dentists in Downham Market and neighboring market towns. Cover is always provided whenever the surgery is closed. This includes evenings, weekends, Bank Holidays, and Christmas etc. If you telephone the surgery you will hear a message on the answer phone which will give you a contact number of the dentist on call.

Treatment for Children

Under normal circumstances children don’t suffer from gum disease. Treatment is therefore aimed firstly at preventing tooth decay. Whether a child suffers from tooth decay or not depends on their inherited susceptibility which varies between and within families and the frequency with which they ingest sugar (not the amount).

We will discuss what you eat and drink with a view to eliminating sugar from your routine daily diet and limiting consumption to special occasions. When this is achieved

tooth decay stops. Attention will be given to your child’s appearance and referral to an orthodontist will be made after discussion when advisable. You can pay fees or join an appropriate Denplan scheme.

Complaints Procedure

We are committed to striving for excellent internal communication and are always open to suggestions and constructive comments and will listen to and deal with any grievances sympathetically and quickly. If any should arise please contact the Practice Manager in the first instance.

Disabled Facilities

The Practice is on the ground floor and has wheelchair access to the waiting room and Surgeries. We also have an ear loop system in place for our hard of hearing patients.
We conform to the new rules on disability that came into effect in October 2004.

Transport

We have a car park situated at the rear of the building. The Train Station is a five-minute walk away, as is the Bus Station, which is situated by the side of Somerfield. Please telephone the receptionists for directions if you are unsure, and they will be happy to help.

Radiography Policy

When an X-ray is taken, the radiation used is potentially harmful. The radiation dose from a dental X-ray is extremely small and the risk is negligible. Nevertheless, X-rays will only be taken when clinically necessary and with your consent following an explanation. Our X-ray machines are modern and comply with current guidelines. We have a contract with the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB), who check the machines regularly. All staff who work in surgeries where an X-ray machine is used, wear a radiation sensitive badge at all times, which is monitored by the NRPB to ensure that all is working as it should be. If you are worried about X-rays, please mention this to the Dentist.