Your child has been referred into the Community Dental Service by another healthcare professional or yourself.

Please find enclosed an appointment card. This has appointment details on it, such as where to go, what date and the time.

If you require any further advice or information on how to get to the clinic, or any other information about this appointment, please contact the clinic direct using the number on the appointment card.

What will happen at this appointment?

At the first appointment your child will be seen by a dentist who will:

• carry out an examination (look into your child’s mouth)
• discuss the findings and the options you have so that you can make choices for your child’s dental care
• provide a written treatment plan.

Please note that under 18s will receive free treatment.

A referral to a specialist within our service may be needed, for example for sedation or for treatment under general anaesthetic. If this is necessary, you will be involved in the choices for your child’s care.

What should I bring?

You will need to bring up-to-date medical history. This means details of any operations, disabilities and medications that your child takes. Some people like to bring a copy of their child’s repeat prescription form, which is always useful.

Children under 16 must be accompanied by their parents or guardian. Only a parent or person with legal parental responsibility can consent to a child’s treatment.

Who has legal parental responsibility?

• A mother automatically has parental responsibility.
• The child’s father automatically has parental responsibility if he is married to the mother.
• An unmarried father does not have automatic parental responsibility, but may obtain it by:
  1. marrying the mother
  2. making an official parental responsibility agreement with the mother
  3. obtaining parental responsibility from the court
  4. becoming the child’s guardian.
  5. Since 1 December 2003, an unmarried father automatically obtains parental responsibility where he and the mother register the birth of the child together.
• Adoptive parents obtain parental responsibility when a child is adopted.
• Local authorities may obtain parental responsibility in some child protection orders.
• Step parents and same sex partnerships do not have legal parental responsibility unless they have legally obtained it, or unless there is an agreement between the parent(s) and the step parent of the child. This has to be on a particular form and filed with the court to have effect. As of 30 December 2005, this is evidenced by Form C(PRA2).

Can my child attend for treatment on their own?

Once you have seen us and signed a consent form agreeing to a treatment plan, you can then nominate a different responsible adult to attend future appointments with your child.

When will my next appointment be?

Any follow-up dental appointments will be discussed with you and given to you at the time of the assessment.

Will I get treatment at this appointment?

No, this first appointment is only for an assessment and discussion.

Does it matter if my child isn’t brought to their appointment?

Yes. We ask you to give us 24 hours’ notice if your child is unable to attend so that another appointment can be arranged.

If your child is not brought to their appointments repeatedly, we have a duty in the child’s best interest to inform the Safeguarding Service.

Does it matter if my child is late?

Yes. We will not be able to see your child if they are late and a new appointment will need to be arranged.

When will my child’s next appointment be?

The dentist will let you know if another appointment is required and how to make it.

Get in touch

You can contact our Kent or London teams using the details below.