Introduction
These Terms and Conditions govern your use of dental services provided by G Dental and your use of our website. By booking an appointment, receiving treatment, or using our website, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
About Our Practice
G Dental provides general and specialist dental services to patients in accordance with the standards set by the Dental Board of Australia and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Our dental practitioners are registered with AHPRA and maintain appropriate professional indemnity insurance.
Appointments and Attendance
Booking Appointments
- Appointments can be made by phone, email, or through our website
- When booking, we require your name, contact details, and preferred appointment time
- By booking an appointment, you reserve that time exclusively for your care
Appointment Reminders
- We provide courtesy appointment reminders via SMS, email, or phone
- These reminders are a courtesy service only
- You remain responsible for remembering and attending your appointment
- Failure to receive a reminder does not excuse non-attendance
Cancellations and Rescheduling
- We require at least 48 hours (2 business days) notice for cancellations or rescheduling
- Short notice cancellations (less than 48 hours) may incur a cancellation fee
- Late cancellations or missed appointments may be charged at the rate of the scheduled appointment time
- In case of illness or emergency, please contact us as soon as possible
Missed Appointments
- Failure to attend a scheduled appointment without notice may result in a fee
- Repeated missed appointments may affect our ability to offer future appointments
- The practice reserves the right to require deposits for future appointments after missed appointments
Informed Consent
Treatment Consent
Before any dental treatment, we will:
- Explain the proposed treatment options available to you
- Discuss the benefits, risks, and expected outcomes of each option
- Provide cost estimates for treatment options
- Inform you of treatment timeframes
- Answer your questions in a manner you can understand
- Provide sufficient time for you to make an informed decision
Consent Process
- Initial examination and consultation appointments require signed consent
- Major or invasive treatments require specific written consent
- You have the right to involve family members, carers, or advisors in your decision-making
- You may decline or withdraw consent at any time
Second Opinions
- We encourage patients to seek second opinions for extensive or invasive treatments
- We will provide copies of your records to facilitate second opinions upon request
Treatment and Clinical Care
Scope of Practice
- Our practitioners only perform treatments within their scope of practice and competence
- We may refer you to specialists when treatment falls outside our scope
- Referrals are arranged by our practice, but you are responsible for booking specialist appointments
Emergency Care
- In dental emergencies, we will do our best to accommodate you as soon as possible
- For after-hours emergencies, please contact emergency dental services or your nearest hospital
Adverse Events and Complications
- If complications occur during or after treatment, we will follow our open disclosure process
- We will explain what has occurred, provide appropriate support, and develop a management plan
- All incidents are documented in your clinical records
Fees and Payment
Payment Terms
- Payment is required at the time of treatment unless prior arrangements have been made
- We accept cash, EFTPOS, credit cards, and approved payment plans
- Treatment estimates are provided before major work commences
- Fees are subject to change and will be communicated to you in advance
Health Insurance and Medicare
- We participate in HICAPS for immediate health fund claiming where applicable
- You are responsible for understanding your health fund coverage and gap payments
- Medicare benefits may apply to eligible services for children and eligible adults
- It is your responsibility to verify your coverage with your health fund
Outstanding Accounts
- Overdue accounts may be referred to a debt collection agency
- You will be responsible for any collection costs incurred
- Further treatment may be withheld until outstanding accounts are settled
Payment Plans
- Payment plans may be available for extensive treatment through approved providers
- Third-party payment plan terms and conditions apply
- Approval is at the discretion of the payment plan provider
Patient Records
Record Keeping
We maintain clinical records, including:
- Medical and dental history
- Clinical examination findings
- Treatment plans and notes
- X-rays and diagnostic images
- Correspondence with other practitioners
- Consent forms and communications
Access to Records
- You may request access to your records by completing a written request
- Records will be provided within 30 days of your request
- A fee may apply for copying and preparing records
- We may withhold access in limited circumstances as permitted by law
Transfer of Records
- To transfer your records to another dental practice, you must complete a Record Release Authority Form
- Records can be sent electronically or collected in person
- We retain copies of transferred records in accordance with legal requirements
Record Retention
- Clinical records are retained for at least seven years from your last visit
- For patients under 18, records are retained until the patient turns 25 years of age
- After this period, records may be securely destroyed or de-identified
Patient Rights and Responsibilities
Your Rights
As our patient, you have the right to:
- Receive safe, high-quality dental care
- Be treated with respect and dignity
- Access your health information
- Privacy and confidentiality
- Give informed consent or refuse treatment
- Complain about your care or treatment
- Have a support person present during consultations
Your Responsibilities
As our patient, you agree to:
- Provide accurate and complete health information
- Attend scheduled appointments or provide appropriate notice
- Follow treatment instructions and recommendations
- Pay for services provided
- Treat our staff with courtesy and respect
- Inform us of any changes to your health, contact details, or insurance
Complaints and Feedback
Making a Complaint
If you have concerns about your treatment or our services:
- Please raise your concerns with us directly first
- We will investigate complaints thoroughly and respond promptly
- Our complaints process is confidential and fair
External Complaints
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact:
- The Dental Board of Australia
- The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
- Your state or territory health complaints commissioner
- The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (for privacy matters)
Website Use
General Use
- Our website provides general information about dental health and our services
- Information on the website is not tailored medical or dental advice
- You should consult a registered dentist for advice specific to your circumstances
- We are not responsible for information on linked third-party websites
Online Bookings
- Online booking systems are provided for your convenience
- You are responsible for providing accurate information when booking
- Confirmation of bookings will be sent via email or SMS
- Please contact us if you do not receive confirmation
Intellectual Property
- All content on our website is owned by or licensed to G Dental
- You may not reproduce, modify, or distribute website content without permission
- Our name, logo, and branding are protected trademarks
Privacy
Your privacy is important to us. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for detailed information about how we collect, use, and protect your personal and health information.
Limitation of Liability
To the extent permitted by law:
- We are not liable for any indirect, consequential, or special losses
- Our liability is limited to the cost of the treatment provided
- Nothing in these terms excludes rights under the Australian Consumer Law
Professional Conduct
Our practitioners are bound by:
- The Dental Board of Australia’s Code of Conduct
- Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency guidelines
- Professional and ethical obligations of confidentiality
- Continuing professional development requirements
Changes to Terms
We reserve the right to update these Terms and Conditions from time to time. The current version will be available on our website and at our practice. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of any updated terms.
Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of Victoria, Australia. Any disputes will be subject to the jurisdiction of Victorian courts.
Contact Information
For questions about these Terms and Conditions, please contact:
G- Dental
Email:[email protected]
Phone: 03 9435 6063
Address: 137 Grimshaw Street, Greenborough, Melbourne, Vic 3088, Australia
Acknowledgment
By using our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions and our Privacy Policy.
