poss struck off at dentist - excuses needed - Advice

asp746 · 11-11-2009, 05:12

omg, i just woke up at 5am and realised i had a family apt yesterday which i forgot

i knew it was around the 11th but am convinced it was the 10th. Trouble is, we all went a few months back but my name didn't get called so i assumed it was just the kids had an apt and then got the dreaded letter a week later.

yesterday it was the 3 of us so it will mean i've missed twice and the kids once. i am gutted - work is sooo busy and i just genuinely overlooked it. what could i possibly say to the dentist to avoid getting struck off. i was wondering if we all troup in today at the right time and act innocent like i was told it was today? the kids will be ok cos they'll only be on their first warning but i will be stuffed.

i've been with the dentist for 15yrs so will they take my track record into account?

grumpyscot · 11-11-2009, 07:24

I find honesty is the best policy. Simply phone then, say you got things totally confused and ask if will be possible to book another appointment as you really want to stay with this dentist - he's been so good and the kids feel really comfortable with him etc (asuming it's a "he"!). And offer to pay for the missed appointment. Most likely they'll keep you on.

I wouldn't try to palm him off with feeble excuses or lies - they'll only come back to haunt you.

sazzysuzie · 11-11-2009, 07:26

My dentist usually just fines me £10 or £20, cant remember.

Just say you over looked it, it happens.

fainéant · 11-11-2009, 08:25

I get a text message from my dentist the day before an appointment. Perhaps you could ask if there are any plans to introduce that service.

Jaxxfan · 11-11-2009, 09:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by fainéant

I get a text message from my dentist the day before an appointment. Perhaps you could ask if there are any plans to introduce that service.

Blimmin hell - they'll be offering to come to your house next!

fainéant · 11-11-2009, 09:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaxxfan

Blimmin hell - they'll be offering to come to your house next!

The appointments are all computerised and the text goes out automatically. Very simple to do once the appointment system is automated.

susie-4964 · 11-11-2009, 10:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by fainéant

The appointments are all computerised and the text goes out automatically. Very simple to do once the appointment system is automated.

My dentist does that as well. I'm pretty good at keeping my diary up to date, but the text messages are really helpful, in case (like the OP) I've convinced myself I'm supposed to be going on another day/time. The text comes in 2 days before the appointment. If you do miss an appointment, I think you get fined.

dome · 11-11-2009, 10:28

The receptionist phones me the day before to remind us of the appointment we booked 6 months before.

asp746 · 11-11-2009, 17:47

thanks guys - didn't have the apt at home which was why i wasnt sure of when it was but in work by calendar said it was today and boy am i mightily relieved.

it does seem harsh getting two strikes and your out esp when they know you're track record so they should fine like someone else suggested a text service so i'll ring tomorrow and see if they offer that service.

relieved to say the least and its been good for the kids to see the importance of keeping to times and consequences of missing them.

11-11-2009, 05:12	#1
asp746 Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 2,741	poss struck off at dentist - excuses needed omg, i just woke up at 5am and realised i had a family apt yesterday which i forgot i knew it was around the 11th but am convinced it was the 10th. Trouble is, we all went a few months back but my name didn't get called so i assumed it was just the kids had an apt and then got the dreaded letter a week later. yesterday it was the 3 of us so it will mean i've missed twice and the kids once. i am gutted - work is sooo busy and i just genuinely overlooked it. what could i possibly say to the dentist to avoid getting struck off. i was wondering if we all troup in today at the right time and act innocent like i was told it was today? the kids will be ok cos they'll only be on their first warning but i will be stuffed. i've been with the dentist for 15yrs so will they take my track record into account?

11-11-2009, 07:24	#2
grumpyscot Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Edinburgh Posts: 1,154	I find honesty is the best policy. Simply phone then, say you got things totally confused and ask if will be possible to book another appointment as you really want to stay with this dentist - he's been so good and the kids feel really comfortable with him etc (asuming it's a "he"!). And offer to pay for the missed appointment. Most likely they'll keep you on. I wouldn't try to palm him off with feeble excuses or lies - they'll only come back to haunt you.

11-11-2009, 07:26	#3
sazzysuzie Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Home Services: Virgin Media V+ Posts: 801 Blog Entries: 5	My dentist usually just fines me £10 or £20, cant remember. Just say you over looked it, it happens.

11-11-2009, 08:25	#4
fainéant Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 1,352	I get a text message from my dentist the day before an appointment. Perhaps you could ask if there are any plans to introduce that service.

11-11-2009, 10:28	#8
dome Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 29,752	The receptionist phones me the day before to remind us of the appointment we booked 6 months before.

11-11-2009, 17:47	#9
asp746 Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 2,741	thanks guys - didn't have the apt at home which was why i wasnt sure of when it was but in work by calendar said it was today and boy am i mightily relieved. it does seem harsh getting two strikes and your out esp when they know you're track record so they should fine like someone else suggested a text service so i'll ring tomorrow and see if they offer that service. relieved to say the least and its been good for the kids to see the importance of keeping to times and consequences of missing them.