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Published :

December 30, 2025

At Smart Dental Care, we understand that life can be busy, and sometimes appointments may be missed for genuine reasons.

When a Child Is Not Brought to Their Dental Appointment: Understanding Our Duty of Care

At Smart Dental Care, we understand that life can be busy, and sometimes appointments may be missed for genuine reasons. However, when a child or young person is not brought to their dental appointment, it’s important for us to follow up — not just for dental health, but also for their overall wellbeing.

In line with NICE guidelines and NHS safeguarding responsibilities, dental professionals have a duty of care to ensure that every child receives appropriate health care and that patterns of missed appointments are not overlooked.

Regular dental visits are vital to prevent tooth decay, pain, and infection. If a child misses an appointment, our team will:

  1. Contact the parent or carer to rearrange the appointment.
  2. Send a letter if we can’t reach the family by phone.
  3. Inform relevant professionals (such as the GP, school nurse, or health visitor) if repeated appointments are missed or concerns arise.

This process helps us safeguard children’s health and support families who may be facing challenges accessing care.

If your child has missed an appointment, please contact us as soon as possible to rebook. We’re here to help make it easy to attend and to keep your child’s smile healthy.

Contact the practice directly or visit our website to rearrange your child’s appointment online.

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