What Really Happens When a Dental Appointment Goes Unused

Last week, someone phoned our practice in pain.

They weren’t a registered patient, but they were desperate to be seen urgently. We checked our diary — every surgery was booked, every clinician was fully scheduled. As much as we wanted to help, we couldn’t offer them an appointment without disrupting the care of our regular patients.

Later that same day, someone else didn’t turn up for their appointment — no call, no message. By the time we realised, it was too late to offer the slot to anyone else — including the person who had called earlier needing urgent help.

Life gets busy. Things change. We understand.

But this is one of many examples that show how missed appointments — even with good reason — can have a real knock-on effect.

So we’d like to share a few things. Not to blame, but to help everyone understand the bigger picture — and how small actions really do make a big difference.

First — A Big Thank You

To all our patients who attend regularly, arrive on time, or give us plenty of notice when they need to reschedule: thank you.

Your reliability helps us run smoothly, reduce delays, and give every patient — including you — the best possible care.

Why 48 Hours’ Notice Makes All the Difference

Sometimes patients do let us know they can’t make it — but only on the day, or the night before.

And while we truly appreciate that effort, it often isn’t enough time for us to offer the space to someone else who may need it — especially for longer appointments.

That’s why we kindly ask for at least 48 working hours’ notice when cancelling or rescheduling.This gives us the opportunity to:

• Offer the slot to someone on our waiting list

• Help patients in pain or needing urgent care

• Keep our schedule running smoothly for everyone

The Bigger Picture

In the past 12 months, we’ve had:

• 223 hours of short-notice cancellations

• 69 hours of failed-to-attend appointments

• That’s 292 clinical hours lost — over six weeks of patient care that couldn’t be delivered

  
  

Even when the chair is empty, the cost of running the surgery is very real — including rent, staffing, equipment, and front desk support.

Last year, we spent over £27,000 operating rooms that weren’t used.

That’s money that could have gone toward:

• New patient technology

• Training and development for our team

• Expanding appointment availability

• Improving your experience with us

It’s Not Just About Us — It’s About Everyone

Every appointment slot is someone’s opportunity to:

• Get out of pain

• Prevent future problems

• Improve their confidence and oral health

  
  

It might be your opportunity — or it might be someone else's.

When we can’t use that time, everyone loses — not just the practice, but the wider patient community too.

How You Can Help

We’re here to make things easy for you — and with a little help from you, we can run even more smoothly.

Here’s what really helps:

• Give us at least 48 working hours’ notice if you can’t attend

• Keep your contact details up to date so reminders reach you

• Let us know if you’re unsure about your availability — we’ll find a time that works better for you

Final Thought

We never take your care for granted — and we’re so grateful to all of you who help us keep things running efficiently.

By attending your appointments — or giving us notice if something changes — you’re helping us:

• Deliver better, more responsive care

• Reduce waiting times

• Keep dental care accessible and affordable for everyone

• Help more patients in pain or in urgent need

  
  

But just as importantly, you’re helping yourself.

Delaying dental care rarely makes things better.

In fact, small issues can often develop into more complex — and costly — problems when left untreated.

Routine appointments protect your long-term health, your comfort, and your confidence.

So whether it’s a dental health review, hygiene visit, or treatment — your commitment to attending helps us care for you now, and prevent problems in the future.

You might not always see the impact, but your commitment makes a huge difference — to us, to others, and to your own wellbeing.

Thank you for being part of our community.

Want to Update Your Details?

Just give us a call or use our online contact form. We’re always happy to help — and together, we can keep things running beautifully.