Treatment Terms and Conditions
These Terms and Conditions apply to all general dental and orthodontic treatment provided by the dentists and OHTs at Beautiful Smile Dental Surgery
By booking or attending an appointment, patients acknowledge that they have read and understood these Terms and Conditions.
1. Treatment and Clinical Care
All treatment provided by the practice is based on clinical assessment and professional judgement by the treating dentist.
Treatment recommendations, procedures, timelines, and fees may change where clinically necessary due to findings during treatment, changes in oral condition, or patient compliance.
While all reasonable care and skill will be exercised, dental and orthodontic treatment outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
2. Fees, Payments, Health Funds, and Offers
Payment is required on the day of treatment unless otherwise approved by the practice in writing.
For ongoing or staged treatments, payments must be kept up to date according to the payment schedule provided.
Patients are responsible for all gap payments, co-payments, and any amounts not covered by Medicare, private health funds, or third-party providers. Health fund rebates are subject to individual fund rules, limits, and eligibility.
Overdue accounts may result in:
- postponement or suspension of treatment,
- cancellation of future appointments,
- withholding of retainers, appliances, or ongoing treatment, and/or
- referral to a debt collection agency or legal recovery process.
Any reasonable debt recovery, administrative, or legal costs permitted by law may also be charged to the patient.
Discounts, promotional offers, or special pricing are provided at the discretion of the practice and may be subject to conditions or expiry dates. Offers cannot be combined unless stated otherwise and may be withdrawn if payments are overdue or treatment is discontinued.
3. Missed Appointments and Cancellations
Patients are expected to attend appointments on time and provide adequate notice for cancellations or rescheduling.
The practice reserves the right to charge cancellation or failed appointment fees for:
- missed appointments,
- repeated short-notice cancellations, or
- late attendance resulting in loss of clinical time.
Longer appointments, including orthodontic bonding, debonding, surgical, or complex treatment appointments, may require additional notice periods for cancellation.
4. Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment duration is an estimate only and may vary depending on:
- patient cooperation,
- oral hygiene,
- appliance care,
- missed appointments,
- growth and biological response, and
- compliance with instructions.
Additional appointments, extended treatment time, or extra fees may apply where treatment is delayed due to non-compliance, repeated appliance breakages, or missed visits.
Patients are responsible for caring for braces, aligners, retainers, and other appliances. Damage, loss, or misuse may result in additional charges.
Following completion of orthodontic treatment, retainers must be worn as instructed to minimise relapse. Tooth movement after treatment is a known risk, particularly where retainers are not worn consistently.
5. Oral Hygiene and Patient Responsibilities
Patients are responsible for maintaining appropriate oral hygiene and following instructions provided by the treating dentist.
Poor oral hygiene, smoking, dietary habits, medical conditions, or failure to follow professional advice may negatively affect treatment outcomes and may lead to complications including decay, gum disease, staining, infection, or relapse.
The practice is not responsible for complications arising from failure to follow clinical advice or maintain appropriate oral care.
6. Emergency Care
Patients experiencing pain, swelling, trauma, or orthodontic emergencies should contact the practice as soon as possible.
After-hours concerns may be directed via email with clear photographs where appropriate to assist assessment.
Emergency appointments are subject to clinical availability. Same-day or Saturday emergency appointments cannot be guaranteed.
Patients experiencing severe swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, breathing difficulties, or medical emergencies should seek immediate medical attention or attend the nearest hospital.
7. Treatment Refusal or Discontinuation
The practice reserves the right to refuse, postpone, or discontinue treatment where:
- payments are overdue,
- attendance is inconsistent,
- oral hygiene is inadequate,
- treatment instructions are repeatedly not followed,
- behaviour toward staff is abusive, threatening, or inappropriate, or
- continuing treatment is not considered clinically appropriate.
All treatment completed and costs incurred up to the date of discontinuation remain payable.
8. Refunds
Refund requests will be assessed in accordance with applicable Australian Consumer Law.
Fees relating to completed treatment, clinical time, laboratory work, customised appliances, records, deposits, or materials already ordered or provided may not be refundable.
Approved refunds, where applicable, may be adjusted to account for treatment already completed and associated costs incurred by the practice.
9. Privacy and Communication
Patient information is handled in accordance with applicable Australian privacy laws and professional obligations.
The practice may communicate with patients via phone, SMS, email, or other electronic methods regarding appointments, treatment, accounts, recalls, or practice-related matters.
Patients are responsible for providing current contact details and notifying the practice of any updates.
10. Limitation of Liability
To the extent permitted by law, the practice is not liable for delays, interruptions, or complications arising from:
- patient non-compliance,
- missed appointments,
- failure to follow instructions,
- inaccurate medical histories provided by the patient, or
- factors outside the reasonable control of the practice.
Nothing in these Terms and Conditions excludes rights or guarantees that cannot be excluded under Australian Consumer Law.
Comprehensive Dental Care & Orthodontics
17/254, Pitt St, Merrylands
Ph: 02 9637 8077