Failed To Attend Policy

D11Dental clinic policy: Failed to attend (FTA) and late cancellation fees:

Policy Reference: Clin-02
Effective Date: 25-08-2026

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1. Purpose

To minimize lost clinical time, manage the waiting list efficiently, and recover operational costs associated with missed or late-cancelled appointments.
 

2. Scope

This policy applies to all private and medical card (DTSS) patients booked at D11Dental.
(While the HSE does not pay for missed appointments under the DTSS contract, practices are legally entitled to charge medical card patients a private FTA fee and late cancellation fee)
 

3. Core Policy Rules
 

* Cancellation Window: Patients must give a minimum 24 hours notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment.
* The fee: A flat fee of €40 will be applied to the patient's account if they:

1. Fail to attend their schedule appointment without notice (no show)
2. Cancel or reschedule their appointment with less than 24 hours notice.

Applying the fee (Post-Appointment)

* The 15-Minuite Rule: If a patient is more than 15 minutes late without calling ahead, the are marked as "Failed to Attend"

* Log the Fee: Reception must update the patient file in the software, change the appointment status to "FTA" or "Late Cancelled", and apply th €40 charge to the account balance.
 

Exemptions & Discretion
 

* Sudden illness or documented medical emergency

* Severe travel disruptions or extreme weather events

* Bereavement

* Note: All waivers must be authorized by the Principle dentist/Practice manager and noted.