Appointment time is reserved especially for you.
When you book with Waiata Shores Dental, your appointment time, clinician, team support and surgery space are allocated in advance. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please give us enough notice so that time can be offered to another patient.
Your appointment is more than a diary slot.
When you book with us, your clinician’s time, surgery room, preparation, sterilisation and support team are all allocated in advance. Late changes and missed appointments make it harder for other patients to access care and create a real cost to the practice.
All appointments are confirmed bookings
Including recall appointments booked with your consent at a previous visit or through our team.
Reminders do not cancel appointments
Texts and emails are a courtesy only. It is still your responsibility to attend or contact us to change your booking.
Cancellation fees are private fees
They are not covered by ACC, WINZ, OHSA, insurance or government funding.
How cancellation fees work.
Notice is counted back from your appointment start time. Messages sent after hours are treated as received on the next business day.
| Notice given | What applies |
|---|---|
| 2+ business days’ notice | No fee |
| 24–48 hours’ notice | 50% of the scheduled appointment fee or $129, whichever is higher |
| Less than 24 hours’ notice | 100% of the scheduled appointment fee or $129, whichever is higher |
| Failure to attend / no-show | 100% of the scheduled appointment fee or $129, whichever is higher |
Recall appointments count as real bookings
If your next check-up, hygiene visit or review was booked with your consent, it is treated like any other confirmed appointment.
Late arrivals may need rescheduling
If you are more than 10–15 minutes late, there may not be enough time to complete treatment safely, and the appointment may be treated as a late cancellation.
Please keep your details current
Missed texts or emails due to roaming, spam filters, number changes or travel do not remove responsibility for the booking.
Emergencies may be reviewed compassionately
If something serious and unexpected happens, we may consider reducing or waiving the fee at our discretion. Supporting documentation may be requested.
Parents and guardians remain responsible
Missed appointments for children and adolescents are not covered by OHSA, ACC or public funding and must be paid privately.
Repeated missed appointments may affect future bookings
Two late cancellations or no-shows may require prepayment. Three may lead to a review of ongoing care at the practice.
By booking or attending, you agree to this policy.
By booking or attending an appointment with Waiata Shores Dental, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agreed to this Appointment, Cancellation & Financial Responsibility Policy.