Terms & Conditions

Last updated: 5 May 2026

1. About These Terms

These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) govern your use of the services provided by Dr Nthabiseng Mathethe Dental Surgery (“the Practice”), located at 53 Mimosa Avenue, Proclamation Hill, Pretoria, 0183. By booking an appointment or receiving treatment at the Practice, you agree to these Terms. The Practice is registered with and regulated by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

2. Appointments

2.1 Booking

Appointments may be made online, by telephone or via WhatsApp. A booking is confirmed only once you receive written or verbal confirmation from the Practice.

2.2 Cancellation and Rescheduling

We ask for a minimum of 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule a routine appointment, and 48 hours’ notice for specialist, surgical or lengthy treatment appointments. Cancellations made with less notice, or failure to attend without notice (“no-shows”), may result in:

• A cancellation fee of up to R300 for routine appointments
• A cancellation fee of up to R500 for specialist or surgical bookings
• Suspension of future online booking privileges in repeated cases

2.3 Punctuality

Please arrive 5 to 10 minutes before your scheduled time. Patients arriving more than 15 minutes late may be asked to reschedule if insufficient time remains to complete treatment safely. We will make every effort to accommodate you; however, the Practice cannot guarantee completion of all planned treatment within a shortened session.

2.4 Appointment Reminders

The Practice sends courtesy reminders by SMS, email or WhatsApp. Non-receipt of a reminder does not relieve the patient of the obligation to attend or to provide timely cancellation notice.

3. Treatment

3.1 Informed Consent

No treatment will proceed without your informed consent. Before any procedure, the dentist will explain the proposed treatment, material alternatives, associated risks and estimated costs. You have the right to ask questions and to decline any treatment at any time.

3.2 Treatment Estimates

Quotes provided before treatment begin are estimates only and may change if the clinical situation differs from initial findings (for example, if an X-ray reveals additional decay or complications). Any change in scope will be communicated and consented to before proceeding.

3.3 Clinical Judgement

The dentist exercises professional clinical judgement guided by HPCSA ethical rules and evidence-based practice. The Practice does not guarantee specific aesthetic outcomes. Digital simulations, photographs or verbal descriptions of expected results are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute a contractual promise of outcome.

3.4 Referrals

Where a procedure is outside the scope of services offered at the Practice, or where specialist care is in the patient’s best interest, you will be referred to an appropriate practitioner. The Practice accepts no liability for the acts or omissions of any independent specialist or third-party provider.

4. Minors and Patients Under Guardianship

4.1 Patients Under 18

A parent or legal guardian must accompany any patient under 18 years of age and must provide written consent before treatment. The accompanying adult is responsible for payment.

4.2 Patients Who Lack Capacity

Where a patient lacks the mental capacity to consent, a legal guardian, curator or spouse (as applicable under South African law) must provide consent on the patient’s behalf.

5. Payment

5.1 Payment at Time of Service

Unless a prior arrangement has been made, payment is due at the time of treatment. We accept cash, EFT and all major credit and debit cards.

5.2 Medical Aid Patients

Where you are a member of a medical aid scheme, the Practice will submit your claim directly to your scheme. You remain personally liable for:

• Any amount not covered by your scheme (co-payments, benefit exhaustion, non-covered procedures)
• Amounts rejected due to incorrect or incomplete information provided by you
• Any portion disallowed as a result of your scheme rules

It is your responsibility to understand your own scheme’s benefits and exclusions. The Practice cannot guarantee that any procedure will be covered.

5.3 Accounts in Arrears

Unpaid accounts attract interest at the maximum prescribed rate under the National Credit Act. The Practice reserves the right to refer overdue accounts to a collections agent. Collection costs are for the account of the patient.

5.4 Receipts

Official tax invoices and receipts are issued on request and are required for medical aid claims.

6. Health and Safety

6.1 Patient Responsibility

Patients must disclose all relevant medical conditions, current medications (including supplements), allergies and previous adverse reactions to dental treatment. Failure to disclose relevant information may affect the safety and efficacy of treatment and the Practice accepts no liability for adverse outcomes resulting from non-disclosure.

6.2 Infection Control

The Practice maintains strict infection control protocols in accordance with HPCSA guidelines. All instruments are sterilised between patients and single-use items are disposed of appropriately.

6.3 Infectious Conditions

Patients with known active infectious conditions (including but not limited to active respiratory infections, herpes labialis or hepatitis) should notify the Practice before attending. We reserve the right to postpone elective treatment in the interest of staff and other patient safety.

7. Complaints

We are committed to resolving concerns promptly and fairly. If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of your care:

1. Raise the matter directly with the treating dentist or practice manager in the first instance.
2. If unresolved, submit a written complaint to thabzmathethe@gmail.com. We will acknowledge within 3 business days and aim to resolve within 21 days.
3. If still unresolved, you may escalate to the HPCSA (www.hpcsa.co.za) or seek independent legal advice.

8. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by South African law:

• The Practice’s liability for any claim arising from treatment is limited to the fees paid for the specific procedure giving rise to the claim.
• The Practice accepts no liability for indirect, consequential or special damages.
• Nothing in these Terms limits liability for death or personal injury caused by gross negligence or wilful misconduct as regulated by the HPCSA.

9. Privacy and Records

The handling of your personal and health information is governed by our Privacy Policy, which forms part of these Terms and is incorporated by reference.

10. Website Use

The information on this website is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional dental or medical advice. Do not delay seeking professional care based on anything you read on this website. In a dental emergency, call us directly or attend your nearest emergency facility.

11. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any dispute that cannot be resolved amicably will be referred to the jurisdiction of the Magistrate’s Court or High Court with appropriate jurisdiction in Gauteng.

12. Changes to These Terms

The Practice may update these Terms from time to time. The current version is always published on our website. Continued use of our services after an update constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

Dr Nthabiseng Mathethe Dental Surgery, HPCSA Registered