Dental new patient intake procedure
SOP template
Check this template against your local regulations and your own policies before you use it.
| SOP no. | Version | Effective date | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Owner | Approver | Review date |
Purpose
To make sure every new patient’s details, medical history and consent are complete before treatment, and kept up to date at each visit.
Scope
Every new patient, and every returning patient at each check-up.
Responsibilities
| Role | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Receptionist | Books the patient, sends and checks forms, and explains fees and privacy. |
| Dentist | Reviews the medical history and gets consent before treatment. |
Procedure
Take the booking
Record the patient’s name, contact details, the reason for the visit and any pain or urgency.
Send the forms
Send the registration, medical history and privacy forms to complete before the visit.
Check the forms on arrival
Check every question is answered, and ask about anything left blank, such as medications or allergies.
Explain fees and privacy
Explain how fees and payment work, and how the practice uses and protects their information.
Review the history
The dentist reviews the history with the patient before any treatment, and flags allergies and conditions in the record.
Caution: Ask especially about blood thinners, heart conditions, allergies, pregnancy and bisphosphonates, which can change treatment.
Get consent
Explain the proposed treatment, its risks and costs, and record the patient’s consent.
Update the history each visit
Ask returning patients at every visit whether their health or medications have changed.
Records
- Signed registration, medical history and privacy forms.
- The consent record for each treatment.
Related documents
- Medical emergency procedure
Revision history
| Version | Date | What changed | Approved by |
|---|---|---|---|
