It’s becoming a new norm in some offices: arrive late, and not only do you risk missing your appointment—you might get charged anyway. For one local mom, showing up 30 minutes late to her dental appointment sparked a fiery meltdown and ended with police being called—and her being banned from the office.
What Happened?
Staff at a Portsmouth dental office reported a commotion after a mother arrived half an hour late for a scheduled teeth cleaning—for herself and her children.
Employees told her they couldn’t fit her in due to the delay but offered to see the kids instead. The mom reportedly lost her temper, creating a scene before storming out.
Afterwards, the office decided to send her a trespass notice—effectively barring her from returning—and asked police to document the incident.
The New Reality: Late = Charged & Canceled
Many medical and dental offices now operate on tight schedules and strict cancellation policies to avoid lost revenue. Some even charge fees for late arrivals or no-shows, regardless of whether services are rendered.
How to Handle Being Late (Without Losing Your Cool)
- Call ahead if you’re running late. Some offices can still accommodate you if they know in advance.
- Understand the policy. Ask about cancellation and late fees when you book your appointment.
- Be flexible. If you can’t get your appointment, see if they can reschedule or offer a partial service.
- Stay calm. Getting upset rarely helps and can lead to being banned or worse.
Bottom Line
In today’s fast-paced world, being on time isn’t just polite—it’s essential. And offices are no longer afraid to enforce that—with consequences for those who don’t respect the clock.
So next time you’re running late, pick up the phone first. Your smile—and your standing with the office—may depend on it.
