An anterior cervical plate and method includes a plurality of retaining slots comprising a first and second hole each adapted to permit bone retaining members to pass partially therethrough and a platform separating the first hole from the second hole. The plate further comprises a pair of locking slides matingly adjacent to one another and adapted to rest on the platform and retain the bone retaining members in the plurality of retaining slots, wherein each the locking slide comprises a deflectable flange and a lip positioned on an opposite side of the deflectable flange, wherein a first locking slide of the pair of locking slides is positioned in an opposite orientation relative to a second locking slide of the pair of locking slides. The deflectable flange of the first locking slide is aligned adjacent to the deflectable flange of the second locking slide.
