Another toothy story ...

[mouseymousey99]

Hello - I haven't posted this on the other thread as I think this is a different question & I don't want to hijack the op's thread.....

Toothsmith - Sir/Madam,I beleive you are a dentist?? So maybe you or someone can help? I lost a side tooth about 4 years ago (BBQ Sardine) when the crown broke off. I have a very good NHS dentist, who asked if there is any pain - no; in which case he can't repair it as its 'cosmetic' & outside NHS legisaltion (fair enough).
My old dentist (non NHS) had a look at it and estimated £600. Way beyond what I can afford. I was wondering if you think any dentist would do it for me if I paid in stages? I know what you are going to say ask - I will - but it had never entered my head before that anyone would.I'm quite conscious of it, and way beyond an oil painting; but its one of those things when we win the Lotto etc etc (oh happy day).
Many thanks.

[dmg24]

Yes, some dentists will accept payments in instalments. However, some will ask that you go through a finance company, so potentially incurring interest on the 'loan'.

[mouseymousey99]

Yip thats pretty much what I thought....very socially levelling these days - those with good teeth are either American or have a good job!

[Toothsmith]

Sorry - for some reason this thread hasn't shown up on the searches I do until this morning!

It really is up to individual dentists as to how they accept payment.

Personally, I wouldn't on a new patient, but if it was a patient I'd known for some time, then I might.

I do offer a finance scheme though, and that's an interest free one. It costs me about 6% of the total loan (I get 6% less than the amount the patient borrows) but for me - that's worth it to get all the money in one go, and have someone else worry about getting the repayments.

There are several different companies offering such loans for medical/dental purposes, so worth checking if your dentist is offering one.

In order to be able to offer it though, the dentist does need a consumer credit licence, which isn't expensive to get, but does involve jumping through a few hoops!

[alison999]

at ours you can pay in installments but it need to be paid before you can start treatment