We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.

This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
The Forum now has a brand new text editor, adding a bunch of handy features to use when creating posts. Read more in our how-to guide

Another toothy story ...

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.

Comments

  • dmg24
    dmg24 Posts: 33,920 Forumite
    10,000 Posts
    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'.
    Gone ... or have I?
  • 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
    Toothsmith Posts: 10,124 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    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!
    How to find a dentist.
    1. Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbours/etc.
    2. Once you have a short-list, VISIT the practices - dont just phone. Go on the pretext of getting a Practice Leaflet.
    3. Assess the helpfulness of the staff and the level of the facilities.
    4. Only book initial appointment when you find a place you are happy with.
  • alison999
    alison999 Posts: 1,769 Forumite
    at ours you can pay in installments but it need to be paid before you can start treatment
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 354.8K Banking & Borrowing
  • 254.5K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 455.6K Spending & Discounts
  • 247.6K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 604.5K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 178.6K Life & Family
  • 262.2K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.7K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.