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Dentists can they charge for alterations
balloo_2
Posts: 876 Forumite
Here's something for you guys to ponder over 
My 86yo Dad has just bought a new set of false teeth and they were hurting him so he went back and had them altered my sis picked them up and asked was there a charge and was told no so a week later a bill arrived for £39 and my Dad ignored it another week and a threatening letter arrived so my Dad went to the dentists to enquire and the practice manager came (a right snooty woman) and said he would have to pay because the teeth had to be relined My dad said it should not concern him as the teeth were new and adjustments and alterations should be done free of charge. The pm said as they were booked in for relining he would have to pay and if he didn't he would face prosicution and walked off. Who is in their rights please.
My 86yo Dad has just bought a new set of false teeth and they were hurting him so he went back and had them altered my sis picked them up and asked was there a charge and was told no so a week later a bill arrived for £39 and my Dad ignored it another week and a threatening letter arrived so my Dad went to the dentists to enquire and the practice manager came (a right snooty woman) and said he would have to pay because the teeth had to be relined My dad said it should not concern him as the teeth were new and adjustments and alterations should be done free of charge. The pm said as they were booked in for relining he would have to pay and if he didn't he would face prosicution and walked off. Who is in their rights please. The solving of a problem lies in finding the solvers.
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Comments
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Doesn't your Dad get free dental care because he's over 65?0
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His problem is ignoring the bill for £39. He should have registered his objection immediatelyHi, we’ve had to remove your signature. If you’re not sure why please read the forum rules or email the forum team if you’re still unsure - MSE ForumTeam0
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fluffybunnies wrote: »Doesn't your Dad get free dental care because he's over 65?
You MUST be joking!!! I am lucky enough to have a Dentist who still takes NHS patients - but he still charges !(DH - who is nearly 80 has just paid £16.50 for a check up) And he won't do crowns etc on the NHS so I have to pay full whack for anything like that.
Age doesn't qualify you for free treatment - you only get that if you are on benefits , in jail or are an illegal immigrant/assylum seeker!!!! (and before anyone complains - I am NOT suggesting that all three groups are associated).ELITE 5:2
# 42
11st2lbs down to 9st2lbs - another 5lbs gone due to alcohol abuse (head down toilet syndrome)0 -
DVardysShadow wrote: »His problem is ignoring the bill for £39. He should have registered his objection immediately
I don't quite see that - his family were apparently told there would be no charge for the work. He appears to have objected when he got the bill - he couldn't object earlier cos he didn't know he was going to be charged.
Unfortunately, if he is fortunate to have an NHS dentist, they will probably kick him off their list if he doesn't pay and he may have trouble finding another dentist who does NHS work.ELITE 5:2
# 42
11st2lbs down to 9st2lbs - another 5lbs gone due to alcohol abuse (head down toilet syndrome)0 -
And another thing, if the teeth did not fit properly then I would assume that the dentist did not do a satisfactory job. I would not expect to pay for alterations to adjust a poor fit.ELITE 5:2
# 42
11st2lbs down to 9st2lbs - another 5lbs gone due to alcohol abuse (head down toilet syndrome)0 -
I don't quite see that - his family were apparently told there would be no charge for the work. He appears to have objected when he got the bill - he couldn't object earlier cos he didn't know he was going to be charged.
Unfortunately, if he is fortunate to have an NHS dentist, they will probably kick him off their list if he doesn't pay and he may have trouble finding another dentist who does NHS work.
The OP states that OP's dad ignored the first bill for £39 and only objected when he received the threatening letter a week later.
DVardyShadow was stating that OP's dad should have objected immediately he received the bill.Thrifty Till 50 Then Spend Till the End
You can please some of the people some of the time, all of the people some of the time, some of the people all of the time but you can never please all of the people all of the time0 -
He should just write to the dentist (recorded delivery) stating that on <date> he had a set of false teeth fitted, where he paid the sum of <£amount>. On <date> he returned to have the teeth adjusted as they were not correctly fitted on the initial visit, and was correctly informed by <name of person>when he asked that there was no charge for this second visit. He then received an incorrect bill in the post for this second visit, and would appreciate it if they would amend their record to show that as agreed there was no charge for this visit.Should've = Should HAVE (not 'of')
Would've = Would HAVE (not 'of')
No, I am not perfect, but yes I do judge people on their use of basic English language. If you didn't know the above, then learn it! (If English is your second language, then you are forgiven!)0 -
Here's something for you guys to ponder over My 86yo Dad has just bought a new set of false teeth and they were hurting him so he went back and had them altered my sis picked them up and asked was there a charge and was told no so a week later a bill arrived for £39 and my Dad ignored it another week and a threatening letter arrived so my Dad went to the dentists to enquire and the practice manager came (a right snooty woman) and said he would have to pay because the teeth had to be relined My dad said it should not concern him as the teeth were new and adjustments and alterations should be done free of charge. The pm said as they were booked in for relining he would have to pay and if he didn't he would face prosicution and walked off. Who is in their rights please.
If the teeth were 'relined' then your Dad would have had to have left them with the dentist whilst they went off to a technician.
Did that happen??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.0 -
Toothsmith wrote: »If the teeth were 'relined' then your Dad would have had to have left them with the dentist whilst they went off to a technician.
Did that happen??
The OP says that sis picked em up so I guess so.
Not sure why a new set would get relined, unless they decided to get a soft lining added.
But on the other hand I am not sure why the dentist would allow them to get picked up if that is the case. I want to fit my relines myself. (to be truthful what I really want is to find someone who will make all my dentures for me as they are hateful things that I would gladly refer out to any suitably qualified person willing to take on the work ) 0 -
The other question is was the work provided under the NHS or privately because different rules apply0
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