Cooling off period when signing up with a private dentist?

rosieannie_2

Hi all, first post on hear so apologies if this is in the wrong forum...

I've been unhappy with my NHS dentist for a while so decided to look around for a private one, and visited one last night. They quoted me for the work they said I needed doing, fillings etc, and I requested to become a member and filled in a direct debit form for the monthly fee.

I've been asking around today, and now I'm worried that I've chosen a very overpriced dental surgery as the prices seem to be really high compared to what other people are saying.

I am thinking of looking around other dentists possibly for different quotes to find out my options but I wanted to know if I'm now obligated to this surgery, or if I am entitled to a cooling off period within which I can withdraw without any negative consequences?

I had a quick Google before coming here, but I couldn't find anything .

Thanks in advance, and sorry for the long ramble!!

Rosie xx

Quentin

There probably isn't a cooling off period as you signed up in their premises of your own free will! Though it would be surprising if they held you to it if you contact them now and say you want to cancel and think about the expense before proceeding.

But don't delay informing them. If they agree, ask them not to process the dd. If they already have, but agree to let you off, then cancel it with your bank.

rosieannie_2

Thanks Quentin, I'm just undecided as I don't mind paying to ensure I keep my teeth in good health but equally I don't want to be paying over the odds, and I'm wary of annoying them in case I decided to stay. I'm aware this is all my own fault though!!

I will call them and explain, thanks again.

fluffnutter

You pay a 'monthly fee' for a dentist? Why? I've been with my dentist for over 30 years. He was originally NHS but now is private only. I chose to stay because I know him and he's local. But I don't pay a monthly fee. I only pay for my twice-yearly check-up and hygienist (and any work if I needed it I guess). I don't understand what you're doing. Have you been quoted, say, £500 for the work you need and you've elected to pay a set amount each month?

rosieannie_2

They have a dental plan, where you become a member for £17 a month which covers your twice yearly check ups & hygienist and then 15% off treatment...
I got quoted for 3 new fillings, and 2 fillings removed and replaced, and a appointment with hygienist for which she mentioned a clean with local anaesthetic.
I am really paranoid about losing my teeth (mums had loads of problems recently) so I don't mind paying if it is worth it in the long run, but as I say I'm scared it's massively overpriced (£697 was the quote - at which point I had a mild heart attack....).

p.s. I like your pic!!

fluffnutter

Thanx! I'm not surprised you had a heart attack....

How long is it since you've been to the dentist and are your teeth usually in good nick? If you've not been for a while, it probably will be more expensive initially and you might find you have a large single outlay at first. But... £17 a month and then only 15% off treatment sounds a bit steep to me. I pay £50 each time I go which is my check-up with the dentist and scrape and polish with the hygienist. That's £100 a year compared to your £204. I appreciate you'll have money off any treatment but that's only worthwhile if you tend to need treatment a lot. What about x-rays? Are they included? Do you have the option to pay for treatment, check-ups etc. as you go? Rather than pay the monthly plan?

Judas

Depends where your based. at £17 a month I would hope it is south/london.

My dentist is £11.20 a month which covers 2 x dental visits and hygienist and 15% off treatment as well as foreign dental insurance.

If you upgrade it to £14 a month it goes to 100% off treatment except for laboratory work.

I don't think your price is astronomical but it isnt the cheapest.

There is still a place for just paying as you go but obviously there isnt the same piece of mind against unexpected bills and you will find the private service is on a lot of occasions far superior (i.e not crammed in with the locum/junior dentist in the old room and priority for good appointments etc).

Been private for 4 years now and no complaints and wouldnt go back

rosieannie_2

I've been going regularly to my NHS dentist all my life, with the exception that my last check up there was due a few months ago. I'm worried about my gums and recently my mum has gone abroad for dental implants to be told that her gums were really badly infected and she needed extra teeth removing than she thought (and the foreign dental surgery is reputable), so I've got my doubts about my regular dentist. Plus my gums are visibly unhappy so I wanted to get them sorted.
X rays etc are included, and you can register with them without being a member but you pay full price... I'm just undecided as my dad is of the opinion that it is better to pay out this now, and be happy in the long run rather than having to pay out £1000's like mum is now?
Ugh, I hate teeth.

rosieannie_2

Sorry Judas, just noticed your post. Nope, Bury! I will have another look round then, this is what I'm trying to weigh up, I don't mind paying for a better service especially where my teeth are concerned as obviously they have to last for life!

Toothsmith

Why did you go to this place in the first place? Just off the net, or was it recommended to you?

It's always best to find a denist through recommendation (see my sig line)

There is generally not a 'cooling off' period with these dental agreements - but unlike insurance or pensions or the like - it's not a long term committment if you don't want it to be.

All you generally need is 21 days notice to cancel the D.D.

I must say, the charges don't sound excessive if the sevice is there to back it up.

Did you feel well looked after? Were things explained well to you? If you went on a recommendation,then obviously someone you know is very happy with the place!

You've only talked about the cost part of the equation. Sure you could get cheaper - but if the service was good at this place, then you'd probably notice the difference.

If the service was rubbish and the prices were high - then it might be better to look elsewhere.