Private Dentists

BucksLady

Last week I attended my first appointment with a new dentist. On his website was a list of fees for various treatments, so I had some idea as to what costs would be involved. However, it was stated that the charges were only a guide.
Anyway, I had a check-up and xrays, and was told that a filling needed replacing. However, the dentist did not make any mention of costs and it wasn't until I paid for the check-up and xrays, that I was presented with a print out which detailed the cost of the filling - £120:eek:. In the past any dentist I've visited has explained the treatment required and then verbally given me a price. This is what I believed 'should' happen. Can anyone throw any light on this please?

justme111

It would be better if he /she discussed prices and options with you , agreed.
Many dentists , old school specially dont do it.
Your choice whether to go ahead with it or go to another one. I myself in a dentist would value conscientiousness first of all and technical.skills second , bedside manners would be near the end of the list of importance. Not informing you.about price is not only not being a smooth talker but could be seen under missing integrity light .. don't know in short , if you.liked everything else I would go ahead with it , told him I want to be informed about price in surgery and reassess after a few visits /treatments.

ManofLeisure_2

To be honest BucksLady, it sounds a bit sneaky to me. My dentist certainly explains all options available and details costs involved. Not sure what the protocol is though - perhaps a dentist will be along to clarify this for you.

susieq87

unfortunately some dentists do this but since its done the only thing you can do is give the practice manager a call and give an informal complaint. it doesnt have to be serious (unless you're really p-ed off about it) and tell them to have a word with the dentist for next time and other patients.
also dentists do forget to mention the price sometimes after the explanations etc. what they should do by law is get you to sign a treatment plan prior to any treatment being carried out which should have an outline of the tooth thats going to be worked on, what they are going to do and how much its going to cost. all this needs your consent before any drilling is done!