Dentist charges for missing my appointment even though I didn't?

maninthestreet

They can't 'fine' you - they have no such powers to do so, AFAIK.

brook2jack

But in NI and Scotland a dentist has a right to charge for missed NHS and private appointments. In England and Wales a dentist cannot charge for a missed NHS appointment , just a private one.

bukko

There is no legal case for them to charge you, even if you did actually miss an appointment. It's just an agreement between you and them.
You would be just as justified to charge them for wasting your time, as per your T&Cs, which are available on request.

[edit] ah sorry NI - my bad... [/edit]

sheramber

I had a similar experience.

I had an appointment made and a printed card showing it.

My husband needed an appoinment and while making it mentioned mine the following week to see if he could have an appointment around that time.

The receptionist looked it up and said no it was at an earlier time.

I produced the card and she just looked at it for a few minutes then said ' somebody must have changed it. Did nobody phone you to tell you?'

I replied that no-one had contacted me which resulted in a shrug of the shoulders.

Fortunately, in my case I found out before the appointment was due.

My dental practice say you can be charged £50 for a missed appointment but it is at the discretion of the practice manager to cancel it.

I would ask to see the practice manager and show them your appointmnt card.

Ruth_Fisher

Just wanted to come back to update this, I wanted to find out what was happening first. Called them up and told them I wouldn't be paying, they told me they would phone me back.

They called back the day after telling me if I brought it in to them they would wipe the charge, but if it happens again I would have to pay. (As in, if I miss an appointment)

Thanks all.

Poppie68

When you go in ask them what they mean by 'again' cheeky blighters...

agrinnall

Ruth_Fisher wrote: »

Just wanted to come back to update this, I wanted to find out what was happening first. Called them up and told them I wouldn't be paying, they told me they would phone me back.

They called back the day after telling me if I brought it in to them they would wipe the charge, but if it happens again I would have to pay. (As in, if I miss an appointment)

Thanks all.

I'd be telling that that it won't be an issue as I'd be changing dentists and they would never see me again. I also might not be very polite about it (assuming I'd already found a new dentist by then).

arcon5

lol they need sending on a course in CS

Ms_Chocaholic

Just a thought, how was the date/time printed on the appointment card

ie 06.12.14 @ 2.00 pm

If they say it's a problem with their printer, ie not printing 1s, how has the date printed correctly.

Cheeky !!!!!!s.

Crabman

The staff at the NHS practice I attend are great. I would go so far as to say it's the best experience I have out of any retailer or business. When I think of the dentist, it's definitely a positive feeling. You should feel that too.

No need for you to be loyal to this practice given their attitude even now. There are plenty of great NHS dentists out there. Patients have to exercise their right to choose the best & should always demand excellence.

I hope you've informed the local NHS, just to make them aware in case it's a trend.