Dentist debt help

Carlhusky8801

My girlfriend just received a letter from a debt collection agency for a dentist bill of £18.50 which we believe she doesn't owe.
3 times in the past we have both had letters from this dentist telling us we owe money, every time we have challenged they have looked into it and admitted it was their error.
The letter says we can only contact this agency with proof that we don't owe (?) To resolve, or payment must be made immediately.

Please help !!

MisterBaxter

Write to them and make them prove that she does owe the money. The burden of proof rests with the person making the demand. Only deal with them in writing, never by phone. Debt Collection Agencies are more often than not economic with the truth and will recall any covers at ion you have with them in a way that serves them and not you.

I would also be tempted to call in at the dentist and discuss it with them to find out what the issue is. As a patient you should have a trusting relationship with the dentist. If it does transpire that the money is owed offer to deal with them direct if they call off the dogs. If they admit that it is an error you should expect them to remedy the situation with the DCA.

[Deleted User]

write to the dentist directly and say as a matter of courtesy you have made a complaint to the british dental association for making unwarranted claims for payment. If no joy from them, then contact the general dental council. Don't let these arrogant 'professionals' intimidate you.

Toothsmith

Deleted User wrote: »

write to the dentist directly and say as a matter of courtesy you have made a complaint to the british dental association for making unwarranted claims for payment. If no joy from them, then contact the general dental council. Don't let these arrogant 'professionals' intimidate you.

The British Dental Association doesn't investigate complaints against dentists.

The GDC will take months before anything is done (Which is just as frustrating for dentists!) And even then it will be a sanction against the dentist who is probably very far removed from the 'back office' people who manage the accounts!

This is far beter delt with by contacting the practice again and making a complaint via that route.

My be is that this practice is one of the PLC corporates who provide 'NHS' dentistry. Their accounts will be done way up the tree in a big office somewhere and communication is poor.

Far more likely to be a faceless grey manager than 'the arrogant professional'

[Deleted User]

It is every customers right to complain to a professional body if they so wish. The fact that it may take a long time is probably the saving grace for many dentists. If more people complained then a better service may be available.