How can dentists get away with charging so much money for so little work? It is totally beyond me. Astute readers of this blog may remember a short while ago I mentioned going to the dentist, and at that time I had absolutely no problem with the whole experience, however right now I am so annoyed.
We all know that going to the dentist is an expensive experience; this is something we have all accepted, but most of the time the price is at least partly justifiable – you can look at the various entries on your dental bill and realise that you did indeed require each one. My problem is that upon looking at the various entries on my bill, along with the astronomical prices, I realise that the overall charge could, and should, have been lower than what it now is.
My dental experience was divided into two sessions; the first being a general assessment, and the second consisting of drilling into my face and plastering various small holes. The first session, whilst using the bill beside me as a reference, consisted of a routine examination (£37.00) which I obviously expected. It also consisted of a ‘Bitewing radiograph’ (an in-chair mini x-ray) which I was assured I needed (another £37.00; not bad for clicking a button twice). I also ‘needed’ a ‘Panoral Radiograph’ (where the x-ray machine encircles your head); this cost me £44.00.
It turns out I need a wisdom tooth extracted and so my dentist sent a letter to the hospital, costing me £26.00. I subsequently needed a full-jaw x-ray at the hospital’s x-ray department. This was free, and makes me wonder why I needed to pay for one at the dentist also?
The second session consisted of three ‘Composite Restorations’ (fillings) totalling £149.00. On my second visit to the chair of personal and financial doom I was treated to a viewing of my dentist’s family photograph collection on his computer. At the time I presumed this was a technique used to calm me a little, however upon leaving I over-heard the two receptionists talking about how the dentist is now charging for time and not for services – I could not believe it, and I only hope my little pre-service ‘treat’ was not included in my time.
The fool that I am, I also believed the dentist when he informed me that I ‘needed’ an appointment with the hygienist (to be honest I was a little offended), where I had my teeth cleaned and was taught how to use floss. This cost me £60.00.
I paid the £60.00 upon leaving the hygienist, and so I now owe a total of £293.00, an amount I simply and honestly cannot afford to pay in one payment. To be fair, I honestly did forget about the bill for a few weeks, and so as a result I recently received a copy of the bill though the post with the words Terms: 14 days net kindly double-underlined in red. The receptionist has already threatened me with a home visit if I fail to pay (said rather confusingly with a friendly smile).
As I have already mentioned I am not exactly a regular in the dental chair, and so what I have described may be quite a normal experience; if this is so I would appreciate somebody informing me of this (leave a comment or email me) as if this is the case it really should be addressed by somebody. Are dentists the new lawyers?
If the dentist or receptionist happens to be reading this, I will be making a quick visit tomorrow (Tuesday 02 June 2008) along with a cheque for £100 towards my total bill – I will pay the rest when I can afford it. Oh and by the way, whilst I am in a this grumpy mood I would like to remind you that my name is Benjamin and not Ben; friends may call me Ben but I find it rather rude when you assume you may do the same. Thank you.
I apologise to my regular readers if you have found this post quite boring; it is something I needed to ‘get off my chest’. Please do not ask me for the name of the dentist in question as I will not reveal it (I guess I am just too nice a person).
Normal service will resume shortly,
- Benjamin Langlois.
PS: I have recently set-up an email address you may use if you wish to contact me regarding this website. It can be found using the 'Contact me' tab at the top of any page.
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5 comments:
6 June 2008 11:13
It's cheap compared to having work done on the car :)
You're paying for a trained professional's time and expertise. Would you go through all the training and work for half of that? Would you really want to sit in the chair and be worked on by someone who only charged half as much?
8 June 2008 19:50
Fair point; however I am sure they could lower their prices somewhat whilst still being able to live a financially comfortable life - they are not short of customers after all.
I don't know; maybe I was a little harsh here, but I really was not expecting it to cost so much!
When you have work done on your car you are first given a quote and so you can agree to the estimated price range before the work is done, however for some reason at the dentist you are expected to sit in the chair unaware of how much whatever work is being done is costing you.
I would not complain if they had an estimated price-per-filling or whatever on display, at least then I could choose not to have the work done.
21 June 2008 12:59
i was quoted £2593 for dental work in jersey and told by a friend to try thailand.i went to bangkok pattaya hospital dental department(a brand new hospital spotless)and paid £456 for the same treatment
25 June 2008 08:28
I agree, some idea of costs up front would be useful. Perhaps the consumer council could address this like they have with doctors fees?
I've just had 2 fillings + injection for around £120.00. Ouch!
3 November 2009 02:16
Thank you so much for sharing your story. It's very informative. I love to read it and do hope to read your next story.
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