Is it normal to pay prior to dental services?

Question

I took my 15 yo to the dentist. It wasn't a dentist we've been to, but they could see her quickly & they provided all services.

They said she needed 3 root canals. My daughter said that she's never had any pain where she needs 1 of them, they said it's normal. They said that they can't do her root canals there (even though their ad says they do them) & would refer us to another office (which would eat up the insurance $).

After that we were to schedule another visit with their office for the crowns & fillings, but their financial guy wanted me to set up an account and pay the 2500+ now. I questioned why I was paying for services before they were even scheduled. I was asked if that was a probIem. I said that I work in a hospital and we don't do it that way. I was asked if I thought I was being ripped off, & I said yes a little. He stood up and said we were done, there was nothing further to say. And then he wouldn't give me a copy of what they were going to bill the insurance.

Answer 1

that doesn't sound right. My dentist tells me an estimate of how much my insurance will pay and how much i have to pay. they prefer me to pay my part at the appointment, but if that is not payable the day of service, then they send me a bill. they also offer care credit financing. if that is not an option then they allow me to make monthly payments on larger bills. I have been to three dentists in my life and they have all worked this way. I would find a new dentist. If they really care about your dental care they would work with you on it. It sounds like they are greedy and just want your money. Good Luck!!

Answer 2

No... It's not at all normal. They should never ask for payment before the treatment is even scheduled.

However, it is possible that the decay in your daughter's teeth was such that root canal therapy was necessary even though she isn't experiencing pain. It's not at all uncommon to not have pain. Regardless, the staff at that office is very unprofessional if not unethical. I agree, you *should* go to another dentist.

And Bravo! to you for sticking up for yourself and telling him what you thought! Too many people are ripped off even by supposed professionals these days.

Don't be surprised if the next dental office asks for payment "up front" AT THE TIME of the procedure/s... especially for root canals. It's nothing personal, but it's more common in Endodontic (root canal specialists) offices because of the "in and out" nature of the treatment. People will guarantee payment because they're in pain... and once they're treated, well... you get the idea.

I'm sure you'll find a dental office that will treat you and your daughter properly. That office was one of the "exceptions"... most are more than fair and extremely ethical.

Best of luck to you...

Answer 3

They were ripping you off. When you said you suspected it, they wanted to get you out of there as fast as possible so they wouldn't get reported. Report them to the American Dental Association, first.

Now about your daughter's teeth. Go to a different dentist. It is common for the dental office to ask for payment up front. But after the services are performed, and only the amount they do not expect to recover from ins. And they ALWAYS give you a copy of the transactions.

Answer 4

It might be a rip. I had a guy tell me I needed 5000 dollars of work. Went back to my old dentist for a second opinion. He said I needed 0 (yes zero) dollars of work. The shysters get into every field.

Go back to the dentist you've seen before for second opinion.

Answer 5

THERE IS A FAMOUS PHRASE IN LATIN IT'S "CAVEAT EMPTOR."
TRANSLATED IT MEANS "LET THE BUYER BEWARE."
SINCE THE WAYS TO HAVE TO GET YOU TO PAY FOR ALL THIS IS UNSCRUPULOUS, I WOULD SWITCH DENTISTS AND SEEK A SECOND OPINION.
THE FACT HE WOULDN'T GIVE YOU A WRITTEN TREATMENT PLAN PROVES MY POINT.

Answer 6

Not normal, go somewhere else