Dental Treatment

[cazdee]

I am a private patient at a dentist. Visited today and was told I need £600 of work done and it may increase. I signed agreeing to it being done and am now wondering if I can get out of it. I have had regular check ups and have no problems as far as I know. As I have signed am I tied into a contract as I don't know how I am going to pay for it.
Thanks for any responses.

[Mamyalynne]

Were you given a copy of what you signed?

If so then quickly check the terms, or simply ring and ask to cancel until you have thought.

[ummmm]

What did you sign for? Was it an actual contract? Did you get a copy?

You could just tell them you can't afford it.

[ummmm]

If it is a contract it should have a cooling off period.

[jno]

if nothing's been done, the contract hasn't begun to take effect yet. Just say you've changed your mind.

The dentist should have said exactly what he wanted to do, and why, before getting you to sign anything, anyway. He might have spotted a future problem before anything's gone wrong, but you could always seek a second opinion.

[ummmm]

When I went to a private dentist I had to sign something. I was only getting one tooth fixed though.

It was years ago and I think I was signing to say I understood the procedure. Not a contract.

[ubasses]

As JNO says, he should have told you exactly what needed doing and why. Not having it done could lead to future pain and more expensive procedures. Have you considered asking if he offers a payment plan so you can spread the cost. My dentist always explains the treatment in detail, and shows me the problem on the x-ray. If he hasn't done that go back and ask for a detailed explanation.

[bednobs]

Or she. They let women be dentists now too you know. Anyway what was the work that needs doing and have you had any treatment start yet? What are the consequences for you of not having it done (pain etc). You may find that depending on what work it was you may not be able to get it on the nhs anyway

[Peter Pedant]

yeah no
ring up and say you are taking advantage of the cooling off period of 14d and no thank you
make sure they take the message and follow it up with a letter and or email

he can still charge for your consultation - coz you went and he spent time with you
and for taking casts etc

bad sight day - I initially read £600k

[Peter Pedant]

// What are the consequences for you of not having it done (pain etc).//
well that isnt the question
you dont have to have it done if you dont want

what about: ..... I want it done but I dont want to pay? well try it and see
what about .... I want it done but on the NHS - try that

most of my stuff is done privately - I have a full set and everyone else here has 3 or 4

[gingejbee]

^^^well, my dental treatment is NHS (and always has been) and I, too, have all the originals (bar one - a crown to replace a broken tooth).