Dental Prepayment... ??

Scotty #

I've been having treatment for periodontal disease for the last couple of years in a large Dublin dental practice. Next month I have a consultation regarding replacement of several teeth. Today I got a call asking me to pre-pay for the consultation (it's 3 weeks away).

I've had 20+ appointments over the last x amount of years. Never before asked to pay weeks in advance. Is this unusual?

SuziXX

The dental practices I work in have introduced this too, for them it’s because there is a backlog of appointments, the clinic has become more expensive to run and we are giving extra time for each appointment for covid regulations. If someone doesn’t show up it’s very costly on the owners and unfair on the people on the waitlist. It has been hugely unpopular with patients and I feel sorry for the receptionists requesting the deposit!

Scotty #

I usually get a text 3-4 days before an appointment to confirm it. If you confirm at this stage but then cancel or don't show up then I believe you get charged (difficult to enforce I would imagine, I've never done it).

I just thought it was odd. Are mechanics, hairdressers, restaurants, going to follow suit? I don't think it would go down well being asked to pay for your meal 3 weeks before you're served it.

gdpman

We have not introduced a pre-payment, but my wife who has an appointment with a consultant has to pay 3 days before.
We have had patients fail extended appointments (all of whom were medical card patients)despite telephone reminders etc.
Going forward it may be something we consider.