Poor but need to see dentists urgently. Advice needed!

Pancakesand · 06-12-2016 12:52AM #1

Hi,
I have an emergency on a tooth that needs filing before it will be totally destroyed and lose the whole tooth. I'm Swedish located in dublin and in Sweden we are allowed to visit dentist and pay a month after the visit. This is very good when you are left with very little money during a month. I wonder is there any dentists that can see you immediately and where you can pay a month later? I'm in desperate help and have really no money at all until January. Any help is much appreciated!

JustAThought · 06-12-2016 01:04AM

No - that won't happen here. Frankly your tooth is more important than any other bill or spend you have planned - a filling can cost e70-e120 euro. Beg, borrow or visa to save the tooth.

FortySeven · 06-12-2016 01:09AM

No, an Irish dentist would step over you in disdain if you were writhing in pain and trying to remove your own jaw with a shovel.

Compassion is not their strongest point. Money talks. Find some.

Graham · 06-12-2016 01:15AM

Last time I went to the dentist, I was talking to the receptionist when a young woman rushed in to pay €50 off her previous bill. Receptionist gave her a receipt and the young woman left with a fairly cheery 'see you next week'.

Anecdotal I know but no less so than some of the other responses.

OP have you tried talking to a local dentist?

JustAThought · 06-12-2016 01:44AM

Stranger walks in off the street looking for services & free credit? Not likely to a total randomer. Two salaries in OP's house - fifty or eighty quid up front should be achievable - or get a visa limit extension for one month & put it on the/ someone's the visa.

ballsymchugh · 06-12-2016 01:52AM

Try the dental hospital if you are really stuck.
As someone has already said, you're not going to get credit if you're a complete randomer walking off the street. Every dentist learns this the hard way but what you pay for the filling goes towards other staff wages, materials, rent, overheads etc.

davo10 · 06-12-2016 02:51AM

FortySeven wrote: »

No, an Irish dentist would step over you in disdain if you were writhing in pain and trying to remove your own jaw with a shovel.

Compassion is not their strongest point. Money talks. Find some.

Unfortunately that is also a reflection on the penchant for Irish people to easily forget their debts. All dentists have a box full of patients charts who will be "back tomorrow" to pay but somehow never do, regrettably the profession's attitude to payment is borne on the experience of this happening too many times. Other service/goods providers do not offer credit for the same reason. Swedish people are probably more honest and reliable, the dentists are more likely to see their money so can be more trusting, Irish people often display the same attitude as you do so why take the risk of not being paid?

Op where are you based?

Surreptitious · 06-12-2016 02:55AM

You need to be on a waiting list for years for a dental hospital unless you go to the emergency clinic that opens first thing but they expect to be paid that day no excuses. Teeth are important, I'd eat pasta for two weeks to sort out my teeth first. Priorities.

Atari Jaguar · 06-12-2016 03:00AM

OP, smiles dental usually let's you pay in instalments.

what exactly is a dentist going to do if you get a procedure done and forgot your credit card or something? I'm not saying the OP should just wondering since their so afraid of not being paid.

Also you might want to budget better. If you're paid monthly you literally just got paid a few days ago or less.. it's not quite acceptable to have no money 6 days into the month.

davo10 · 06-12-2016 03:09AM

Atari Jaguer wrote: »

OP, smiles dental usually let's you pay in instalments.

what exactly is a dentist going to do if you get a procedure done and forgot your credit card or something? I'm not saying the OP should just wondering since their so afraid of not being paid.

Also you might want to budget better. If you're paid monthly you literally just got paid a few days ago or less.. it's not quite acceptable to have no money 6 days into the month.

For new patients seeking treatment on emergency, credit/debit card details are taken at reception when filling out chart, the patient is informed how much treatment will be before it is carried out and payment is then taken afterwards. If the person said they have no card nor cash, then unfortunately treatment is unlikely to be provided. The type of thing you mention above is just one of the reasons why dentists insist on payment on the day, that type of dishonesty you are suggesting is probably alien to a Swedish person so as a society they can be trusted more. It happens to all dentists a couple of times, usually early in their career and then hardens their attitude towards others who genuinely have forgotten their card.

Surreptitious · 06-12-2016 03:17AM

New patients have to pay upfront or deposit first. I've spent a lot of money on dental care and even in the hospital where they knew me for years I had to pay on the day, the only time they took installments was when I paid a grand upfront and then paid exactly on the month every month. Nobody in this country after spending years in college slaving and building a practice is gong to be doling out free treatment.

Atari Jaguar · 06-12-2016 03:17AM

davo10 wrote: »

For new patients seeking treatment on emergency, credit/debit card details are taken at reception when filling out chart, the patient is informed how much treatment will be before it is carried out and payment is then taken afterwards. If the person said they have no card nor cash, then unfortunately treatment is unlikely to be provided. The type of thing you mention above is just one of the reasons why dentists insist on payment on the day, that type of dishonesty you are suggesting is probably alien to a Swedish person so as a society they can be trusted more. It happens to all dentists a couple of times, usually early in their career and then hardens their attitude towards others who genuinely have forgotten their card.

I've never been to a dentist that takes my debit card number.

davo10 · 06-12-2016 03:33AM

Atari Jaguer wrote: »

I've never been to a dentist that takes my debit card number.

Each clinic has their own methods. But if you call up a clinic where you have never attended before and ask for an emergency appointment for treatment, they will want to know if you can pay before doing treatment. Pre-authorisation when you are filling out your chart, of a card for the amount the treatment is likely to cost is a very easy way of doing that before the treatment is provided. It is easy and quick to do, the tooth is either going to be filled, extracted or root canaled. It also prevents the "oh I forgot my card" situation arising after treatment is provided, if the patient says they have cash then no need for card, again all patients are told in advance of treatment being provided how much it will cost, the dentist does this after examining the tooth, if the patient does not want to proceed they just pay the standard consultation fee.

Jimmy Garlic · 06-12-2016 03:33AM

If you can get to Belfast this might be of help to you...

Dental Teaching Clinic (walk-in)

The School of Dentistry accepts patients with dental emergencies to its ‘Walk in Dental Teaching Clinic.’ Treatment is carried out by Queens University dental students under the supervision of qualified dentists.
Clinic times

Monday- Friday
9.00 am – 1.00pm
2.00 pm – 3.30pm (last registration)
The clinic does NOT operate during university holidays.
A limited number of patients can be treated each session, in order of attendance, so please come to the clinic as early as possible. We strongly advise you to phone us before attending (Tel: 028 9063 2307) to make sure you can be seen.
Patients undergoing treatment with another dental professional should first contact them for advice.
There is no charge for the emergency dental care provided in this clinic.

http://www.belfasttrust.hscni.net/services/DentalTeachingClinic(walk-in).htm

davo10 · 06-12-2016 03:41AM

Jimmy Garlic wrote: »

If you can get to Belfast this might be of help to you...

http://www.belfasttrust.hscni.net/services/DentalTeachingClinic(walk-in).htm

Is that not provided under the NHS Trust and requires that you have a UK address/social insurance number to receive free treatment?

EoghanIRL · 06-12-2016 08:05AM

FortySeven wrote: »

No, an Irish dentist would step over you in disdain if you were writhing in pain and trying to remove your own jaw with a shovel.

Compassion is not their strongest point. Money talks. Find some.

I think you would find it hard going to find any business who would offer a service for free to a stranger and have no guarantee of being paid for months, if at all?

Your last point is just a sweeping generalisation.
Most dentists want to help their patients and some go to great lengths to help those in need. Is this generalisation based on a previous bad experience?

http://m.independent.ie/irish-news/i-was-moved-to-tears-dentist-scoops-award-after-treating-patient-with-terminally-ill-daughter-for-free-35268592.html

http://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/health-family/maintaining-your-dental-health-isn-t-easy-when-you-are-homeless-1.2784573

btkm8unsl0w5r4 · 06-12-2016 11:53AM

FortySeven wrote: »

No, an Irish dentist would step over you in disdain if you were writhing in pain and trying to remove your own jaw with a shovel.

Compassion is not their strongest point. Money talks. Find some.

The Dental Hospital has an emergency service that will see people in a lot of pain. Its paid for by income tax, which dentists pay for in their part. I also find the comment a pretty dumb "lets slag dentists" type of thing. Would you expect any other business to provide their services or goods for free? Even if the dentist worked for free their staff wont, the landlord wont, the revenue want their money and the materials suppliers will not. A dentists working for free would be 80 - 90% of the costs anyway. It would be cheaper to give a patient 50 euro to go elsewhere.

As a dentist I have compassion for my staff, my country,y my family and my patients. Going out of business will do none of them a ounce of good. A professional gets paid by definition. The half a million full medical cards provide treatment for those that cannot pay.

I myself that have literally thousands in bad debts, of well intentioned people who promised and swore blind to pay later. My trusting nature always expects the best of people, but a lot of people that present wanting treatment today and promise payment later dont bother. Ate bread is soon forgotten.

Jimmy Garlic · 06-12-2016 03:21PM

davo10 wrote: »

Is that not provided under the NHS Trust and requires that you have a UK address/social insurance number to receive free treatment?

Not as far as I know. They should provide treatment no problem. I know of an Australian backpacker who had a dental issue who got sorted out there.

btkm8unsl0w5r4 · 06-12-2016 03:41PM

Jimmy Garlic wrote: »

Not as far as I know. They should provide treatment no problem. I know of an Australian backpacker who had a dental issue who got sorted out there.

I think there is commonwealth travel medical and dental cross coverage. There may be EU (woops brexit) cross coverage for travelers and tourists. But why on god green earth would you spend scarse money going to the north when there are services here.

Atari Jaguar · 06-12-2016 04:23PM

Kellen Brief Popgun wrote: »

I think there is commonwealth travel medical and dental cross coverage. There may be EU (woops brexit) cross coverage for travelers and tourists. But why on god green earth would you spend scarse money going to the north when there are services here.

If the cost of going north outweighs the cost of the dental work here?

btkm8unsl0w5r4 · 06-12-2016 05:05PM

A free extraction here versus a free one in the north?

Atari Jaguar · 06-12-2016 06:12PM

Kellen Brief Popgun wrote: »

A free extraction here versus a free one in the north?

You'll be on a massive waiting list before you get free dental work done unless you have a medical card.

btkm8unsl0w5r4 · 06-12-2016 06:46PM

No accident and emergency sees emergencies every day on a first come, first served basis in the Dublin Dental Hospital.

Atari Jaguar · 07-12-2016 02:36AM

Kellen Brief Popgun wrote: »

No accident and emergency sees emergencies every day on a first come, first served basis in the Dublin Dental Hospital.

That's €70. If the OP could afford that they'd visit their own dentist.

btkm8unsl0w5r4 · 07-12-2016 12:10PM

if they cannot afford that then either he will have a medical card, or cannot afford to get the bus/train to belfast, which is 40 euro return, + time off work, + meal, + bus from train station to hospital.

I know people dont actually consider the cost of traveling and time. and people really want to travel for an entire day to save 15 euro or so but really its not terrific advice. If you cannot afford the A&E fee in the dental hospital, they will send a bill to the address you provide them and you can pay at your leisure.

JustAThought · 11-12-2016 10:48PM

Kellen Brief Popgun wrote: »

if they cannot afford that then either he will have a medical card, or cannot afford to get the bus/train to belfast, which is 40 euro return, + time off work, + meal, + bus from train station to hospital.

I know people dont actually consider the cost of traveling and time. and people really want to travel for an entire day to save 15 euro or so but really its not terrific advice. If you cannot afford the A&E fee in the dental hospital, they will send a bill to the address you provide them and you can pay at your leisure.

So long as you pay your doctor first for the trip for the letter of referal and don't mind taking three or four days off work to sit in a plastic chair in a disease filled foyer while real medical emergencies are dealt with first.
Priorities.

And for all the talk of dental school I for one would be hard pushed to let a Student drill or learn in my face and would need a lot of reassurance rather than blind hope that s/he was up to par on drilling/ whatever & that this was not their first time having a go on a human , had been at all their lectures and done their homework and were not out on the lash the night before or up all night writing a last minute essay or having the shakes out of nervousness or hangover.

Find the fifty euro.

Atari Jaguar · 11-12-2016 10:56PM

Kellen Brief Popgun wrote: »

if they cannot afford that then either he will have a medical card, or cannot afford to get the bus/train to belfast, which is 40 euro return, + time off work, + meal, + bus from train station to hospital.

I know people dont actually consider the cost of traveling and time. and people really want to travel for an entire day to save 15 euro or so but really its not terrific advice. If you cannot afford the A&E fee in the dental hospital, they will send a bill to the address you provide them and you can pay at your leisure.

Pffft meal. Find a tree eat the bark.

EoghanIRL · 11-12-2016 11:48PM

JustAThought wrote: »

Kellen Brief Popgun wrote: »

if they cannot afford that then either he will have a medical card, or cannot afford to get the bus/train to belfast, which is 40 euro return, + time off work, + meal, + bus from train station to hospital.

I know people dont actually consider the cost of traveling and time. and people really want to travel for an entire day to save 15 euro or so but really its not terrific advice. If you cannot afford the A&E fee in the dental hospital, they will send a bill to the address you provide them and you can pay at your leisure.

So long as you pay your doctor first for the trip for the letter of referal and don't mind taking three or four days off work to sit in a plastic chair in a disease filled foyer while real medical emergencies are dealt with first.
Priorities.

And for all the talk of dental school I for one would be hard pushed to let a Student drill or learn in my face and would need a lot of reassurance rather than blind hope that s/he was up to par on drilling/ whatever & that this was not their first time having a go on a human , had been at all their lectures and done their homework and were not out on the lash the night before or up all night writing a last minute essay or having the shakes out of nervousness or hangover.

Find the fifty euro.

Good to see the public image of dental students is going strong.
:rolleyes:

ohnonotgmail · 12-12-2016 02:27PM

JustAThought wrote: »

So long as you pay your doctor first for the trip for the letter of referal and don't mind taking three or four days off work to sit in a plastic chair in a disease filled foyer while real medical emergencies are dealt with first.
Priorities.

And for all the talk of dental school I for one would be hard pushed to let a Student drill or learn in my face and would need a lot of reassurance rather than blind hope that s/he was up to par on drilling/ whatever & that this was not their first time having a go on a human , had been at all their lectures and done their homework and were not out on the lash the night before or up all night writing a last minute essay or having the shakes out of nervousness or hangover.

Find the fifty euro.

Having had the pleasure of attending the dental hospital a long time ago due to a lack of other options I found it excellent. its not like they let first years just bash away without supervision. The only downside was the screams of the guy in the next chair who was getting several stumps removed.

JustAThought · 17-12-2016 07:49PM

ohnonotgmail wrote: »

Having had the pleasure of attending the dental hospital a long time ago due to a lack of other options I found it excellent. its not like they let first years just bash away without supervision. The only downside was the screams of the guy in the next chair who was getting several stumps removed.

The thought of this will live wth me forever.

digzy · 18-12-2016 10:43PM

JustAThought wrote: »

So long as you pay your doctor first for the trip for the letter of referal and don't mind taking three or four days off work to sit in a plastic chair in a disease filled foyer while real medical emergencies are dealt with first.
Priorities.

And for all the talk of dental school I for one would be hard pushed to let a Student drill or learn in my face and would need a lot of reassurance rather than blind hope that s/he was up to par on drilling/ whatever & that this was not their first time having a go on a human , had been at all their lectures and done their homework and were not out on the lash the night before or up all night writing a last minute essay or having the shakes out of nervousness or hangover.

Find the fifty euro.

Typical stereotype bullsh1t from someone who's never been to the dental hospital. It's a teaching hospital. The secrets in the name!
The only issue somebody could have with the treatment is the time involved.
If you've bugger all to do then go there. If you want an in out within an hour head to the private dentist and pay the fee.

Points been made already. If op is so badly off they should have a Med card. Anything else is just poor budgeting.

Poor but need to see dentists urgently. Advice needed!

Comments