Late cancellation

[wineandwhin]

I've joined a dental surgery recently and had one appointment and booked the next one for last Tuesday. But had an emergency on Monday and I called them 24 hours before to cancel it and to rebook it next week. But they've said the policy is that cancellation notice is 2 working days and I will be charged. Today I've received a letter to say that I have to pay the whole amount of my treatment as the cancellation fee.
Can anyone help me to resolve this

Seems pretty standard practice unfortunately. Do you have a copy of their terms?

I've checked their website and it does mentions the cancellation notice period.

I was happy to pay the fee but it feels unfair that I have to pay the whole amount. Website doesn't specify how much is the cancellation fee

You will have to pay if you want to stay their patient. Simple as that.
Are you an NHS patient?

Is there an alternative dental surgery you could go to? If you are certain that they would take you, then advise them you will go there unless they are willing to reduce the cancellation charge.

You must of course be prepared to move, it must not be an idle threat.

I have other surgeries that I can go to and have dental insurance. Its just the whole treatment fee seems unfair

That depends. Is the 'whole treatment fee' for a check-up/new patient check or a root canal and 3 crowns? There's a big difference. If the former, that's normal and totally reasonable.If the latter, it's less clear cut.

I think you’ll have to pay it then… sorry!

Of course it's a bit unfair, but dentists hold all the power at the moment and patients hold none.

How much is the fee

A cancellation after the cut off time is usually the whole amount.