Private dentist - billed a year later

[howfartospar]

I had some private dental work last year which I was very anxious about (i've always hated going to the dentist) The work was pretty good, but the receptionist was poor IMO. She gave me 3 different quotes to sign (1 when I was actually in the dentist chair recieving treatment) and it left me confused as to what the actual cost was.

I did complain at the time and had an email saying they would take my views on board.

I thought I settled their bill, but i've just has a letter saying that I still owe them £100, or they will take my to a debt collecting agency (and incur interest).
My DH says to just pay it and draw a line under it but I really don't like the tone to the letter and want to dig my heels in.
What would you do in this situation, please?

Do you have the original invoice(s)?

I thought I settled their bill, but i've just has a letter saying that I still owe them £100, or they will take my to a debt collecting agency (and incur interest)

Check your paperwork/bank to see what you received and what you paid and when. Ask for a detailed breakdown of what they reckon you owe and for what. And I'd point out - politely - that given they've taken a year to get in touch and you haven't even refused to pay, threatening you with a debt collection agency is just a mite on the heavy handed side.

I used to work in payables in accounts dept and got this all the time. Threats of debt collection are for when demands (plural) for payment have been ignored.

This ^

I did complain at the time and had an email saying they would take my views on board

If you feel like being snarky point out this email and ask what the outcome was, but basically whoever does their billing has buggered up and they've just realised.

i will certainly ask for a breakdown. It looks like they are using the largest quote as the way forward and have forgotten about it for a year.

i'm worried about my credit rating and bailiffs turning up at my door, but i do also feel like i'm being very badly treated by this company.

Bailiffs won't turn up unless you ignore a court fine. Write to them along the lines I suggested and ask for proof that you actually owe this money. You might also want to ask for their complaints procedure with a view to making a formal complaint if it turns out they've messed up.