I had a check-up 5 weeks ago. I was entitled to free treatment, as my DH hadn't yet found another job after being made redundant. I was found to have a gum problem and was told to come back just after Christmas for further treatment.
I found that one of my fillings was broken a couple of days ago. I had mentioned the funny noise at the check-up, but thought it was a crown, which was found to be fine.
I had an appointment for the broken filling and had to fill in the form for new treatment. I told them we were £35 over, so no longer exempt. Filled in the form but signed at the top and NOT at the bottom, where you sign if you are exempt, so I never signed that I was entitled to free treatment.
After treatment (which included some gum work), I went to pay. The dentist thought I was exempt, but the receptionist said I wasn't. The dentist has said as the treatment plan was opened when I was exempt (which is true for the gum problem), that I'm covered.
I'm worried about the £100 penalty charge. I did try to pay, I did say I wasn't exempt anymore, I did make sure to only sign the NHS form at the top bit and not at the bottom, where you sign for exemptions.
I haven't been entitled to free treatment for so many years, that I have no idea how it works when the dentist says the treatment is covered by an open treatment plan. I am so scared of getting in trouble, even though I had my card ready to pay.