Would you complain or let it go?

[stroppyknickers]

We joined a new (private) dentist and they are v nice so far. DD (9) saw him, and he recommended a varnish seal on her back teeth to prevent fillings. I agreed to try one, mainly for cost (14 per tooth) and because dd is a bit weird about feeling stuff in her mouth, so I said this to the dentist and booked the appointment with the hygenist. Anyway, dd ended up in there on her own, as i lost my bag (long story!). When I picked her up, the hygenist said she'd done two as dd had been fine. Turns out dd had been asked if she wanted another one, she'd asked if it cost more, hygenist said yes but dd says she was v pushy. luckily, i had enough to cover it but had it been another day i wouldn't. what wd you do?she is booked for thurs to have the other side done.

I think I'd make sure I was there with her. Failing that, I'd say beforehand that she was there for X only and if once in there, they realised there was anything else that might need to be done, they do not have permission to do it without speaking to you first, and if they do it without consulting you, you will not pay for it.

Sorry but that is wrong. Firstly we never ever treat minors without the adult either in the room or at least on the premises, nor would we do treatment that hadn't been discussed with and approved by the consenting/responsible adult. We would certainly not "get permission" from the child! That is outrageous and I would complain. It isn't just about the cost it is extremely badpractice to say the least.

That's interesting Veneer. I feel quite cross, and I wasn't sure if it was justified. I couldn't stay as I'd left my handbag in the carpark at school so rushed off.

It is justified. I've had parents turning up to collect a child from an appointment and being cross that I haven't treated them. What if the child had a reaction to an injection, or a material used in the mouth, fainted etc etc. It is a small risk, but one out practice isn't prepared to take.

Point is, you could justifiably have refused to pay. The contract is between the adult and the dentist, not the child. You have to sign all these forms, etc., to say you have had the treatment explained to you and agree to it, so it was incredibly stupid of the hygienist to get "permission" from the child to do more than that. I do think you need to make it perfectly clear that, unless treatment has been discussed and agreed with you, payment will not be made.

I have worked in Dentristy for the last 20+ years. Children under the age of 16 should not have treatment given to them without an adult present and under no circumstances should an under 16 yr old be asked to make a decision regarding private treatment. I would ask to speak to the Practice Manager and put in formal complaint.

thankyou everyone - i was planning on ringing, and will definitely bring it up now. at the time i was too flustered to do anything but pay and keep my fingers crossed as i switched it.