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Can a Dentist do this?

Last post 12-19-2006 10:33 AM by Catmint_WV_49F. 19 replies.
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  • 12-18-2006 2:24 PM

    Can a Dentist do this?

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    a coworker has had a bad tooth, we've been calling around and found a dentist to see her on a sliding scale fee since our company doesn't offer dental insurance. So in the exam room, the dentist looks at her teeth and starts asking questions, do you smoke, how much per day/week? do you buy or take your lunch to work? do you eat out a lot? She thought he needed the info to figure out the payment. He tells her he won't do anything for her since she spends about $300 a month on cigs and eating out and nonsense and he is going to charge the full amount for the office visit.

    I heard this story so I went straight to her to find out if it did hapen. So all I know is what she is saying, so back to my question, I know the dentist could refuse to treat a patient, but should he have gone so far as to find out what she spends money on? She said if she knew he was gonna do that she would have lied.

  • 12-18-2006 2:26 PM In reply to

    RE: Can a Dentist do this?

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    He's in business for himself, and he can't make a profit giving away his services. While it sounds rude on his part, I can see his point.
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  • 12-18-2006 2:28 PM In reply to

    RE: Can a Dentist do this?

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    I guess the dentist can, it's his office and his fee that he's dropping.

    I used to be the treasurer of our churches pre-school and if a parent asked for free or reduced tuition we asked those same questions.

    We decided if people could afford to buy cigarettes and eat out then they could afford to pay for their children's optional pre-school.

  • 12-18-2006 2:29 PM In reply to

    RE: Can a Dentist do this?

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    Yes he can, he had to find out just how "poor" she was and found out that she had money to spend on things she could have gotton along without.

  • 12-18-2006 2:53 PM In reply to

    RE: Can a Dentist do this?

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    I agree...it's his choice...and if she CAN afford those "luxuries"...then she should be able to pay for the work done on her teeth. Save the "sliding scale" for those that really need it. JMO

  • 12-18-2006 3:01 PM In reply to

    RE: Can a Dentist do this?

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    well her stained teeth would have told him she was a smoker and probably how she smelled...and yes he is in business for himself...and I have to agree if she can afford that she can afford his services...

  • 12-18-2006 3:04 PM In reply to

    RE: Can a Dentist do this?

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    Yes, he can do that.

    I agree that if she can afford to buy cigarettes and eat out then she can pay for a dentist visit. Tell her to ask for a payment plan and maybe he'll work something out for her.
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  • 12-18-2006 3:06 PM In reply to

    RE: Can a Dentist do this?

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    If she is able to spend $300 per month on cigarettes and restaurants then she should pay what everyone else pays with this dentist. Anyone giving reduced fees or anything free will qualify the recipient. The dentist's office is not a non profit organization. IMHO it sure is gutsy (or something) to ask for help so you you can use the money for those unnecessary things.

  • 12-18-2006 3:11 PM In reply to

    RE: Can a Dentist do this?

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    When I have had to go to a doctor's office and ask for sliding fee they have asked how much I make and base it on that. Of course they factor in how much you would pay for rent, food, etc.

    I agree if she eats out and smokes that much then yes she can pay for it. She is just choosing her priorities.

  • 12-18-2006 3:22 PM In reply to

    RE: Can a Dentist do this?

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    my own opinion of her has changed, dang, if I had an extra $300 a month I could get a lot done. And here we were feeling sorry for her.

  • 12-18-2006 3:23 PM In reply to

    RE: Can a Dentist do this?

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    I look at it this way - who are the last people you pay when you have money issues? The dentist, lawyer, doctor, etc. That is because you don't need them everyday like you need heat, gas and food. If the dentist is going to have to wait for his money for his services then he has the right to know why.

    Gail

  • 12-18-2006 3:23 PM In reply to

    RE: Can a Dentist do this?

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    I have to agree that he needs to look out for his own business and its appropriate to ask those types of questions. We do not have dental insurance either. When I first saw the dentist I go to now, there were questions just like those on the questionare. I didnt find it odd nor did I think the dentist was being rude. They have to make money and they cannot just be giving their services away, especially to people who can afford it! My dentist works with me on payments etc.

  • 12-18-2006 3:24 PM In reply to

    RE: Can a Dentist do this?

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    I'm with the dentist...it is gracious of him to offer to reduce his income for those that have a need.

    But, if a person is simply making choices where they spend thier disposable income, he should not have to earn less because of it.

  • 12-18-2006 4:02 PM In reply to

    RE: Can a Dentist do this?

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    It would also depend on if he gets funding to OFFER services on a sliding scale. Sometimes medical providers are recieving funding from grants or other govt programs targeted to low-income people. In that case there are guidelines he is to follow. If his business and services are strictly private he can pretty much do what he wants......in my state anyway.

  • 12-18-2006 9:35 PM In reply to

    RE: Can a Dentist do this?

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    my dentist works with people and he told me that they have to write off alot becuae people just don't pay their bills.
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