I signed up for a new dentist and they said as a new patient I qualify for free teeth whitening. Who’d say no to that? They said I’d continue to get free whitening as long as I keep up my appointments. I called to duty and was gone for two years. As I was across the ocean and there was no way for me to go in without being considered a deserter, I missed some checkups. However, I went in for one less than a month after returning home. I asked for my refill whitening and they said I was disqualified from the program because I’d missed some checkups. I tried explaining but the girl at the desk said there was nothing she can do and those are the rules. Can they do this? Aren’t there reasonable exceptions?
Matt
Dear Matt,
This is unfortunate. Your service is a sacrifice for which we all should be quite grateful. I certainly know I am. It’s possible the girl at the front doesn’t think she’s allowed to make exceptions. In your place, I’d call the dentist directly and explain what happened.
It’s certainly better business for them to give you the teeth whitening than to deny it. While the dental clinic is technically within their rights, if the dentist gives you a hard time as well, you can gently remind them that if this went public, it wouldn’t look good for them.
Why the Requirement for the Free Teeth Whitening Programs?
It’s important your teeth stay healthy. One thing dentists run into (though this isn’t you) is patients who care more about white teeth than healthy teeth. They’ll come in and get their whitening refills all while their oral health goes to pot.
As a result, they end up with dental emergencies. They’ll come in, get a root canal treatment and dental crown, then go on their merry way.
Requiring patients to keep up their appointments not only keeps their teeth and gums healthy, it will also keep their teeth whitening even. When teeth aren’t properly cleaned end up with splotchy teeth whitening results.
This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. Steven Collins.