Can a Sedation Dentist Charge for Work Not Agreed to?

I’m a little distressed at the moment. I went to a dentist specifically because he was a sedation dentist and I’m tired of avoiding dental work because of my anxiety. I knew I’d need a lot of work and told them I wanted to draw up a treatment plan which will allow me to get work done on a schedule I can afford. They agreed. After my check-up, we scheduled treatments for every other month which would require sedation, then I could get the crowns cemented on between those without sedation. I pay for each procedure ahead of time. When I went in last week for a sedation appointment, I was thrilled that I was able to get through dental work without feeling horrified the entire time. But, today, I got a phone call telling me they were able to fit in some extra work during my treatment and they need me to render the extra payment. I reminded them that we scheduled these in a way I can afford and I wasn’t scheduled for the extra work for two more months. They told me if I didn’t pay it within the week they’d have to send me to collections. Can they do that?

Paula K.

Dear Paula,

Woman asleep from sedation dentistry

What they did is unethical and I wouldn’t go back to that clinic, especially not under any form of dental sedation. It’s so unethical, I’ve never heard of a dental office doing this before. I’m appalled. You can’t agree to work while you’re under sedation. And, they’re never to do work on you to which you haven’t already agreed to.

In fact, they could get in loads of trouble with the dental board. Here’s what I’d suggest. First, give the dentist a chance to make this right. He could be unaware that they’ve threatened to turn you into collections.

Speak to him directly. At a minimum, he should be willing to wait until the time you had scheduled to have this done based on your ability to pay. Truthfully, because you never agreed to the extra work, he should write it off.

If they give you trouble, then I suggest you let them know you’ll be taking this to the dental board. Be certain to follow through.

Sedation with the Remainder of Your Work

My hope is this doesn’t spoil you on sedation dentistry. Before they behaved unethically, remember how thrilled you were it enabled you to get work done without the horrible anxiety and stress you normally feel.

I think this will continue to be a good solution for you to get back on track with your oral health, with one caveat. I wouldn’t recommend using sedation with the office who behaved unethically. There are plenty of other great and honest sedation dentists out there. Check their reviews.

It will be tempting for you to put this off. However, you don’t want to go backward on your progress and sometimes a simple cavity can take off and turn into a tooth infection quickly. The last thing I want you to experience is a dental emergency.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Steven Collins.