Is it normal to pay for dental treatment up front on the NHS?
 

I recently had an appointment, I have to have some work done, I was given a piece of paper detailing what I need to have done and with the price, I then went to the reception to make more appointments and I was asked to pay there and then the whole price, the last time I went to the dentist here in the UK was over a year ago but I have never ever had to pay up front, I'm always told it's fine to pay at the end of treatment.

Has something changed recently? I have been to about 5/6 different dentists on the NHS in my life, in London and in Wales in different wards.

Re: Is it normal to pay for dental treatment up front on the NHS?
 

If you are having to pay for your treatment then, yes, the dentist can ask for payment up front.

Whether you wish to do so is up to you; if you don't want to pay up front then the dentist can choose not to provide the treatment.

Re: Is it normal to pay for dental treatment up front on the NHS?
 

If only the NHS hospitals did the same we would not have all these overseas people abusing our system.

Re: Is it normal to pay for dental treatment up front on the NHS?
 

We pay our UK dentist at each visit full amount billed.
I had the same in the US, although my insurance paid part, I paid the balance on the day of the visit in full.

Re: Is it normal to pay for dental treatment up front on the NHS?
 

No, in my experience it is unusual. I usually pay for work after it has been done. I think I may have paid a deposit in advance for expensive bridgework, but I don't remember doing so.

Re: Is it normal to pay for dental treatment up front on the NHS?
 

When I visit my regular dentist just for a clean then I pay there and then, after it.

When I got my brace at an orthadontist I had to pay 50% there and then, and the rest in monthly instalments.

Basically no it is not unusual, depends on what the dentist wants to do and what options they give.

Re: Is it normal to pay for dental treatment up front on the NHS?
 

Not been to a dentist yet in the UK but in the US I am used to paying same day after receiving treatment.

If you are paying by credit card then you are not really handing over money until you pay your card balance so if you have a problem you can always stop the credit card payment just like you can with any service you pay for on a credit card and don't get what you paid for.