I went to my dentist yesterday to have my 1 of 2 'free' insurance cleanings--the last time they charged me for a 'deep' cleaning and I questioned it and told them I saw no difference than a regular cleaning but I went ahead and paid it.


I had an appointment in June--got there on time--they were completely shut down but never called me to cancel the appointment.
Okay, it is a crazy time so I didn't make a big deal of it and came for the new appointment, got my teeth cleaned, no big deal and as I was leaving, going out the door, I was told that I had to stop at the desk and I was told I owed $45 for the cleaning and I asked, "Why?" and the answer I got was "He irrigated and cleaned the teeth," and I brought up that I don't ever recall getting my teeth cleaned without getting some irrigation and I mentioned the previous 'over-charge'.
She said she could discount the irrigation charge but she would have to charge me $15 for---didn't get the words quite right--'virus protection'! My receipt has nothing down about what the charge is for!!

I have heard about restaurants adding some sort of virus charge but this was the first time I was hit with 'it'--no signs around about the charge was not told about the charge, etc.
Is this some sort of scam? Are all dentists charging this?
Adding insult to injury I received an email when I got home and they asked me to add any comments I had so I sent this to them--still waiting for a response!


"Why aren’t there signs about the $15 “Virus Protection” charge?


Why wasn’t I informed about the charge beforehand?


Why isn’t the charge stated as such on my receipt?


I get 2 ‘free’ cleanings a year under my insurance plan—so far I have had 2 cleaning appointments—both not ‘free’—and I was not informed of the extra charges when I went in for an appointment.


Why do I leave the office with a ‘sour taste’ in my mouth, feeling as if I have been ripped off?"


Waiting for their reply, which I expect to be a non-answer!!


End of rant--ah, I feel better!!