Did this dentist behave in an unethical way?

I recently went to the office of a brand new dentist for the first time due to a dental emergency. He took x-rays and decided that I needed an extraction. I agreed that he should go ahead. He shot me with novacain. He left the room and the nurse comes in. She tells me that I must make payment ($350.00) before he will proceed. I got out of chair, pulled out my checkbook, and then she told me cash only. I protested but to make a long story short they turned me away. I think this dentist is a real *@#$% if not unethical. At the very least he should not have prepared me for the extraction and shot me with novocain until the matter of his fee was discussed and settled. Should he be reported for unethical behavior?

Did this dentist behave in an unethical way?
WOW!!!! Yes, but I wouldn't know who to report to.... Probably DOPL- division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.
Reply:Absolutely. Report him to the dental board in your state. He never should have given you the novicaine if he was gonna have his nurse come in and ask for payment afterwards, no matter what form.
Reply:hell yeh u shud. the dentist was wrong!!
Reply:Any doctor is legally obligated to obtain your informed consent before performing an invasive procedure. Legally, he should have had you sign an informed consent form listing any procedures, and outlining any cost involved.
Reply:It's not unethical, but it was very rude and inconsiderate. I used to work for a dentist who would pull the same crap. We argued all the time about asking patients for the money FIRST if he's that concerned and up-tight about it. Most good hearted dentists would not even ask for the money since it was an emergency. Hope you find a new dentist soon, and when you do, ask how they handle finances with things such as emergencies. . For future reference, you can call either the Better Business Bureau or, preferably, the Board of Dentistry.Good luck
Reply:He should not have begun the procedure before asking for payment. Also poor form on his part is the classless method of asking for payment (by cash) before he proceeds with something he already started. Other than him being a jerk, there probably is nothing "reportably unethical" in his treatment of you. However, I would be sure that "word of mouth" advertising on your part is not positive.
Reply:sketchy... I've never heard of a legit doc who only took cash payments
Reply:HELLO,


THE CONCEPT OF INFORMED CONSENT BETWEEN PATIENT AND DOCTOR WAS NOT PROPERLY FOLLOWED IN THIS CASE. THIS WAS VERY POOR FORM AND ALTHOUGH IT'S NOT ANYTHING THAT A PROFESSIONAL REVIEW BOARD WOULD TAKE ACTION ON, NECESSARILY, YOU COULD BY WORD OF MOUTH PAS-ON THE POOR TREATMENT GIVEN YOU.


THE BEHAVIOR OF THIS DENTIST WAS INDEED UNPROFESSIONAL AND WOULD GIVE THIS MAN A BAD REPUTATION AFTER TIME. ALL THIS MAKES FOR BAD KARMA.
Reply:Wow, seriously report the guy. Just think of how many people he has done that too. What a snake.