Secunda Dentist

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to formally address several concerning incidents that occurred today, which I wish to bring to your urgent attention following my previous email dated 11 July 2024.

This morning, I encountered significant difficulties accessing the document sent to me on 12 July 2024. Despite my attempts, your receptionist insisted that I settle the associated invoice today, under threat of being handed over to a debt collection agency. This demand was made without providing me with the opportunity to review the charges, as I was unable to open the document in question. Furthermore, on 11 July 2024, I made an appointment via phone for a tooth repair, during which I was informed that another x-ray was necessary. I expressed concerns regarding potential cost changes due to my medical aid being depleted and sought assurance from your receptionist that the amount would remain unchanged.

I was eventually scheduled for Friday the 11 June 2024, after initially being informed your schedule was full. After further discussions where I mentioned I need help or would rather see another dentist, an appointment time of 14:00 the same day was confirmed multiple times.

Following an x-ray and subsequent consultation with you in one of your rooms, you outlined necessary dental work, including a "Kroon 12,11,21" fix, SE 13 (stopsel), and Implant 46, which necessitated a 3-D scan. Following this, you verbally gave me a quotation of R46000-00 for the required procedures. Given my discomfort about my tooth, I requested immediate assistance from you, to which you responded that you were unable to accommodate me at that moment and preferred to proceed with all treatments simultaneously. Subsequently, upon visiting the reception, I was unexpectedly pressured to settle the entire sum immediately, without prior notice of other pending invoices.

I must emphasize several critical points:

The threat of immediate referral to a debt collection agency without adhering to statutory requirements and without providing a reasonable opportunity to review and discuss the invoice details is unacceptable.

Your actions potentially violate my rights under constitutional law, particularly regarding fair treatment and procedural fairness in consumer transactions.

Per the Credit Act, any debt collection actions must follow specific notification and resolution procedures, which have not been adhered to in this instance. In light of these events, I request the following actions from your office: Provide a revised invoice promptly that includes detailed breakdowns of charges and services rendered. Cease any further debt collection actions until a resolution has been reached regarding the invoice dispute and proper notifications have been provided. Acknowledge receipt of this complaint and confirm your intent to adhere to statutory requirements moving forward. Furthermore, as part of my rights and in response to these grievances, I might be filing an official complaint with the Health Ombud South Africa and escalating this matter to the Health Professions Council of South Africa/South African Dental Association (SADA).

I trust that you will treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves and take immediate steps to rectify the situation.