I look at many webpages daily and the above story caught my eye and I have posted it here. What should be the consultation charges of the dentist is an issue and dilemma which every dentist faces throughout his career. How much should he charge his less fortunate patients. How much should he charge for his old patients who have been in his practice for decades . Should he charge a patient who has been bought in by a long time patient.
As would be obvious there are no easy answers. The issue however needs to be discussed because of late I saw a dentist signboard stating no consultation charges. Corporate dental clinics are marketing themselves aggressively and many a times ridiculously which is bringing down the dignity of the profession.
It is obvious that there should be no free consultation.The case for exceptions are always there.
Many newcomers are under the erroneous impression that free consultation will bring in more patients and it will increase the practice. Nothing can be farther from truth.
Now dentists consider themselves as specialists but are not super specialists. So obviously their consultation charges should be less than super specialists but should be on par or slightly above general practitioners.
To put it in a nutshell I recommend not to do free consultation at all for brand new patients. Charge reasonably and sensibly. Reduce your consultation fees for the economically weaker sections of the society. Consultation charges could be waived for patients who have been loyal to the practice for decades.
Once again I would advise not to do free consultation. It does not help and is in fact counter productive.
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