This past May I was fired from my dental receptionist job after 13 years of service because of cut-backs. Prior to the firing, my husband had dental work in March and was told the cost of his treatment would be only hardware costs, approximately $800.00. Also, our office has/had a policy that employees, spouses, children only had to pay for hardware or any lab fees only. My husband asked the dentist the fee for the two implants and the reply he got from the dentist was about $800.00 just for the I am no longer working for this office and we received a bill for $3500.00 (full price of the two implants). The other thing is my husband and the doctor have bartered jobs back and fourth. My husband has kept up his end of the bargain. We have no problem with $800.00 but $3500.00 is a little excessive. I sent a letter stating all this to the office and today received another bill with interest and 90 days deliquent typed on it. Please give me your opinion on this. Thank you.

Was the work completed prior to your layoff (firing implies cause, not just cutbacks)? Do you have anything in writing about the cost or about the policy for charging employees and family?

Yes, this phase of his treatment was completed. The doctor made a verbal agreement with my husband and myself as to the amount and there were witnesses (co-workers). There was not a treatment plan made from the doctor and as far aa a written office policy, no there are not any. It was always understood that hardware and or lab fees were payable, in my case, by employee and spouse.

So you send the doctor a letter stating that. You can add that you believe you can prove your case if it comes to court.

Did you pay the $800? If not, then sned them a check for that amount.