Professional Practice · 10 May 2001
—Hello, Dr ____’s office.
—Hi. The name is Allen. I’m in great deal of pain, I have a toothache that has flared up dramatically in the past day.
—Have you been with us before?
—No. Is that important?
—Do you have a dental plan?
—No. I’m self-employed.
—Oh.
—Oh?
—Just to let you know, we don’t take personal cheques. Payment is required in advance. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Interac.
—[Long pause]. Whatever. Can I see the dentist?
—Are you available anytime?
—Um, did I mention the pain I’m in?
—Dr ____ will see you at 3 pm tomorrow.
—Okay. I think I can hold out until then, this is really awful...
—It will be a short evaluation meeting, there will be no treatment.
—What? What will this ‘evaluation meeting’ cost?
—That will be $100. Then Dr ____ will arrange an appointment for whatever needs to be done.
—No, no. No. No. I’m calling you because treatment is required now.
—Hold please.
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