medical
Can a dentist charge for a treatment without written paperwork?
<p>I just came back from a dentist appointment.</p>

<p>I signed a paperwork that says two inlays and three onlays. When I was under local anesthesia for deep cleaning, my dentist told me that he/she found one more cavity and asked me if he/she can take that out without explaining in detail. I simply answered 'yes'.</p>

<p>When I came out, I noticed that the paperwork was changed to add $700. I asked about it and he/she told me that $700 is for the cavity he/she found during the procedure.</p>

<p>I was under the impression that he/she was simply taking out a little bit of cavity, but he/she decided that I need an extra inlay for the cavity he/she found.</p>

<p>Can a dentist perform a procedure without a written paperwork and charge a client?</p>

<p><strong>A written agreement is <em>not</em> required to form legally binding obligations.</strong></p>

<p>The common law position is that you are bound by a contract to pay for the services rendered:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>The dentist asked if they could take out another cavity, with the reasonable expectation that you would pay a reasonable amount. (Offer)</p></li>
<li><p>You agreed. (Acceptance)</p></li>
<li><p>The dentist fulfilled their promise to remove the cavity. (Performance)</p></li>
<li><p>You are now bound to pay a reasonable amount. If you do not, you will be in breach of the contract. However, whether you will be required to pay the entire amount will depend on whether or not $700 is deemed reasonable by a court, or by whatever statutes may govern healthcare in whichever jurisdiction you are in (at the time of writing you have not provided a jurisdiction). A court or statute may limit the amount you are required to pay.</p></li>
</ol>
