Thank you for your question.
To the best of my knowledge, it is not a legal requirement for the dentist or dental assistant to verbally inform patients of the fees of dental xrays before taking them. Dental clinics are required to display their schedule of fees at the registration counter or waiting area, and there is an indirect implication that patients should know the fees because they are transparently displayed .
HOWEVER, at my practice, myself and my team will ALWAYS inform our patients of the fees for dental xrays, or any dental treatment for that matter, before commencement of any treatment.
After our patients are informed of the fees and any alternatives, we commence with the xrays or treatment only after their permission has been granted. Our patients are either informed verbally or in written/typed format for their consideration.
We view this process as a matter of common courtesy, respect for patients autonomy of choice as well as informed consent which would reduce incidences of miscommunication often as a result of assumptions made by either party.
I cannot speak for other dental practices and their policies , but I would strongly advocate any practice to always go through this proper process of informed consent, as standard of care for any patient.
It is my hope that all dental and medical clinics practice with the same philosophy as what i have described above, instead of relying solely on the display of fees at the registration counter.
If you feel that you have been coerced to take dental xrays without first being informed of the fees , its benefits to you, the pros and cons of the treatment and any other alternatives, you may ask for a refund or seek recourse at the Singapore Dental Association for mediation.
I hope this answer helps you and i wish you best of luck in finding a dentist you can trust to be honest , transparent and reliable.
Kind Regards,
Dr Gerald Tan
