Season 5: Episode 120: Ethical Dentistry: Money, Signatures, and Trust

Send us Fan MailSarah Beth, CEO of Dentistry Support, responds to reactions to episode 119 about her family being pressured and told they couldn’t leave a dental office without paying $1,460, arguing the root issue isn’t insurance or a signed treatment plan but breakdowns in communication about money. She explains that teams often hide behind signatures and “that’s how we do it” because they’re uncomfortable discussing finances, and emphasizes the missing step is confirming understanding by having patients repeat expected costs and options. She outlines warning patterns (patients saying “I didn’t know,” staff saying “we told them,” rushing, same-day add-ons, blaming insurance) and a remedy: slow down, remove pressure, take ownership, clarify, explore options, and protect patient dignity. She provides sample dialogues for potential balances, denied estimates, appeals, and non-ideal outcomes, and promotes free trainings and mentorship through Dentistry Support.Support the showSOCIALS:No Silver Spoons®: InstagramDentistry Support: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedinThe Dental Collaborative: FacebookSarah Beth Herman: LinkedIn | Personal Bio | LinksFree Training for Dental OfficesDISCLAIMER:The content provided in this podcast, including by Sarah Beth Herman and any affiliated guests, is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice, including but not limited to medical, legal, or business consulting services. Listeners engage with the content at their own risk and are responsible for any actions taken based on the information presented. No guarantees are made regarding the accuracy or completeness of the content. For any questions, clarifications, or crediting of sources, please contact us directly, and we will make necessary adjustments.