Dentist charging a "behavioral fee" for ASD child?

[Anonymous]

We just took our DC to Dr. Elizabeth Shin at Bethesda Chevy Chase Dentistry. We went to her after seeing her recommended on this board. But after our awful experience today, I wanted to warn other parents on this listserv that she attempted to charge us a $120 "behavioral fee" for our ASD/ADHD child.

DC has anxiety and sensitivity to dental care. DC and got out of the dental chair several times when things got overwhelming, but was quickly able to get back in with parental support. DC needed to take breaks and spit frequently, had difficulty choosing the flavor of toothpaste, and covered ears when Dr. Shin sang a song about tooth brushing (DC has sensitivity around this). To Dr. Shin's credit, DC was able to get through the appointment with a full cleaning and fluoride treatment on time.

Yes, the visit was more challenging than with NT kids. But Dr. Shin's actions after the appointment spoke volumes--she asked me "where on the spectrum" our child was, and informed me that "while I'm sure your child is very intelligent," he was "too high on the spectrum" for her to be able to accept as a patient. When I went to check out at the registration desk, I was informed that Dr. Shin was charging us an extra $120 for a "behavioral fee."

[Anonymous]

Go to Dr Lewis at Ensor Johnson Lewis in Bethesda. Specializes in special needs dentistry.

[Anonymous]

OP--Just to note, I asked why we were being charged a "behavioral fee," and where we had agreed to do so. After asking several questions about this extra charge, and after other parents in the office also began to take notice, I was told that we no longer had to pay the fee. But please be forewarned about this practice.

[Anonymous]

It sounds like your kid's issues created a longer appointment than the time normally allotted. Maybe that's why the fee.

[Anonymous]

Honestly, that sounds reasonable as you are paying for their time and if you needed frequent breaks and other things, understand its a business and they have to pay staff and that means they cannot schedule another patient. If an regular appointment takes 30 minutes and yours took an hour, they need to account for the extra time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Go to Dr Lewis at Ensor Johnson Lewis in Bethesda. Specializes in special needs dentistry.

They are terrible. They are a warehouse and don't do a great job.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It sounds like your kid's issues created a longer appointment than the time normally allotted. Maybe that's why the fee.

OP here--Nope--the appointment was finished within the allotted time (even though we started late, while we waited for Dr. Shin!).

[Anonymous]

This is BS!

Thanks for letting us know.

Really sorry you were treated this way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, that sounds reasonable as you are paying for their time and if you needed frequent breaks and other things, understand its a business and they have to pay staff and that means they cannot schedule another patient. If an regular appointment takes 30 minutes and yours took an hour, they need to account for the extra time.

OP--just to note, the appointment did not go over the allocated time. While DC got out of the chair several times, it was only for a very short period of time. And we were the only patients in the office until another patient showed up for the appointment after ours.

[Anonymous]

Did you inform the staff of your child's issues and needs ahead of time?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It sounds like your kid's issues created a longer appointment than the time normally allotted. Maybe that's why the fee.

OP here--Nope--the appointment was finished within the allotted time (even though we started late, while we waited for Dr. Shin!).

Well, maybe this is her way of not having to deal with kids she finds annoying. It worked, right? I'd just move on. Not everyone is great with kids who have special needs. Maybe she doesn't have the patience for hopping out of the chair or was offended he didn't want to listen to her song - whatever the case. You don't have to pay the fee and won't be going back. Alls well that ends well.

[Anonymous]

Highly recommend Dr Kuwabara and Jenny as the hygienist. They are great with my ASD kiddo.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP--Just to note, I asked why we were being charged a "behavioral fee," and where we had agreed to do so. After asking several questions about this extra charge, and after other parents in the office also began to take notice, I was told that we no longer had to pay the fee. But please be forewarned about this practice.

NP. The whole thing sounded very tense and stressful for everyone involved, for your DC, you, and the dentists and techs. Maybe you have become accustomed to the stress (tbh, I have not, after so many years, I'm a bit of a wreck now) but the dentists and techs aren't.

You didn't say how old your DC is or how previous other dentist appointments have gone. What is tolerated in young children is less tolerated in older, larger children. Good luck at your next dentist.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Did you inform the staff of your child's issues and needs ahead of time?

Yes. I provided all the information about DC's diagnosis, as well as specific accommodations that might be helpful (i.e. turn off television, solo room, nothing tied around neck) in advance. They didn't seem to have read any of the notes when we came in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP--Just to note, I asked why we were being charged a "behavioral fee," and where we had agreed to do so. After asking several questions about this extra charge, and after other parents in the office also began to take notice, I was told that we no longer had to pay the fee. But please be forewarned about this practice.

NP. The whole thing sounded very tense and stressful for everyone involved, for your DC, you, and the dentists and techs. Maybe you have become accustomed to the stress (tbh, I have not, after so many years, I'm a bit of a wreck now) but the dentists and techs aren't.

You didn't say how old your DC is or how previous other dentist appointments have gone. What is tolerated in young children is less tolerated in older, larger children. Good luck at your next dentist.

This, x100.