Yes.
NHS dentists are permitted to collect NHS fees before commencing treatment. This would include taking a Band 1 fee (£26.80) on the way in for an examination appointment, and collecting the remaining band 2 balance (an additional £46.70) or band 3 balance (an additional £292.30) for the course of treatment before booking any further appointments. Taking payment in advance may be termed “taking a deposit”.
Will my deposit get refunded?
Any “deposit” collected will be used towards the total cost of your course of treatment and so will not normally need to be refunded.
Only if the treatment is never started (e.g. you paid for treatment but did’t book in to have it), then the money you paid in advance is refundable directly from the dental practice. Alternatively, the unspent money paid in advance will be left as credit on your account with the dental practice, and can be used towards a future course of treatment.
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