[wintertime]

I’m sorry, but we cannot accept you as a patient, because you have an outstanding bill at another dentist.”
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Hm? Very interesting!

[magellan]

Very interesting!

I'm sure it is illegal. But it shouldn't be. Or at the very least, someone should have to provide proof of ability to pay, either via insurance or a credit card.

Let's face it, dental care is rarely life critical treatment. So denying treatment is not like turning someone away from an emergency room.

Dentists take a hit when the economy is bad, because people can defer regular check-ups.

[Onelifetogive]

I’m sorry, but we cannot accept you as a patient, because you have an outstanding bill at another dentist.”

Or, better yet: "We must have cash up front, because you have an outstanding bill at another business."