Refund and Cancellation Policy
Overview
At Bright Smile Dental Clinic, we are committed to providing excellent dental care and ensuring patient satisfaction. This policy outlines our procedures for appointment cancellations, treatment refunds, and payment adjustments.
Appointment Cancellation Policy
We understand that unexpected circumstances may require you to cancel or reschedule your appointment. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients, we request advance notice for any changes.
Cancellation Notice Requirements
| Notice Period | Policy | Deposit Status |
|---|---|---|
| 48+ hours | Free cancellation/rescheduling | Full refund of any deposit |
| 24-48 hours | Cancellation accepted | Full refund of any deposit |
| 12-24 hours | Late cancellation fee may apply | 50% of deposit may be retained |
| Less than 12 hours | Late cancellation fee applies | Full deposit may be retained |
| No-show | Missed appointment fee applies | Full deposit retained |
How to Cancel
You can cancel or reschedule your appointment through:
- Phone: 076 499 4948
- WhatsApp: +94 76 499 4948
- Email: [email protected]
- Online: Through your patient portal account
Please provide your name, appointment date and time, and reason for cancellation.
Repeated Cancellations
Patients who repeatedly cancel appointments with less than 24 hours' notice or fail to show up may be required to:
- Pay a deposit for future appointments
- Book appointments only by phone
- In extreme cases, may be discharged from the practice
Treatment Refund Policy
Consultations and Examinations
Consultation fees are non-refundable once the consultation has taken place, as the service has been rendered. However, if you are dissatisfied with your consultation, please speak with our practice manager to discuss your concerns.
Completed Treatments
Refunds for completed treatments are generally not available, as dental services cannot be "returned." However, we are committed to addressing any concerns about treatment outcomes:
| Situation | Our Response |
|---|---|
| Treatment did not achieve expected outcome | Free follow-up appointment to assess and address the issue |
| Complication requiring additional treatment | Case-by-case evaluation; may provide corrective treatment at reduced cost |
| Treatment performed incorrectly | Full corrective treatment at no additional charge |
| Patient dissatisfaction with cosmetic result | Discussion of options; may offer adjustment or partial credit |
Treatments Not Yet Started
If you have paid for a treatment that has not yet begun, you may request a refund:
| Timing | Refund Amount |
|---|---|
| More than 7 days before scheduled treatment | Full refund minus administrative fee (Rs. 500) |
| 3-7 days before scheduled treatment | 75% refund |
| Less than 3 days before scheduled treatment | 50% refund |
| Day of treatment (before procedure begins) | 25% refund |
Multi-Stage Treatments
For treatments that occur over multiple appointments (such as orthodontics, implants, or root canals):
Orthodontic Treatment: Refunds are calculated based on the stage of treatment. Once braces are placed, a significant portion of the fee covers the appliance and initial placement, which is non-refundable.
Dental Implants: Refunds depend on the stage completed. Once the implant is placed, that portion is non-refundable. The crown/prosthetic portion may be refundable if not yet fabricated.
Root Canal Treatment: If treatment is discontinued partway through, fees for completed stages are non-refundable. A temporary filling will be placed, and you will be advised of the risks of incomplete treatment.
Payment Plan Cancellation
If you have enrolled in a payment plan and wish to cancel:
| Situation | Policy |
|---|---|
| Treatment not yet started | Full refund of payments made, minus administrative fee |
| Treatment partially completed | Payments applied to completed work; balance may be refunded |
| Treatment completed | Full payment required as per original agreement |
Cancelling a payment plan does not cancel your obligation to pay for services already rendered.
Insurance and Third-Party Payments
Insurance Claims
If your insurance company denies a claim or pays less than expected:
- You remain responsible for the balance
- We will assist with appeals if appropriate
- Payment plans may be available for unexpected balances
Third-Party Financing
If you used third-party financing (credit card, personal loan):
- Refund requests must go through the financing company
- We will provide documentation to support your request
- Our refund policy still applies to determine eligible amounts
How to Request a Refund
To request a refund, please follow these steps:
- Contact Us: Call 076 499 4948 or email [email protected]
- Provide Details: Include your name, treatment date, amount paid, and reason for refund request
- Submit Documentation: Provide receipts or payment confirmation
- Review Period: We will review your request within 5 business days
- Response: We will contact you with our decision and next steps
Refund Processing
| Payment Method | Refund Method | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Cash | Cash or bank transfer | 3-5 business days |
| Credit/Debit Card | Original card | 7-14 business days |
| Bank Transfer | Original account | 3-5 business days |
| Payment Plan | Applied to remaining balance or refunded | 5-7 business days |
Disputes and Complaints
If you are dissatisfied with our decision regarding a refund or cancellation:
- Speak with the Practice Manager: Request a meeting to discuss your concerns
- Written Complaint: Submit a formal written complaint for review
- External Mediation: If unresolved, you may seek mediation through consumer protection authorities
We are committed to resolving disputes fairly and professionally.
Special Circumstances
We understand that exceptional circumstances may arise. The following situations will be considered on a case-by-case basis:
- Medical emergencies preventing attendance
- Bereavement
- Natural disasters or travel disruptions
- Significant changes in financial circumstances
Please contact us to discuss your situation. We will do our best to accommodate reasonable requests.
Contact Information
For questions about this policy or to request a refund:
Bright Smile Dental ClinicMain Street, Embilipitiya, Sri Lanka
Phone: 076 499 4948
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +94 76 499 4948
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sunday: Closed