What does the fee-guarantee agreement protect in a dental case presentation, and what exceptions does it allow?
It protects the patient against unexpected price changes and protects the practice’s narrow ability to adjust fees in genuinely unusual circumstances. The doctor commits, in writing as part of the case agreement, that the fees presented today will not change unless something genuinely warrants modification, with the exceptions spelled out in the documentation. Common legitimate exceptions: significant clinical changes between the case presentation and the start of treatment, the discovery of substantially different anatomy during treatment that no diagnostic step could have anticipated, or major delays caused by the patient that change the treatment scope. The patient signs acknowledging both the guarantee and the narrow exceptions. The structure differentiates the practice from competitors that quietly retain the right to raise fees without disclosure. It also constrains the practice’s own discipline: with no exit clause, the doctor has to price accurately the first time. The guarantee builds trust, the exceptions provide reasonable protection, and the signed acknowledgement prevents disputes later.
If the answers you are finding here resonate with you, my team and I work with a small group of clients each year. The next step is a complimentary Discovery Consultation and Practice Review with Dr. McAnally.
