The Berkeley Clinic Reviews 

Feb 2019. Was looking to have my 4 upper front teeth crowned and having read on BerkeleyClinioc.com that "the Berkeley Clinic is partnering with a highly professional in-house dental lab which allows us to deliver most services in a single visit including veneers, and crowns?" thought this was the way to go. Felt a bit deflated when they couldn't give me an examination for several weeks and was told this alone would cost £99.

Turned up for my examination and waited around 20 mins in their plush waiting room. Staff were very pleasant. Examination took around 40 mins and was carried out by Heather. She was very thorough and explained everything really well as she went along. I was disappointed to hear that the treatment would require 4 visits. I had expected 2, one for teeth whitening and the other for the crowns and fillings but the list showed 4 (teeth whitening £299, teeth preparation / temporary crowns £400, crowns £3,750 and finally 2 fillings £300 plus mouth guard £110). I expressed surprise that the latter three weren't all taking place on the same day but wasn't given any real explanation as to why not. I was pushed for time and told Heather I would look at the proposed treatment and the fine print of the 20% discount offer she had mentioned earlier once I got home. She told me someone would phone me later that day.

First thing I noticed was I was being charged twice for the same crown. It was very obvious and I don't think for a second it was deliberate (most likely down to a double click or auto-repeating key) but you'd think given the prices they're charging they'd be able to afford software that prevented this kind of error. Next I looked at the details of the 20% discount offer. It was one of those grubby insurance deals where you pay a £10 setup fee followed by a minimum payment of £24 a month. For this you get 2 check ups per year and 20% off any treatment provided you're still part of the scheme 12 months after the treatment has ended. In other words pay the insurance parasites a minimum of £322 to get 20% (£821.80) off the cost of treatment (£4109). I cannot be annoyed with this s**t. Everybody wants to be a double glazing salesman these days with their '50% off double the price' type deals.

One of the admins phoned later that day and I pointed out the £750 overcharge. I also asked if they would consider giving me a discount equal to 20% off minus the minimum I'd have to pay the insurers so I didn't have to get involved with them. She said she'd discuss it with the powers that be and get back to me. I also told her to cancel the fillings and mouth guard. I didn't see the point of paying £410 for something that would cost me ~£50 with an NHS dentist as I couldn't imagine what difference their "award winning expertise" would make to a simple filling.

They phoned back a few days later but it was to my wife's mobile number (I couldn't remember mine) and she told them to phone the landline number I had supplied. Three weeks on I'm still waiting. I feel I've wasted £99 and 2 hours of my time as a result of their false advertising.

I have a true fear of dentists and have avoided them for years - I eventually took the plunge and booked a consultation with Mike and made an appointment and ACTUALLY turned up and went through with the treatment- something I have not been able to do - even sitting on the dreaded chair had me heading for the door - can't thank Mike and his team enough!!