Dr Preshaylin Govender - Hayfields Health Centre

“Charged for Two Fillings and Dismissed When I Asked for Clarity”

I attended a follow‑up appointment today with Dr Govender to complete the two remaining fillings identified during my first visit. At this appointment, he greeted me and immediately began working. I confirmed with him that two fillings were still outstanding, and he said he would start with the back tooth because it was close to the gum. Throughout the procedure, I only felt work being done on one tooth — the left back molar. After about 30 minutes the doctor said thank you and left the room without giving me any opportunity to ask questions or clarify what had been done. At reception, I was charged for two fillings. I questioned this, as I was only aware of one tooth being treated. The receptionist, Tristen, told me the doctor had informed her that he completed two fillings. When I asked to speak with him directly, I was told he was in a meeting. Shortly afterwards, Tristen phoned me to say the doctor’s message was that I should find another dentist. Whether my message was accurately conveyed or not, the outcome is the same: I was denied basic clarity about my own treatment and effectively dismissed for asking a reasonable question about the work I was being billed for. This is not the first time I have experienced this. At both appointments, the doctor provided no explanation of the procedure, no communication during or after the treatment, and left the room before I could ask anything. Clear communication is a fundamental part of patient care, and it is unacceptable for a patient to feel rushed, ignored, or unable to verify what treatment was actually performed. I hope the practice seriously reviews its communication standards, as no patient should be made to feel dismissed simply for asking for information about their own dental care.