Deadbeat: one who persistently fails to pay debts or expenses
Prevention is better than cure.
The reason that deadbeat accounts thrive in our industry is because most labs don’t give new accounts credit applications, have poor collection procedures, and don’t report transgressors to credit reporting agencies.
The List of Deadbeat Dentists are available in the Members Only part of the DENTASA web site.
Add to the Deadbeat Dentist List:
With your cooperation this list can be a powerful tool in our industry.
Please use it wisely and keep it up to date.
To protect the Deadbeat Dentist List from abuse please only add names if the dentist has been listed with a National Credit Bureau or you are already busy with legal action.
Names can only be removed from the Deadbeat List by the labs that submitted them.
When to list a deadbeat dentist with a National Credit Bureau i.e. ITC:
In an event of proven , uncontested debt being uncollectable you can list a
business and/or it’s principals, with a NATIONAL CREDIT BUREAU (i.e..
ITC). The different reasons that can be used are:
ABSCONDED
ACCOUNT CLOSED DUE TO MISCONDUCT
BAD PAYER
BAD DEBT WRITTEN OFF
FINAL NOTICE
HANDED OVER
LETTER OF DEMAND
RETURN TO DRAWER CHEQUE
REPOSSESSION
How to list a deadbeat dentist with a National Credit Bureau i.e. ITC:
All you need is the dentists name, Identity Document Number, last known address and the outstanding amount.
“Screw me once, shame on you. Screw me twice, shame on me.”
Tips on Debt collecting.
Watch for new customers with a bad credit history. You can´t expect that a company or a person with a history of bouncing checks or paying their bills late will change their ways when dealing with you. If you must do business with the chronically late, lay down your credit rules early and firmly and start the relationship off slowly. Keep the amount of product or services you offer a company with an iffy credit record to a minimum until they´ve proven themselves worthy. And no matter how much you need the business, never start doing business with another person or company until you have a signed contract clearly stating and agreeing to payment terms.The latter forms part of the Cunsomer Protection Act Reculations.
Those who expect to get paid, get paid.
In the administration and control of receivables, attitude counts. We’ve discovered that if you expect to get paid, and the other party knows it, and knows you’ll take action if you are not paid, you will get paid.
It’s simple: If you take it seriously, they’ll take it seriously. On the other hand, if you treat receivables lightly, and allow your customers to take advantage of you, they will. What does “taking it seriously” mean? It means:
Establishing policies and procedures that will help you make decisions faster and easier.
Making a commitment to properly train yourself and your employees in how to manage and collect receivables.
Being certain your customers understand your terms and intentions.
Understanding and using the tools and services that are available to you.
Once you begin doing business with someone, make sure you stamp your invoices with the date that payment is due to you. Don´t rely on the customer to look at the invoice date and add 30 days — or whatever your payment terms are — to determine the pay date.
Don’t Turn Your Back on Them
Extending credit to another company involves risk. Of course, in most cases, the risk is part of the cost of doing business, and it is acceptable . . . so long as it is managed properly.
Untended receivables can get out of control in the blink of an eye. And out of control is the first step towards being out of business. Here are some danger signals you can watch for:
Slow payment or a change in payment habits
Broken promises of payment
Unreturned messages
Postdated or NSF checks
Refinancing or changing banks
Unauthorized return of merchandise
Selling at unusually low prices
Radical changes in buying patterns
Too rapid growth
Phone customers and start trying to collect the day after a payment is due. Never wait — let them know that you keep close track of your accounts receivable.
Stick to your guns
It’s called “sticking to your guns”. When you set terms, be determined to communicate them and to stick to them, no matter what. Remember, a deal is a deal. You’ve fulfilled your obligations, now it’s their turn.
You do it by stating your terms and intentions with clarity and firmness. If you are vague and easygoing about your terms, it’s more likely that people you deal with will be vague and easygoing about paying you.
It’s important to develop a set of reasonable terms and conditions, and it’s important to make them part of your customer agreement.
Until a customer pays their bills, don´t do any more business with them. Do not bend on this rule — you´ll only cause yourself more problems and scuttle any chance of collecting what you´re owed. If you really want to keep doing business with a customer who owes you, insist that any new products or services they receive from you are c.o.d. — cash on delivery.
Say What you Mean and Mean What you Say.
We have already said that in order to prevent problems, it’s important to set terms and stick to them. Now, extend that thinking to situations where a problem already exists and you’re trying to collect.
Every time you make a contact with the debtor, you must use the call to:
Push for a resolution (you get paid) or
Establish the next steps to be taken (call back, send a courier to get a check, repossession, legal action, etc.)
To keep your control, you must keep your word. If you say you are going to call back for an answer or a response at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, do it. If you tell a debtor that you are going to cut off their credit, do it. If you tell them that the matter is going to a professional collector, send it.
If you keep your word, and do exactly what you promise, you will always have the upper hand, and you will have a better chance of collecting.
Be prepared
It is understandable that some people are reluctant to make collection calls. After all, discussions of money can be uncomfortable and nerve-wracking.
Organize your facts, discuss what you might want to say, and, most importantly, decide what you want to achieve with the call.
Make a list of objections you might hear, and determine how you will handle them. For example, what if the person you are trying to collect from responds with the classic line, “The check is in the mail”? Most people will feel relieved and say “Great! Thank you very much” and end the call. Big mistake. Your response should be:
When was the check mailed?
What was the check number?
What was the amount on the check?
Who was the check mailed to?
Be persistent
From the Dun & Bradstreet web site and Creative Debt Collecting by Dr Neil Flanagan
And on a lighter note:
Dear Sir/Madam
I acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 1 May in which for the third time, you request that I pay the monies owed to you. I first want you to know that by no means do I dispute my debt and I intend to reimburse you as soon as possible. However, I bring to your attention that I have many more creditors, quite as honourable as you, and whom I wish to reimburse too.
That is why, each month, I throw all the names of my creditors into a hat and draw one randomly whom I hasten to refund immediately. I hope that yours will come out shortly.
Sincerely Yours,
Sipho
PS: I have great regret in informing you that given the unceremonious tone of your last letter, you will not be taking part in the next three draws.
We made a deal with the bank, they will not make teeth and we will not loan money.
Please remit payment by the tenth.
Discovery Health
As a paid up association member, you have immediate access and guaranteed acceptance to Medical Aid Insurance Cover, without the three, nine or twelve months waiting periods or exclusion clauses. Furthermore the premiums are levied in arrears and there are various options to suite everybody’s needs.
Discovery Life
As a member of Discovery health you and your spouse qualify for a 20% discount on Life Cover, Disability cover, Income Protector and Dreaded Disease (Trauma Cover) Depending on your Vitality status you will further receive a cash payout of up to 50% every 5 years of the total premium on the life policy contribution.
Discovery Health’s Protector Plan
With this product there is a waver for a period of ten years of Medical Fund premiums in case of Death, Disability and Trauma. Furthermore they invest the full amount of paid in premiums per year minus claims is a separate savings account which will be available every five years and then the last full payment will be made at age 65. This means your money will not be used for any cross subsidization.
Johan Eksteen & Associates
FSB nr. 10930
Tel nr. 0861 222 990
Fax: 0865674622
Momentum
Liberty Group Scheme
A group scheme without medical aid cover for technicians
| R 400 000 Life cover | |
 R 200 000 Trauma Insurance |
|
| R 12500pm Income Protector |
|
| R 10 000 Funeral Policy for the family |
|
Johan Eksteen & Associates
FSB nr. 10930
Tel nr. 0861 222 990
Fax: 0865674622
Save with Preferential Courier Rates for DENTASA members!
We are happy to inform you that DENTASA has negotiated preferential rates for our members with Globeflight Couriers. Please contact Jani Gouws at 076 1643 198 for further information.
Example: Overnight Express
Prices are all inclusive:
Major Centres 0 -2 Kg :R58.03
Regional Areas 0-2 Kg :R126.54
In City (Jhb, Pta, Rustenburg, Brits and Polokwane) : R49.32
Contact Jani today to make use of this is considerable saving.
After much deliberation your exco has decided to remove the product liability insurance from the annual subs payable to DENTASA. This decision was taken due to the fact that there was too much unhappiness amongst our members, and it placed a huge burden onto DENTASA itself.
It will be up to each individual to decide for him or herself what route to follow.
BROADFORM LIABILITY FOR DENTASA MEMBERS !!!!!
Why is Broadform Liability necessary for Dental Technologists and Technicians as well as Laboratories?
With the introduction of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), it has become necessary to provide you with the widest cover possible. We wish to reiterate that any business that is involved (whether in the repair, supply, distribution, manufacture, production, import, export or retail) with any product should purchase adequate cover under the Products Liability extension and the Defective Workmanship extension (where applicable). This would include anyone whether they are involved with the manufacture of the products or not.
Option 1:
FDA has negotiated a Broadform Liability policy with Chartis Insurance South Africa Limited which includes the following cover:
General and Tenants Liability R2 000 000
Products Liability / Defective Workmanship R2 000 000
Employers Liability R2 000 000
Statutory Legal defence costs R250 000
Wrongful arrest / dismissal / defamation R250 000
Sums Insured can be increased to R5 million or R10 million, at an additional premium, if needed
Premium can only be paid annually. The premium amounts to R1200-00 once a year.
Option 2:
FDA has also arranged a Package policy underwritten through Santam or Mutual & Federal which will include Machinery, Stock and materials, Tools, Computer equipment as well as the Broadform Liability at a monthly premium of R210-00.
This policy can be adjusted to suit your individual needs, both Personal or Business. Special rates has been negotiated for DENTASA members.
The existing Broadform Liability cover that was arranged through DENTASA for the period 2011-2012 will lapse on 1 January 2012 and each member will have to arrange their own insurance.
PLEASE CONTACT FISHER DUGMORE & ASSOCIATES (PTY) LTD TO ARRANGE THIS COVER FOR YOU OR TO QUOTE ON YOUR EXISTING INSURANCE
012-809 3370
Tel : (012) 809 3370/1/2 * Fax: (012) 809 3375
PO Box 11659, Silverlakes, 0054 * Tijgervallei Office Park, Prosperitas Building Office 3, Silver Lakes, Pretoria, 0081
Product & Public Liability Insurance Programme
The new Consumer Protection Act was implemented 1 April 2011 and will influence the running of all laboratories. The Act gives consumers powerful new rights and imposes extensive obligations on suppliers of goods and services. It applies to almost all transactions, the promotion and marketing of any goods or services as well as the actual supply of those goods and services in South Africa. Even where a transaction may be exempted from the Act, the product liability provisions still apply.
The CPA will have a profound impact on the way businesses interact and conduct business with consumers (natural and juristic persons).
The repercussions should something go wrong:
– The CPA states that you could be fined R1, 000 000 or 10% of your turnover,
which ever is the greater amount, should you be found negligent.
– The laboratory is not the judicial entity; the technician is.
– You can be sued as an entity or in your personal capacity.
Taken from a letter from Council:
The Council noted the need to have some insurance cover against any claims of liability from consumers which may arise from the professional services rendered which will ultimately effect and/or impact on a consumer.
The Professional Provident Society of South Africa is the largest multidisciplinary group of graduate professionals in the world with over 290 000 professional members. PPS is the only mutual financial services company in South Africa that has focused exclusively on graduate professionals for over 72 years.
Unlike a company that is listed on a stock exchange, PPS belongs to its members and operates under the ethos of mutuality, this means that members with qualifying PPS products can exclusively share in the profits of the PPS Group, through the unique PPS Profit-Share Account (previously known as the SRA). PPS offers tailor-made insurance, investment and healthcare solutions exclusively for graduate professionals.
Become a PPS member and you can also have your share in all PPS profits through the PPS Profit-Share Account.
PPS offers unique financial solutions to select graduate professionals with a 4-year degree. PPS is an authorised Financial Services Provider. Members with qualifying products share in the profits of PPS.
The history of PPS is a dynamic story of how the vision of a few pioneering professionals laid the groundwork of what has become the largest multidisciplinary group of graduate professionals in the world.
Why can only B Tech graduates join?
PPS introduced B.Tech eligibility last year. It does not include anyone with a Higher National Diploma. B.Tech qualification includes a final academic year that is different from the National Diploma although both are four year degrees. PPS has done extensive investigation with our Actuarial department and Reinsurers and on that basis decided to exclude the NHD as a principle decision in all instances, not just for Dental Technicians and Technologists.
It is also important to note that The South African Dental Technicians Council that regulates Dental Technicians Profession advised the following and this is the guidance that PPS will follow:
A dental technologist is formally trained at a recognized institution to a NQF level 7 qualifications in dental technology, and is registered with the South African Dental Technicians Council. Qualifications for a dental technologist:
- B-Tech degree in Dental Technology from a recognized South African institution.
It furthermore notes:
For the purpose of the Scope of Profession the following qualifications will be considered the equivalent of a dental technologist:
- A registration with SADTC after the successfully completion of registered apprenticeship plus 3 years appropriate post registration work experience.
- Diploma: Dental Technology (SADTC) plus 3 years appropriate post registration work experience. Higher Diploma in Dental Technology from a recognized South African institution plus 3 years appropriate post registration work experience.
- An approved overseas dental technology qualification, together with the successful (50% a pass) completion of a registration examination as prescribed by the SADTC.
The Council does not accept Higher Diplomas per se but requires plus 3 years appropriate post registration work experience. Work experience is not a defined criteria for eligibility for PPS. PPS’ Eligibility as per our eligibility consist of three pillars where appropriate and where an association or council regulates the occupation and qualification category, namely qualification, association and occupation.
Dental Technologists with a B.Tech degree therefore qualify for PPS. Although PPS do not follow the NQF level in the determination or evaluation for eligibility it is clear from the Council that they are guided by it and clearly defines who will qualify as a dental technologist.
Profmed and Multiply
Maintaining the position as the leaders of healthcare funding within the sphere of select graduate professionals is by no means an easy task. At Profmed, we remain ahead by constantly adapting and evolving our benefits and products to meet the high standards expected by our loyal members. The Multiply Wellness and Rewards programme is one such product adopted by Profmed. Members have access to discounts on gym membership, flights, hotel accommodation and much more.
What is Multiply?
Multiply is a wellness and rewards programme that helps you understand, track and improve your wellness. As a member, you are rewarded for participating in activities that promote your physical and lifestyle wellness, allowing you to live life to the fullest. Multiply has two offerings: Base Multiply and Full Multiply.
Game Changing NEWS!
Your DENTASA management have successfully negotiated a ONCE IN A LIFETIME Group Underwriting Deal with Profmed Medical Scheme
We have received a number of requests from our Members to consider alternative medical aids. We recognise that Professionals in our Industry have specific needs in this regard, and we have therefore undertaken extensive research into the various providers.
Your requests and our research have both confirmed that Profmed is an extremely reputable and suitable medical aid provider: We are therefore delighted to advise that we have entered into a relationship with Profmed as an approved Medical Aid for our members
Profmed is the largest restricted medical scheme in South Africa, and only graduate professionals with 4 year or post-graduate degrees may become members. It has been in existence since 1960, and the various options available cater for a range of needs. Profmed is a “traditional” medical aid, offering comprehensive benefits with defined limits – this makes it a very straightforward scheme to understand and simplifies members’ interaction with the scheme. The Profmed offer is around “Quality medical cover tailored to suit the lifestyle of professionals” which is one of the reasons that we believe it is well suited to the needs of our population.
Who is eligible to join Profmed?
To qualify to join Profmed, you need to be a paid-up member of DENTASA, and a qualified, Dental Technology Professional.
When can I join?
All DENTASA members joining Profmed prior to 31 March 2014, with Inception Latest 1 April 2014, will join free of underwriting, so no restrictions or exclusions will apply. Thereafter, DENTASA Members may submit Applications for membership, however, may be subject to underwriting.
After Membership commencement, Profmed Scheme Rules, as registered with the Council of Medical Schemes will be applied.
Each Profmed member has the option to migrate between options at the end of each year.
What are the contributions and benefits?
Please refer to the Profmed booklet which outlines the benefits and contribution table for 2014.
Who can I contact?
DIVAN FLEISCHMANN – a FAIS Compliant, Senior New Business Executive in the Employ of Profmed
E-mail – divanf@profmed.co.za
Cell: 084 587 4907
Web address: www.profmed.co.za
How do I join?
1. Complete the application form and indicate your preferred option.
2. Complete the online Application form on the Profmed website
3. Make an Appointment with Divan Fleischmann should a one-on-one be your requirement
It is EXTREMELY important to provide your DENTASA Membership number on the respective Application forms and supporting documentation.
It is critical that all questions are answered in full, openly and truthfully. The following supporting documents are required:
The completed and signed application form
- A copy of your ID
When do I need to start contributing?
A Profmed application form signed by you will replace any previous/existing medical aid membership that you may have. Therefore, any contributions that you may have to a different medical scheme will cease with the same effective date (to ensure that there is no break in your medical aid membership).
Termination of Existing medical Aid membership remains the responsibility of the Member.
Individual Members will be debited in Advance from the First month of Membership.
Groups (Defined as two members or more employed by the same entity) joining through the DENTASA/Profmed agreement will be sent a Billing statement and will be billed in Arrears.
Please make use of this exciting opportunity as the Underwriting concession negotiated with Profmed Medical Scheme by DENTASA Management closes on the 31 March 2014
Members can arrange for more than a thousand SMS alerts to be sent, by depositing R1000 into the DENTASA bank account and sending an email with the relevant info (not more than 160 characters) to agm@dentasa.org.za
This includes the free publication of your ad on the “Jobs” page under “Members Only”.
Bank Details
Bank: ABSA Brooklyn Branch code: 630345
Account name: DENTASA Account number: 150 018 4686
Auto opt-out system for SMS alerts.
When someone replies with an opt-out message (STOP, OPT-OUT or similar opt out message), the SMS gateway automatically adds their number to a blacklist that is linked to the DENTASA account. Once a number has been added to this blacklist, the gateway will not send any further messages to that number, if the message originates from the DENTASA account.
If you want to have your number removed from the blacklist please contact WinSMS on 0861 WINSMS (0861 94 67 67) during office hours Mon-Fri 08:30-17:00.
