Hi all, I am new to this site and have a bit of a query at the moment. I was previously on ESA benefit but came off of it last October as I was well enough to return to work. When I visited my dentist in April for a check up I let them know I had come off of benefits, asked to pay for my treatment and asked them to take me off of the benefits list. I filled out the health section of the form they gave me but didn't fill out the payment bit as I thought the receptionist had understood that I was going to be paying for the treatment. About a month later I had a letter from the dentistry head office saying that they believe I was trying to claim free dentistry while working and that they were going to fine me around £155 which I had to pay within 21 days. I called them up and they advised me to speak with my dentist and ask them to send in proof that I paid (I used debit card). After talking with the dentist I thought it was sorted out as they said they would send across the proof. After 21 days I received another latter saying they were going to start court proceedings against me. I had to physically go to the dentists to pick up receipts of payment as had misplaced mine and posted them with a covering letter recorded delivery (after being advised by someone at the dentistry call centre not to do that). When I called them to confirm they had received the letter they advised me that on my dentists form I had apparently ticked the box claiming to be in receipt of benefits and signed it. I have asked them to send me a copy of said form and they are refusing to. I do not recall filling in a payment type form at the dentist and only recall filling in the health check part of the form. I have been told that I need to write an "appeals letter" to them within the next 21 days to protest my innocence although I paid in full at the time of treatment. I am currently seeking local free legal advice as believe that a letter on headed paper from a legal company will have more clout than writing in on behalf of myself. Does anyone have any helpful advice on what my next steps should be? I do not believe I should have to pay a fine and be taken to court and do believe this has been an admin error on the part of the dentist. On the phone the person i spoke with at the head office said that I am liable to pay as have signed the form (apparently it's in the small print). Comments please...