I have to add that since I posted my previous messages, I have been contacted by Dr. Sarah's office who are willing to look into my particular experience.

I have found another dentist since then (I did have to have work done and knew what it was and approximately what it would cost in my home country so I wasn't unpleasantly "surprised") and will stick with them.

However, I was impressed there was some follow up on this incident.
Signature line > "You can't fix stupid"