Dentist overcharged me and kept extra as credit on my account

Not sure this is really the right sub, but I'm curious if the following is normal. I had a cavity filled a few months ago. My dentist office charged me more than my insurance said I should owe. Asked my dentist office about it. First they said it was because they charged me for a numbing agent that isn't covered by my insurance (didn't know this before the procedure but whatever). But the numbers still didn't add up.

I asked for an itemized bill and realized I had about a $50 credit on my account- meaning they had charged me $50 more than they needed to. I asked them when I should expect that money back, and the woman working the desk said I shouldn't. She said it's just a credit and most people leave it for the next time they need work done. She said they could return it if I wanted, so I said yes please, but she acted like I was being dramatic (I was very nice and friendly throughout all of this- just a poor confused client).

I've seen this dentist for years and this was my first cavity they filled. Is it typical to loan your dentist $50 interest free, potentially for years? (My cleanings are completely covered by my insurance so this $50 would only be applied the next time I need work done.) What if I switched dentists, would they just keep that money? Is this normal? Do doctors do this too?

submitted by /u/Severe-Sky-7659
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