The Dentist's Appointment

Scrooge phones a dentist to enquire about the cost of a tooth extraction.

 

"It's 5000 pounds for an extraction, sir," the dentist replies.

 

"5000 pounds! " Scrooge exclaims. "Have you not got anything cheaper?"

 

"That's the normal charge," says the dentist.

 

"What if you didn't use any anaesthetic?"

 

"That's unusual sir… I could do it and knock 1500 off - but it would be quite painful."

 

"What about if you used one of your dentist trainees and still didn't use an anaesthetic?"

 

"I can't guarantee their professionalism and it will still be extremely painful, but the price could drop to 2000 pounds".

 

"How about if you make it a training session, and your student does the extraction with the other students watching and learning?

 

"It'll be good for the students", mulled the dentist, "but you must understand that it's going to be very traumatic as well as really, really painful. But I'll charge you 500."

 

"Ah, now you're talking! It's a deal," said Scrooge. "Can you confirm an appointment for my wife next Tuesday then?"