Formal Complaint against Coast Dental 916 Curlew Rd Dunedin FL 34698 Phone# : 727-736-1777 Subject: Formal Grievance Against Coast Dental - Deceptive Practices and Denial of Covered Care To Whom It May Concern, I am filing a formal complaint against Coast Dental regarding deceptive business practices, bait-and-switch tactics, and the unjust refusal of insurance-covered preventative care. I scheduled an appointment as a new patient for a routine, insurance-covered dental cleaning. Upon arrival, the office took a full array of new X-rays and conducted multiple exams. However, the office ultimately refused to perform the scheduled cleaning. They try to convince me that I needed a deep cleaning and I decline a couple times saying I only wanted a standard regular cleaning. So they left me sitting in the room until another staff came to tell me that they could not perform a standard cleaning unless I provided a complete, multi-year historical record of other dental cleaning I have received. I had already successfully transferred my recent cleaning record and X-rays from my previous dentist (dated December 2025), proving consistent care. My teeth and gums are healthy for a 70 year old person, and there was no clinical justification to deny care. After 3 re-scheduling and two hours that day, this office used a fabricated administrative barrier to withhold covered preventative care, likely to pressure me into unnecessary out-of-pocket treatments, all while billing my insurance for the diagnostic X-rays. I request a full investigation into this location's practices, due to non-completion of service, and that they be ordered to release my new X-rays to me without charge to prevent excess radiation. read more

WORST DENTIST EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE. The operating rooms are absolutely filthy, dusty chairs, grime in the seams of their equipment. Nothing was clean. The OPERATING CHAIR HAS A MASSIVE HOLE in the cushion right where you sit so there's no way they're properly disinfecting it. Absolutely disgusting place and it should be shut down. Complete waste of time. I arrived at 3:15 for my 3:30 appointment, then waited an hour and half to be seen. Finally after being brought back at 4:45 I'm essentially told they're not going to really do anything for me today, mind you I have a broken tooth, because it's so late. I was like excuse you? I was here 15 minutes early for my appointment. So she takes the X-rays, refuses to take all the x rays, my insurance only covers x rays so often and I need work done. I needed more x rays. She tried to argue with me that my tooth missing a piece is not broken when I know it's broken. Then I'm finally brought to an operating room to see the real dentist, about 5pm now and I'm waiting again and the same nurse comes up trying to take payment for the x rays before I've even seen the dentist! Wants me to pay her a $7 co pay while I'm in the chair with the bib on! So I say ma'am do you realize you have me sitting in a chair with a hole in it two hours into an appointment and I still haven't seen the dentist and you're asking me for payment? In the chair? So I said enough is enough I'm done and I'm leaving right now. read more

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Worst dentist office I've ever been to. It's all a scam to get you to spend $10,000 for a deep cleaning. They refused to even clean my teeth because they said they could lose their license if they didn't do a deep cleaning. I would strongly recommend not using this place read more

I was told they don't take my insurance. So I paid the bill when I was seen then they submitted the bill to my insurance company who paid it and sent me a statement saying I didn't owe anything. So this dental office billed my insurance and me for the same procedure. Fraud! read more

The staff has been wonderful, and their professionalism and quality of work is great. They don't pressure you for costly add-ons or additional out of pocket services either, which is refreshing. read more

Last time a was there a few months ago, the hygienist was cleaning and something fell on my tongue. She took it out with a tissue. I get home and looked she chipped my tooth and said nothing. I didn't even consider going back there for the repair. I recommend going elsewhere. Gene read more

Coast Dental - General Dentistry Near Me - Dunedin, Florida

I now have Wellcare insurance. Coast Dental is one of the only two covered dentists near me. After reading the HORRIBLE reviews, I will NOT go to this office. Wow! I have never read such horrible reviews for a dentist or their practice. Thank you, Richard M. Good advice. read more

Called to schedule an appointment for a simple teeth cleaning. Made the appointment and then was told I had to have a dental exam before they would clean my teeth when i got there, just had one 6 months ago with my last teeth cleaning along with full set of x-rays and panoramic imaging. They grudgingly agreed to get the 6 month old images from my last dentist, who was now out of network. I was told I need a deep cleaning, had one in the past and suffered dramatic gum recession, swore I would never allow that to be done to me again. After completing the dental exam they refused to do a teeth cleaning and would only do a deep cleaning. I declined and will never go back. The only redeeming part of that experience was a very kind and gracious receptionist. read more

An absolute nightmare. What a scam and what a joke of an establishment. I would give zero stars if I could. First off, the receptionist was rude from the get go. And obviously, no one knows how to effectively communicate there. Secondly, we send my under 18 sister in for a cleaning and to determine some pain. They refused to perform a cleaning on her for alleged gingivitis and said she needed a "deeper cleaning" for a full price not covered by insurance and needed to be paid in full that day. But then later said, she may not need a deeper cleaning if she flosses and brushes.... so still not sure why they couldn't have done her regular cleaning since it apparently can go away on its own with at home treatment. They also sent her out with an estimate for dental work she needed done at the tune of a couple hundred dollars even though her insurance should cover it. Thirdly, they called back to apologize bc they were wrong and the dental work is covered and they would find out about a deeper cleaning being covered as well. We scheduled her dental work at that time for the following week. Lastly, we receive a call later the next day that the dentist is now NOT willing to perform her dental work which she already previously approved and she will have to see a specialist. Honestly a nightmare. Go to literally any other dentist. read more

Be prepared for the upsell and extra out of pocket charges. I am very disappointed by my first visit to Coast Dental in Dunedin. My wife went last week for her visit, and was upsold treatment. Just like someone else's experience with "gingivitis treatment and deep cleaning". $130 out of pocket that had to be paid that day. That was the 1st red flag. When I went in today was brought back, and was told there were extra charges ($10 for PPE and $23 for X-ray) not covered under insurance. The dentist was not able to explain why $10 for PPE other than it is a "Corporate Pandemic Charge" because they have to wear masks. Really? My previous dentist and hygienist always wore masks - pre-pandemic. When I asked if I could skip the extra X-ray, and just do the one that my insurance covers they told me no, they could not do that. The extra X-ray shows the bone and other stuff the dentist needs to see. She could not perform the exam without the extra. This place is a scam and will milk you for more. I can't speak to the service, but the ethics are completely driven by $. Not sure if this is true of all Coast Dental businesses, but this one is unabashedly after as much money as they can get out of each patient. It is not the money that bothers me, it is the principals of their practice and inability to offer what they should to their patients without extra non-insured fees. read more

Something went down hill in that office from over a year ago. Worst customer service now. I was in a room waiting to have my teeth cleaned for 45 minutes, no one did the job, so I up and left and never went back... read more

Was considering this practice to remedy my wife's dental issues.. she is Of Chinese descent and doesn't speak English well. We opted for an exam in Tampa with a Chinese speaking dentist so that she could understand her situation. We decided to go to Coastal to complete every procedure and was instructed to have her x-rays forwarded there. I called Coastal today to see if they were received and the call was answered by some named Maria or Miriam.. not sure but she sounded old.. as I was explaining she cut me off and said I sound like a robot!!! How rude..and I told her she was very rude.. this made me to check yelp and I found so many bad comments. If this how you treat a new patient I would not want to be a current patient.. Anyway I am glad I checked and will go elsewhere. read more

I arrived 15 minutes late to my appointment after calling them twice on my way to make sure it was still okay that I could come in. I left a voicemail because no one picked up. After sitting in the waiting room, an older woman came out and in front of the entire waiting room announced she will not be seeing me because I was late. I told her about the phone calls and voicemail and she responded "no". So I walked out. Second experience with a coast dental office and I will not be returning to this company. read more

I decided to give them a shot even with their dismal Yelp rating. Everyone deserves a second chance, right? No. Not Coast Dental. Made two appointments at the beginning of December to make the most of the insurance I have paid for all year. I leave work mid day, walk in, and the lady behind the desk is in a mood because of insurance issues her coworkers didn't tend to. As I start to fill out the new patient forms she calls me up to the desk and says I am not on their roster and someone should have called to tell us to sort that out. I could though pay out of pocket for our visits. I declined and walked out. After calling my insurance company it came to my attention that the nice lady behind the desk didn't pay attention to the type of insurance I carry. My husband and I didn't need to be on their roster. I don't have an HMO plan. They lost not one but two appointments today because someone couldn't handle their own attitude. The worst part is that it's too late in the year to get another appointment somewhere because I wasted my time with an office of uneducated and unhelpful people. Do not go here. Their 1 star rating was earned. read more

I'm not going to go into the whole story but let's just say I have been in pain for 3 weeks because of this office. I got a tooth pulled here and it's been 3 weeks. My face is still swollen in places and I am still in pain. Have been to another dentist, urgent care and emergency room in this time period. I wish I had never came to this office! read more

Dont go there. They were supposed to clean and polish my teeth. They told me I had to pay extra cause teeth were stained. They did xrays and gave me bill for over 6000.00. All I wanted was my teeth clean. That did not happen. read more

Stay away....i switched my health insurance in January. Coast was one of the providers. I have been going to my dentist for over 30 years but he is not a provider. I get my teeth cleaned every 6 months, that's all I wanted. But no, they took a whole mouth full of X-rays. They cannot clean your teeth without the dentist looking at and evaluating the X-rays. Of course they said I needed a deep cleaning and alluded to the fact that my dentist did not do a good job. I was told I needed 5 need new crowns, deep cleaning on all my teeth, plus an antibiotic put under my gums. They also sold me a mouth rinse that I used years ago but was told it would stain my teeth. I called my regular dentist and they told me that Coast is the biggest scam artists around. I did not need any of the work they told me I needed. Guess I got away cheap..had to pay them $75 for work that should have been 0 copay. They will try to sell you ice in the winter! BEWARE. read more

This is a chain concept and quality is not a priority. I left after one consultation. The price is reasonable but they want to do more. I found a good independent dentist who told it like it was. read more

I'm not too sure why this place has so many awful reviews on yelp, Coast Dental has been nothing but kind and respectful towards me during each visit. It's usually a very quick visit and I've never had my dentist try to up sell anything that was unnecessary. They offer affordable dental care and accept Medicaid which is pretty great!! And they always schedule a cleaning for 6 months in advance so you're able to get those much needed two cleanings a year (which are free with Medicaid) amazing place and even better service!! read more

I have mixed feelings about Coast Dental. When I went in for my first appointment, they took X-Rays which took FOREVER to process and I was left waiting by myself for probably 30-45 minutes before the doctor finally came in to review my X-rays. After her review I was told I had cavities that needed to be filled and I was in need of a deep cleaning which they would have to schedule in the future. I was not surprised by either, as I had not had a cleaning in probably 3 years, which is my fault! However, I did go in with the impression I would have a cleaning that day, and was disappointed I was there almost 2 hours for pretty much nothing. I returned a few weeks later and had my deep cleaning done with Christina, the hygienist. She took me back right away and started the cleaning...no waiting around this time. She was friendly and did a fabulous job. My teeth and gums felt great after that! A few weeks later I returned and had my cavities filled. Again I was taken right back, numbed and the procedure started probably 15 minutes later. This process went smoothly as well and I have no complaints, I can't remember the dentists name but she was very friendly. I've been back one more time since for a regular cleaning with Christina and again, great experience! SO while I was a little turned off by my initial visit, all the rest of my interactions at this office have been positive! read more

I have a toothache for some time now, so I decide to go and see a dentist I was there almost 2 hours , they took x rays they measured my teeth? They gave me an estimate of what they advise me what needed to be done the estimate was A few thousand dollars. I walk out, nobody did anything to address my original tooth problem. I still have a toothache!! read more

STAY AWAY FROM THIS DENTAL OFFICE - MARIANA BOLES the worst dental office I have ever been to. I am seeking legal counsel because I have lost molars as a result of Mariana Boles negligence. After my initial exam when she measured the gaps in my guns. Mariana Boles was supposed to have applied shots of arestin which is industry standard. I asked her why she isn't applying this antibiotic and she just shrugged her shoulders. Now I have lost molars as a result. THEY OVER CHARGED ME out of pocket copays. Also she waited for a tooth to be infected and sent me home with antibiotic. Which made me sick. 3 days later I tried calling for a change in the antibiotic. They never answered their phones and I left emergency messages with their answering service. FOR 2 MONTHS. I had to go to another dentist as quick as possible. This office and Mariana Boles will be reported to the dental board. 3 months later they call me to ask me if I want to book another appointment. I said to them you mean you never recieved my 15 calls for the last 2 months? They said no you should have come to the office. This was her reply. What a joke. This is office is not a real dentist. They do not apply any ARESTIN shots when you have gaps in your gums like every dental office is suppose to. Coast Dental/Mariana Boles you haven't heard the last of me. I WILL SPEND THE REST OF MY LIFE TRYING TO CLOSE DOWN YOUR OFFICE. read more

Very impress with Amy, Barbara, and Dr. LaBance. Very professional, explained my teeth problems, my options, and all my questions. Concerned and compassionate. read more

Should have listened to the reviews here because they are just as bad as they say. After spending 15 minutes on the phone trying to input the correct information with staff when scheduling; I was assured everything was right and that my insurance had been double verified as accepted. I get to the office and I am told that my insurance is not accepted. I tell them it is under this provider, but listed as a separate group for dental. After I sit down, the receptionist calls my insurance on speaker, she puts it loud enough so I can hear from the opposite end of the waiting room, where everyone can clearly hear as well. Inputs my member ID and verifies my last name so that the speaker repeats it out-loud. Then after the system says I don't have dental under my medical plan the receptionist says out across the lobby "See Mr. ______ you don't have insurance" and hangs up. I walk up to the counter to explain how I didn't appreciate that being on speaker she said "It's not real medical info so it doesn't matter" so I decided to just leave. Was I able to pull up my dental insurance 15 seconds after I left by calling the same number the receptionist did? yes. Did I reschedule with them again? no. If this is how they are with new patients I can't imagine the ones they are comfortable with. read more

This place is absolutely AWFUL! I had to walk out. They refused to clean my teeth when I refused to buy into their up sale scheme. It's more than wrong to sell people a service they do not need, it's downright unethical to put people through a very painful procedure so they can make a buck. These people should be ashamed of themselves! Do not go here! read more

i am fuming. this is the rudest and most incompetent dentist place i have ever tried to schedule an appointment with. i will never ever go here and do not recommend this place to anyone. read more

I suspect that Dr. Musa does not read X-rays. I went to the practice for 4 years, paid out of pocket for cleanings, Xrays, etc. Then, Dr. Musa noticed a loose filling. Turned out to be a large cavity, almost too large to save the tooth! Now, how did that happen when I was going every four months to your practice? Hmmm...Dr. Musa said, 'Sometimes, the Xray flattens the image and you can miss it.' Second opinion from a different Coast dentist was, "Nope. You can clearly see it." If you have X-rays done, you should see the dentist before you leave the office and have him read the x-ray in your presence. Better yet, don't go to these chain-store-type dentist-training-grounds! read more

Overpriced, recommended many additional treatments. Another dentist contradicted her advice. Glad I didn't have that tooth pulled! Will never go back or suggest this place to anyone else. read more

fantastic service lovely dentist and nurses excellent music very helpful and nice great everything really need I say more if you got a tooth to fix the lovely people here will fix it and your soul too read more

I gave them a shot, even after seeing the reviews. I recommend looking elsewhere. Nothing went smooth at all. I have moved on.

The equipment used is ancient - Xray machines still using film! The chair I was seated in showed rust (at least I hope it was rust) on the pole. The staff was friendly but I got the distinct impression they were trying to push me into certain procedures that I may or may not need. I was kept waiting by myself for long stretches of time. This office in Dunedin shows all signs of being a declining business and looking for any excuses to bring in cash. I have never had a dentist appointment where it wasn't understood that a hygienist would also clean your teeth, unless there were extenuating circumstances. They didn't even have a hygienist on staff during my appointment, so they had already decided I would need to come back for another visit. Needless to say I am moving on. read more

I was a customer for many years, in the past few years they have had constant turn over of employees and Dentists, and they no longer seem ti care about the atmosphere ie: no music ,the place feels dirty. I had an appt. for my regular cleaning , but they sent a text saying i needed to call to make an appt. . When i called, no one answered, so i left a message. No one returned my calk, so i called again. No one answered, not even the answeribg machine. I will not be returning. I will find a new dentist. Too bad, don't know what happened to coast dental, but my guess is, they treat their employees very poorly. Just a guess. read more

Absolutely the worst experience. I only went to them because Coast is the only dental place on my new insurance. I had an appointment but took me 1 hour to even get called back. The equipment is old and outdated, x-ray machines are still using film (not digital), the floors and armrests weren't clean. Dentist tried to tell me that I need a crown because my tooth was cracked, but that tooth has been like that for decades and other dentists have told me it is fine. Then they told me I need special periodontic cleanings (prior dentists all told me that I take great care of my teeth and the gums are good). The rubberized handles on the lights are not covered with anything and the the hygienist touches it with her gloves and then puts her hands in your mouth. Worst cleaning I ever had, only took her about 15 minutes and then they charged me for a deep clean. Had to listen to country music blasting the whole cleaning. I went to pay my bill and they said I need to come back in 3 months for another clean (which my insurance doesn't cover). Then I started getting bills saying I still owed them money. Checked my dental insurance claims and it shows that they were overpaid! Yet they sent me 6 bills in two days all saying I am past due even though the due date said one month out. They continued sending me these bills almost every day. One day I got three in one day. I will be returning to my old dentist and paying out of pocket (it was cheaper than going here with insurance!) read more

Wow. Didn't see the dentist but I can comment on the lack of professionalism for the office staff. They scheduled me for a new patient appointment a month ago. Two weeks prior they received my records from my dentist. 3 days earlier they wanted to split up my cleaning and my exam all of a sudden to two appointments. I said that wasn't possible and they were going to call me and tell me a new appointment where I could do both 2 weeks later. Then next day they said never mind they will keep the appointment. 1 hour before my appointment they called and told me that they couldn't open my X-ray records. 1 hour before! Lack of planning or an attempt to get more money???? Not sure but I'm not hanging around to find out. read more

If your thinking about trying this place...don't. Just save yourself the frustration. I have an infection in my gumline that results in a horrid taste in my mouth, all the time, worse when I eat anything. I was told I needed a cleaning/scraping and was scheduled for Thursday the 5th of march. Weds they call and, with no explaination, need to change me to Monday the 9th. Monday the 9th rolls around, and I get a call about my appointment for Tuesday the 10th...? They told me Monday, so I cleared my schedule for MONDAY, not Tuesday...How many times do these cretins think you can change your work schedule?? They set an appointment for later on Monday but called back to say they wouldn't be able to do the cleaning anyway as the hygenist didn't have an opening...so whats the point? Then they want me to wait ANOTHER full week?? Seriously? They can't even run a schedule, how on earth can you trust them to do anything in your mouth? Uh uh, not me brother. I used this location a couple years ago and had not the first issue. Obviously managment has changed, and the inmates are running the asylum. The office manager actually took offense that I was upset after being put off yet again!! Which goes to show that they REALLY don't care about you or your dental issues. So to quote Nancy Reagan, "Just say "NO!" " They will NEVER get another dime outta me. Absolutely the most disorganized, uncaring, pooresr excuse for a business one could ever deal with. I run my own business, and Id be outta said business if I operated like these mental midgets. You have been warned. If I could give less than a one star I would. read more

First time to use my dental coverage since on a Medicare Advantage plan. Great experience from beginning to end. Amanda, the receptionist was friendly and helpful. Lucy was fun while taking X-rays. Farrah is an awesome, knowledgeable hygienist and Dr. Slement was professional and open. I knew I had receding gums, but am now on a plan to restore the problem. Thank you, Coast Dental of Dunedin, FL, for caring and sharing ways to keep my smile young. At checkout, Jennifer helped make my experience more affordable on a senior budget. I highly recommend Coast Dental of Dunedin for your dental care! read more

Every time my girlfriend goes here she comes home crying or complaining about the dr. They pulled three teeth and wouldn't give her ib profen 600. They pulled them threw gauze in her mouth and told her to have a nice day, she's spent over 4K in this place and it was an absolute mistake!!! DO NOT GO HERE YOU WILL REGRET IT! read more