The foundation of the American Dental Association ("ADA") Code of Ethics is based upon five ethical principles: patient autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice, and veracity. These principles guide a dentist's Code of Professional Conduct.
Davis Dental that appears inconsistent with the ADA principle of veracity ("truthfulness"). Under this principle, dentists "have a duty to be honest and trustworthy" and "shall not represent the care being rendered to their patients in a false or misleading manner."
My partner, Marcial, and I received dental care from Davis Dental for approximately 1.5 years. Davis Dental requires payment in full on the same day services are rendered, and throughout the course of our treatment we consistently paid all quoted amounts at the time of service.
However, on numerous occasions, amounts for services were misrepresented by Davis Dental staff, primarily by an employee named Denise. I repeatedly raised concerns regarding unclear and inaccurate fee representations with office staff and management, including the office manager, Alyson. Despite these concerns being brought to their attention, the office repeatedly failed to provide clear and accountable communication regarding patient financial responsibility.
Because these issues became recurring, I specifically requested that Davis Dental obtain pretreatment estimates directly from my dental insurance provider (Delta Dental) before rendering services to either myself or Marcial. I made this request after speaking with a representative from Delta Dental, who explained that the insurance company could not verify the accuracy of amounts being requested from patients unless the office submitted the appropriate pretreatment documentation. I was informed that a pretreatment estimate from Delta Dental would provide accurate pricing information unless the scope of services later changed.
The purpose of my request was clear: the cost of treatment directly affected my decision-making regarding whether to proceed with services. Accurate pretreatment pricing information was material to my ability to make informed consent for my healthcare.
Despite my explicit request, Davis Dental did not obtain the pretreatment estimate from Delta Dental. Instead, office representatives relied upon an internal estimation calculator while referring to that calculation using the same terminology associated with Delta Dental pretreatment documentation. As a result, I reasonably believed the quoted amount reflected pricing verified through Delta Dental, and I paid the quoted amount in full at the time services were rendered.
After treatment, I received a combined billing statement for both myself and Marcial (please refer to the attached statement). The statement was addressed to Marcial and reflected an alleged outstanding balance. When I contacted the office regarding the balance, I was informed that Davis Dental claimed I owed additional funds while Marcial allegedly maintained a credit balance of $498.40. I was further informed that Davis Dental had applied Marcial's credit toward my alleged balance without his authorization or approval. This action reflects that Davis Dental failed to refund an overpayment to Marcial until I requested that they refund his overpayment.
Due to these ongoing concerns regarding inaccurate fee representations and questionable billing practices, we immediately discontinued care with Davis Dental.
Davis Dental now alleges that I owe an additional balance of $1,242.51. This alleged balance exists because the office failed to obtain the pretreatment estimate from Delta Dental that I specifically requested in order to receive accurate pricing information before agreeing to treatment. Had accurate insurance-based pricing information been provided, it could have affected my decision regarding whether to proceed with the services rendered.
As a patient, I am entitled to accurate billing information in order to make informed consent regarding healthcare services and financial obligations. I paid in full the amount quoted to me at the time services were rendered and was not properly informed that Davis Dental would later seek substantial additional amounts.
During the period in which we received care at Davis Dental, I was not the only patient expressing concerns regarding inaccurate or misleading fee representations. Given the nature and frequency of these concerns, I believe the matter warrants further review or investigation to protect other patients who may lack the resources or knowledge necessary to question unclear or inaccurate billing practices.
Additionally, Davis Dental's reporting of disputed balances arising from these alleged misrepresentations may adversely affect patients' credit histories. Davis Dental has already referred this matter to a collection agency. While I intend to dispute any fees, I do not believe are legitimately owed, other patients may feel pressured to pay questionable balances in order to avoid dam read more