I would not recommend this Dentist - especially for seniors and vulnerable people. I felt totally taken advantage of.
In early September 2025 I was at my remote lake house in Hiles, WI with discomfort from food trapped under a molar. No dentists nearby were available so I searched Wausau, Wisconsin and found Dr. James S. Kim who advertises "all phases of dentistry."
Called 9/4 and explained that food kept getting caught causing pain. Staff told me to take Tylenol/Aleve for almost two weeks as the earliest appointment: she booked was 9/16/25. No mention of cost. This was obviously NOT an emergency visit and should not have been charged as one.
I was trusting they would offer me a standard of care required by the profession at standard fees for the area.
The day before the visit they called and informed me I had to pay $379 for the appointment with no explanation of what it included.
As a new patient, I assumed it would cover x-rays, exam and cleaning from a dental hygienist. I trusted they were ethical.
I drove one hour. The staff took x-rays and set me in a room. Dr James Kim examined my teeth and told me there was a cavity.
I asked about a teeth cleaning and was told there would be no cleaning - that it costs an additional $142 and they were booked out until November. They told me they have no hygienist to clean teeth - that Dr. Kim does all cleanings.
Dr Kim explained I had a cavity and his treatment recommended was:
Two crowns - the tooth with the cavity and the one next to it
Wisdom tooth extraction - (it was not cracked or causing me any problems whatsoever)
Night guard
Total cost - $5,593.00 for treatment for 1 cavity.
I inquired about doing a filling but Dr. Kim claimed a simple filling was "impossible."
I was leaving Wisconsin at the end of October so I did not book anything with Dr. Kim. I believed and trusted him when he said I needed all of this recommended treatment for $5,593.
He asked me what I did for a living which I found odd.
He did not ask me anything else about my life.
I immediately made an appointment in St Louis with a general / cosmetic/restorative dentist. I did not tell them about my experience or diagnosis with Dr Kim. The soonest they could see me was November 19, 2025.
Diagnosis after new X-rays: a cavity and treatment was routine filling needed -- $185.
No crowns, no extractions, no mouth guard - no SCAMMING!
For reference, my St. Louis new-patient visit ($400) included for 1 year - two cleanings, 2 fluoride treatments, full X-rays, and 2 exams and discounts for treatments.
Far more than the nothing I got for $379 from Dr. Kim.
This felt like classic predation on a senior in pain far from home: delay care, spring a big fee, then scare with thousands in unnecessary irreversible treatment.
I've demanded my $379 back and filed with the BBB. Small-claims court in Marathon County is next if they don't refund by December 10, 2025.
Seniors and out-of-towners -- AVOID DR KIM and this office.
I am considering filing a complaint with the Wisconsin Dental Association & American Dental Association read more