First I called him, and he texted me back instead of answering the call. Which I'm okay with, but not very professional during business hours.
I asked a simple request- how much he would charge me to remove my permanent retainer. The retainer has bent, has a sharp edge, and causing pain and discomfort in my mouth.
The doctor then asked me if I have insurance. Knowing very well that insurance has nothing to do with this. I asked how much he would charge me- not whether its covered. I provided the name of my insurance. Then the doctor asked me when my last X Ray was taken, and I replied to that as well, but also asked why it was relevant to my request.
Then after all of this, the doctor says "Sorry I am not accepting Delta at this time." - I never asked once to use my insurance for the procedure. I asked how much it would cost ME, not my insurance. I voiced my frustrations to this, reiterating that I would pay myself and not use insurance, and then the doctor says "Sorry I do not remove retainers. You need to see an orthodontist." Then continues to say that Delta doesn't pay for PPE and so he won't help.
So which is it? Because I never asked for this to be done under insurance. Because Delta doesn't cover PPE, the dentist lied and told me they don't do a procedure which I know that any dentist or orthodontist can do with minimal tools.
Then he proceeds to tell me that he doesn't do free dentistry and that I am demanding free dentistry! I SPECIFICALLY asked how much it would cost me, and he refused to give a number!!
Then when he finally decided to re-read my messages and realize that I am asking for the cost to ME for the procedure, he directed me to some other business instead of helping a patient in need.
I am in pain, with a sharp metal object in my mouth, and this dentist did nothing but argue insurance and prices with me. I didn't ask for insurance coverage once for this, but this dentist wants to take as much money as he can from patients on visits, clearly.
When I reiterated my concerns once more, all I received was a "Delta does not pay to remove retainer" while for the past 20 minutes I'm trying to get it through his thick skull that I will pay for it myself.
Then he texts me and says "I could tell from your first text we are not fit. Bad vibes. Your subsequent behavior proved me correct." I'm sitting here with a sharp piece of metal cutting up my mouth and was very kind when I reached out looking for a quote. I have all the texts to prove it. The dentist tried to extort me before I even got a chance to visit.
Then I reply telling him he's a liar and voiced my frustrations, as he treated me like a number, not a patient. Then he has the nerve to say "My schedule is completely booked for the next three months with patients who pay in full. I do not patients who are seeking a discount."
Not once did I ever ask for any relief or discount or anything in any of my messages with him. I told him he's an awful person for treating me like this. Then he has the nerve to tell me "Who is the awful person?"
"If you can not afford treatment, so blame the Dr. You make no sense bro." These were literally his text messages to me. Unbelievable. Then says "There are tons of other dentists in Irvine. So if you do not agree, move on to the next one!"
Then has the nerve to say the following after I tell him he has no sympathy for humans:
"Whatever. You can't afford treatment so you are upset. I see it all the time."
I have the whole text thread saved. I am very well off and money is not a concern. I specifically asked for the outright cost which I was never given to begin with. I am looking to pay for it outright, which for some reason this dentist could not quite get through his head.
I do not recommend this dentist whatsoever. Very questionable business practices and clearly does not actually have care or compassion for patients in pain or in need. Now I'm back to the drawing board trying to find someone to help me.
Edit: Do not listen to the Dentist's response. He is a liar. I never asked once to negotiate the cost. I simply explained what I needed done and that I thought it could be quick- because I needed it done quick and most places aren't able to take patients that quickly. I have all of the texts to prove it. We never even discussed cost, because he never provided it.
Also- I have several texts with the doctor belittling me and treating me inhumanely. He said I was poor and couldn't afford the visit and thats why he treated me poorly. Money is not an issue at all. He didn't even give me the cost. I never once asked for a discount or asked to negotiate.
He will reply a thousand different ways to cover his horrible behavior. If you are looking for a dentist, look elsewhere. He messaged me trying to get me to remove the review, and then once again belittled me.
Then he threatened me and started looking for my personal information. And he said he called my employer over this review. read more