I am a relatively new patient at Robinson Dental, having approx 4 visits (for cleaning, exam, x-rays) over the course of two years. My previous dentist was excellent, but we decided he was too far away (in GR). We were looking for a closer dentist that would accept Delta Dental insurance. Oddly enough, certain dentists at Robinson will accept our plan, and others will not! This, of course, is very confusing to the consumer. Since Robinson knew what our Delta plan was, they clearly should have assigned us to a dentist within their office that would accept our plan. They did not. We had to then argue/fight over the excessive bill that they presented! We won, in the end, but it was not a "good sign".
As far as the dental care goes: it was "adequate", but not great. My PREVIOUS dentist was very thorough in his exam, after the dental hygienist did a very thorough teeth cleaning and gum exam (I don't know what they call it: when they prick your gums at each tooth). My PREVIOUS dentist would examine the X-rays, then examine my teeth thoroughly (took about 5-8 minutes), maybe tell me that there might be something to keep watch on, maybe recommend another x-ray, etc.
This contrasts greatly with my exam experience at Robinson. The teeth cleaning by the hygienist at Robinson was nowhere near as thorough (plaque removal, gum testing, etc.) I still presume that it was adequate, so I am not saying that the cleaning was poor. But, it definitely is not on par with my previous dentist. The exam by the actual dentist at Robinson was definitely just cursory. The "exam" would last about 30 seconds! "Everything looks good". Why was my previous dentist doing so much more? It apparently boils down to "money" at this office. You definitely do not get as thorough an exam here as you will at other dental offices. It's probably "OK", but you can do better.
Money seems to be the big driver at this office -- something that I have never experienced at any other dentist (or doctor). The dentists tried 2x (out of my 4 visits) to "up-sell me" on something! First, the dentist tried to convince me to get some teeth-straightening (Invisalign, I think). [ I'm 70 yrs old, teeth are straight, but there is a slight crowding in one area -- not really noticeable, and never a problem. Dentist claimed that this might be an issue in "the future". Right.]
Second, the dentist tried to convince me to buy a teeth guard for wearing at night-- just in case. Since I do not have any teeth grinding problem, and do not have any issues with my one tooth implant, this just seemed preposterous. It was an obvious money-maker for the office if I would spend the hundreds of dollars for this fitted mouth guard. No thank you.
Now for my latest, and last, insult from this provider: My Delta Dental coverage had been provided through my wife's employer. When we divorced, the coverage supposedly went away -- though, I was never actually informed of losing the coverage.
So, in preparation for the possibility of losing my dental coverage, I contacted Robinson and spoke to the insurance coordinator ("Julie", I think). I asked which dental plans they accept, and I asked how much would my routine dental care cost me without insurance. After she added up the various costs for the normal routine care, she told me it would cost me $485/yr (w/o cancer screening -- which I declined). This would include: 2 exams, 2 cleanings, X-rays, etc. She also told me that Robinson offers their own "plan": $497/yr (direct through Robinson, paid in advance, I think). This would include all the routine care.
I also investigated many dental plans: Humana, Spirit, Ameritus, Delta, Cigna, etc. But, Robinson is not a participant in any of these plans unless it is the most expensive plan available. Most any plan will be $20-$40 per month (but can be much more), and you will have to pay some co-pays. So, insurance will generally cost about $250-$400 per yr, plus your (maybe) 20% copay.
I also called several dentist offices, to get their costs for yearly care WITHOUT INSURANCE. Generally, without insurance, and assuming just routine cleaning and checkup: dentists will charge about $380 - $450 PER YEAR. It is probably not worth paying for dental insurance if you do not anticipate any major dental issues. This opinion is also what all the dental offices advised, not just my opinion.
So, when I showed up for my scheduled routine exam and cleaning at Robinson, anticipating that my Delta Dental insurance had lapsed (though I was not positive about that), they checked on my available insurance. Yes, apparently it had lapsed. Therefor, I would have to pay $550 (in advance) for today's visit!!!! The office had previously quoted me $485 FOR AN ENTIRE YEAR, with two office visits included! I obviously was aghast, and declined. Then, to top it off, they wanted to charge me a "cancellation fee" of $50!
No- that is not happening.
In conclusion: stay far away from this dental practice. You can do better. read more