$27,310 dental treatment, DENTAL BRIDGES, became a totally disaster, causing restoration cost over…read more$70,000. Following owner of Stanmore Bay Dental Studio, Clare Mulquiney, refused full refund, I lodged a claim at dispute tribunal. Clare had made several false statements during and leading to the tribunal hearing, directly resulting only half of the payment being refunded.
She also failed to verify the treating dentist status of indemnity insurance, also resulting in serious harm to me as a patient physically and financially.
I feel compelled to share my experience, as it highlights a concerning issue regarding the structure and accountability of the clinic.
At Stanmore Bay Dental Studio, all dentists operate as self-employed practitioners. This arrangement appears to allow the clinic to deny responsibility should any individual dentist fail in their duties. Unfortunately, this setup left me in a deeply distressing situation.
Facts:
On 26 April 2023, I agreed to a comprehensive treatment plan for full upper and lower jaw bridges provided by Stanmore Bay Dental Studio. I made the following payments directly to the clinic's account:
$14,900 on 12 July 2023 for the upper bridge
$12,410 on 30 August 2023 for the lower bridge
Account Name: Stanmore Bay Dental Studio Ltd.
Account Number: 06-0230-0671600-00
The treatment was initially performed by Dr. Johan Van Rooyen. Shortly after the process began, I was informed of Dr. Van Rooyen's sudden passing. The clinic assured me that Dr. Jaco Minnaar would take over and complete the treatment.
However, the lower bridge failed on 28 September 2023, breaking apart completely. The clinic acknowledged that the material used was defective and offered to fit a temporary bridge using a different material to assess a possible solution.
Between late 2023 and early 2024, I attended 20 follow-up appointments. Throughout this time, I was repeatedly reassured that the treatment would be completed successfully. Then, without any prior warning, I was informed on 2 May 2024 that the clinic lacked the expertise to proceed with my treatment.
Subsequently, on 14 October 2024, the upper bridge also cracked, resulting in the total failure of both bridges.
When I raised my concerns, clinic owner Claire Mulquiney disclaimed all responsibility, advising me instead to seek compensation from Dr. Van Rooyen's estate. She claimed the clinic bore no legal liability due to the dentists being self-employed, and further stated that dentists cannot be sued in New Zealand--a troubling assertion for any patient seeking redress.
It has now been almost two years since the treatment began. In the process, 24 of my teeth have been severely ground down, leaving me in constant pain and unable to eat properly or maintain a healthy diet. The physical, emotional, and financial toll has been devastating.
Photo 1 in review by Sing Duan
