Dr. Ashley Wagler placed a crown on my wisdom tooth without my consent. She has done this without discussing the risks, benefits, and alternatives, which is completely unacceptable. Please read my experience with dental care at the Smile Center as a warning of how things can go wrong at this dental office. I live in Florida, but spend the summer in Europe. I always have a routine dental cleaning in April before I leave. My previous dental office moved to another city. For this reason, I registered with Dr. Ashley Wagler at Smile Center. I had a mandatory new patient exam scheduled for April 7, two weeks before a dental cleaning appointment. I didn't have any toothache, but Dr. Wagler aggressively talked me into getting crowns. One of the crowns in the treatment plan was tooth 31. The temporary crown was placed the next day. The day after, I had pain in the lower right quadrant. I informed the office about the pain and requested the dental chart. In the past, the dental chart was always included in the treatment plan. To my surprise, the dental chart showed that the position of 32 was empty, and the wisdom tooth was placed in position 31. I was unable to discuss this error right away because Dr. Wagner was out of the office until April 14th. When she returned, I learned that the crown is ready for the wisdom tooth. There was no apology for errors on the treatment plan and dental chart. I pointed out that she didn't discuss with me an alternative treatment option: removing the wisdom tooth. Dr. Wagler's answer was: "For me it was only one option." Every day I had tooth pain and woke up often at night because of it. The placement of permanent crowns was scheduled for April 17. Just before cementation, Dr. Wagler handed me a consent form to sign. I asked for a written statement about covering the costs of wisdom tooth removal in the event of problems with this tooth. Dr. Wagler refused it. She angrily said that she would place the temporary crowns back. At that time, this option was not feasible. I only had a week before my flight to Europe, so there was no time to visit the new clinic. After the permanent crown was placed, the pain did not go away. Dr. Wagler said pain can last up to a month after the crown is placed. It's been three months, and I still feel pain when cleaning my wisdom tooth with a water irrigator, drinking cold drinks, and taking hard bites. This is a highly stressful and unfair situation to be in. I am upset, anxious, and I am looking for ways to protect myself. I hope Dr, Wagler will take responsibility for her dental malpractice. read more

I went to the Smile Center to get my teeth examined (X-Rays) and cleaned; this was covered under my new insurance. However, the hygienist told me I needed a "deep cleaning" and 'it was not legal for her to do it without the Deep Cleaning'. I had said that I only want to do services covered by my insurance, but this Deep cleaning would be an extra $109.00, so I agreed so it could get done, and wrote them a check for that amount that day. A couple weeks later I received in the mail a bill for over $200.00. Feeling sure this was an error, I went to the Smile Center to let them know that I got this bill; it must be a mistake. On the day of service I had said several times, adamantly, that 'I wanted nothing done which the insurance did not cover', and I was assured they understood. But the $109.00 was necessary to get the cleaning done. (This 'Cleaning' did not take any longer than an average cleaning. I had never had this experience of an extra charge for scraping. It even seemed to Not be a good job as my front top 4 caps were black up by the gums and following the cleaning they remained so. The hygienist recommended "Crest White Strips".) This is like a 'Bait & Switch'. A betrayal of what was agreed to. I was never told about any additional charges. I visited the front desk 3 times to dispute and reason; I spoke on the phone with Billing two or three times about what was agreed to. Today I get a letter from the collection agency. This place doesn't know how to run a business. read more

I went for a cleaning, they took very bad xrays, the good Dr. Wagley came into the room and told me I needed a root canal I had re-done. She didn't even look in my mouth........gave me a referral for one of her buddies and walked out. Root canal and new crown would probably run 2-3 K I have a history of needing to be sedated for a procedure like that so I went to a specialist in Tampa. They did a cat scan of everything and had consultation with me in their office. They put the x-rays on the screen and began to tell me that the old root canal was expertly done, there's nothing wrong with the tooth or crown and there was no infection and I wasn't going to loose my jaw as the good people at the smile center told me....I had no pain. They said they wouldn't touch anything. When I confronted the office manager Paula, and told her where I had gone and what was was said, she accused me of being a unhappy nasty old bastard ( which I am if I'm being defrauded ).. This is a DSO corp. operation....it's all about the money. The entire dental industry has this business model. Years ago you had a family dentist and doctor most of your life that did what was in your best interest, not what's best for the company bottom line. I encourage everyone to use AI to research the dental industry.... read more

Gentle competent dentistry. No pain physically or financially. These folks are truly amazing.

I have always had 5 star treatment here. My dentist and hygienist have always provided excellent knowledgeable service. Always on time.

Upon arriving I waited a bit to be informed my paperwork hadn't been received for the visit. I filled it out online twice but the receptionist commented they had issues with their system and handed me a new set. After turning in, I again waited a bit to be seen but 1st they wanted their own X-rays. I supplied a full panel of X-rays just taken at an out of network dentist. I only came for a referral for a root canal. They wanted their own X-rays and said they'd do for free. They did the most extensive set of X-rays I have EVER had! Then BILLED MY INSURANCE over $350! Not free when it uses up 1/3 of my benefits. Then I was told the dentist didn't have time to see me and I'd have to come back.I had driven 40 min there for a 5 min consult they didn't have time for. Before I could leave the parking lot the entire office emptied out by 4pm and they are open until 5! They also NEVER answer the phone. I'd avoid this place! It's a large corp network with a high turnover of dentists. read more

The Smile Center in Venice rating is unprofessional unethical and aggressive!! This is the first public review I have ever given. Ask yourself this question Sonja Bojko, DDS how would you like to be treated? This is how their staff behaves and thinks it is acceptable and professional behavior. Before I scheduled an appointment with The Smile Center in Venice, FL, I did my due diligence. I spoke with Lauren twice last week to confirm what it would cost if I paid with no insurance versus insurance. I explained that I'd already seen a dentist, and I wanted to get another opinion to best decide what and who I would like to receive services. I also said that the technology they used would help me make my decision. I called my insurance company to find that I did have one more comprehensive exam under my plan, and they provided the code, I shared the code with Lauren and she then asked me to get x-rays and email them, so I called back on Friday to confirm the email address; the person said she would be back on Monday, I called back on Monday and spoke with Lauren and confirmed email and sent x-rays per her request, and then went ahead and scheduled an appointment for the next day. I went into the office early to complete paperwork, and a woman came out and called my name, walked me back to a room, and kept me standing there for 10 minutes, doesn't ask me to sit, as she was running around from room to room, she commented, oh the doctor or she is still walking their dog, assuming that was my doctor; so she came back in and said okay so we have to bill you. I explained, no I have already confirmed I have one more comprehensive visit that will be covered under my insurance, confirmed with my insurance, and included the code in the email along with the x-rays. The staff member is still confused and then goes back up to Lauren still has me standing waiting, so I walk up to where she is. She was speaking with Lauren, I started to enter her office, and Lauren told me to step out and walk through the door to the lobby which appeared to escort me out, so I stepped out and walked toward the lobby and the other woman said no, she doesn't need to leave, again so I recap the two conversations via our phone calls I have with Lauren, she then recalls and tells the woman yea that's fine go ahead use the code, so they have me walk back in, now keep in mind there are patients out in the lobby and two front girls in the desk while sharing all this information. So, I walked back, and the woman again said OK will bill you with no charge and submit to insurance, and you won't be charged anything. She walks out of the room again running from room to room, while she is doing that, I call my insurance company again, to make sure I am giving them the right code and I will not be charged any fee. She came back in the room, and I said I just called the insurance company again just to make sure, she said good and started walking out of the room, I said am I following you to get a CT scan, she said Yes, she again has me wait at the machine and walks away again, then comes back and said, follow me the doctor Sonja Bojko, DDS, said, "NO"! she will not proceed; you will have to pay the fee of $179.00 or you must say that you will become a patient of hers! And ask me to follow her out, SHOCK!!! I said I wanted to make sure I was not charged anything since nothing was done, not feeling comfortable with these tactics, asked the woman to write a note saying nothing would be charged, the dentist refused, and now patients are waiting in the lobby and two other girls at the desk. The one with the long dark hair said, "We're done with YOU! You can leave now", so dismissive, it appears that they think people are just commodities! I said I should have you pay me for my time spending over an hour, WASTED! Considering I have done my due diligence before scheduling an appointment, and I will be writing a review! read more

Terrible experiene today. Dr. Wagler seemed rushed. I came in without any pain and left with major pain. She didn't advise when she initially put the needle in my mouth to numb which caught me off guard. When I advised her that I'd like to hold off on a crown and maybe get tooth extracted, she didn't seem interested in filling the other cavities I had. She said she couldn't "prep" them because they may need crowns too. I will be getting a 2nd opinion. Very disappointed. Especially since I referred people in the past. read more

Everyone is very friendly and knowledgeable. I was initially quite disappointed when we discovered, only upon entry, that they are out of network for Delta Dental (I had talked to a representative and scheduled the appointment for my kids 3 weeks out and I informed that we had Delta Dental and they even asked for our member number). I can't give higher because this is something important that should be mentioned before scheduling people but it's not so bad that I it warrants a lower number. Note to self, make sure to verify whether or not a dentist you're looking to see is in network for your insurance, or what the cost difference would be if they are not . read more

First of all I used to be very afraid of dentist. But Dr. Sonja Bojko, D.D.S. and her great staff have certainly changed that. I recently broke a tooth and there was no other option but to visit a dentist. After reading the glowing reviews given by others of The Smile Centre of Venice I made my appointment to have my tooth looked at. Dr. Bojko and her wonderful staff were great. The tooth was repaired in the first visit with out any pain or discomfort. The entire procedure was explained along with the expected cost before the procedure began. I was so impressed with Dr. Bojko that my wife went back the same day to have a crown repaired. If you need to visit a dentist while in Venice there is none better that Dr. Bojko at The Smile Centre of Venice. read more

Today I arrived 15 minutes before my scheduled cleaning to be told by "Breanne" that they had sent me to collection and cancelled my appointment. I tried to explain that I had in fact talked with a woman who answered the phone on 4/1/24 @ 10:00 am at Smile Centre about this. She had verified the fact that there showed no billing for this $50.00 was ever made and it was their mistake and that the lady who does billing would resolve their mistake when she arrived at 6:30 am the next day. "Breanne" claims there's no record of this and it's out of their hands. When I asked to speak to someone who was in charge she said Dr Wagler is the one to call. She is not in the office. I loved the care I received there but won't be back. read more

They are very nice there, however, I feel I need a gentler touch when it comes to my teeth and not be talked into services that are not necessary. It is not fair to the patient to push then into getting things done when others have never mentioned or considered such services before. Hospitality is important, but even more important is how a patient feels about there treatment and should never feel pressured or insecure about the services rendered. I would think twice about things before considering dentistry that is a corporate entity as opposed to family owned businesses, which seem to have a different approach to their patients and their needs. read more

Hello, I was very impressed with Dr Wagler and the dental assistant Karen today. Dr Wagler was gentle and caring about my pain threshold and stopped whenever I had any slight discomfort. Karen the Dental assistant was thorough in her understand of what needed to be done at the precise moment it was needed. Karen has a wealth of knowledge and understanding of her craft, when I return I hope Dr. Wagler and Karen will be the experts who work on my teeth.... read more

I recently became a patient at the smile center for the second time. The first time I left because the office staff cleverly steered me to the owner, who didn't take insurance, but "somehow" forgot to mention that. That was after the initial dentist I had been seeing there vanished suddenly with no explanation. I went back because of a tooth that had cracked and lost the filling. When I got there and was seated a tech took three X-rays and said the dentist would be in shortly. When the dentist came in there was little talk about fixing the problem, and I was given a sales pitch to go ahead with a program of dental work that was going to cost thousands of dollars. On the way out the dentist asked if she should make an appointment because, as she claimed, it would be at least two months before they would address the issue. These people were more concerned with pushing costly and large scale work that may or may not be actually needed or appropriate for a person of my age and overall medical condition. I thought it was a waste of time to go with no action taken, and it seemed they were more interested in payment rather than actually the well being of the customer. I was leery about returning here based on my previous experience and my second experience not any better than the first. I do not recommend the smile center and suggest if you do go there get a second opinion before agreeing to anything. read more

Back in November, I had a tooth extraction performed. (New patient) I waited approximately four weeks for that appointment. And it was scheduled the day before Thanksgiving. After that appt in November 2023, they scheduled my teeth cleaning for May of this year (2024) I overheard the receptionists telling others on the phone they were scheduling teeth cleaning six months out. Since my tooth extraction was the day BEFORE Thanksgiving biggest food holiday of the year, I decided to change my Pre Memorial Day weekend teeth cleaning appt. The woman on the phone says "we're booking teeth cleaning appointments into December. That's the next available." She proceeds to tell me " I can put you on a cancellation list if somebody cancels. And then she says I do have a June 14 available would you like that?" Well, of course rather than wait another SIX months. Low and behold, the day before my teeth cleaning appt they call and cancel stating the appt was made in error as they can't do a teeth cleaning appt without the dentist doing an exam and xrays. See ya bye. read more

They are absolutely awesome at the Smile Center I walked in there with a mouth a mess and they are working with me to get it back in shape the care the people and the dentist are awesome... read more

Poor customer service and billing ! They owe my insurance because of overpayment of $600 since February and after 4 letters from Insurance and several calls from me they still have not refunded the money to my insurance. read more

Just moved to Venice in March 2020 and love my new dentist! The front staff is beyond accommodating and sweet. The Dentist is the sweetest woman and patient. She explained every step to me and I appreciated learning. The whole office is full of Profesional and happy people. I got my teeth cleaned my Maria and we instantly felt like friends. She is so knowledgeable and very funny. I highly recommend them to everyone I talk to. Give them a shot! You will be hooked. read more

New clients to The Smile Centre....have nothing but positive comments...they explain everything to my satisfaction, they don't push services on you. They are considerate of things that I raise with them regarding issues I want paid attention to, and generally make you feel at home while at the office. Lots of Dentists in the area, so with good reviews and seeing it all for real we feel comfortable coming here. read more

I needed to switch dentists and thank goodness that I did otherwise I would not have found The Smile Center at Venice. I have been with them now for nearly two years and I can honestly say that my experience rates the 5 stars. They understand that coming to a dentist can be stressful and they do their utmost to make you comfortable and relaxed. From walking in to the office and being met by Cindi, Claudell and Brian in the front office to Hannah, Jessica, Lisa in the back office and in particular Dr Alter, everyone treats you with kindness and respect. They are there for you and if you have any immediate problems at home they will quickly accommodate your needs. There work is of a very high standard and they strive to ensure your overall satisfaction. I have no hesitancy in recommending the team at Venice for all your dentistry needs. read more

The Smile Center is AMAZING. They gave me a WARM BLANKET- actually two! Can you believe it? I felt like I was at a spa instead of getting my teeth cleaned. I admit I was a bit taken aback by the cheerful greeting from Cindy at the front desk . I guess I am not used to cheerful dentist offices....Then equally surprised when Grace offered me a tour of the office and presented me with a list of amenities (water, hot beverages, snacks, warm blankets etc) available during my visit. Grace was very friendly and made me feel like a new friend not a client... Very welcoming. She took so many photos and xrays that I felt like a celebrity...and my visit with the dentist was super thorough. Definitely not the rushed two minute cursory exam that I am used to from my past dentist visits at other locations... My cleaning with Brette... a true professional... no pain, lots of information, comfortable conversation, and those WARM BLANKETS. I did not want to leave. The Smile Center was so different from any, and I mean ANY- prior dental experience that I have ever had in my entire life! I am actually looking forward to my next visit....they suggested some follow up work and gave me an itemized list with prices included but no pressure at all to schedule the work to be done. If you are looking for a dental care location- look no further. And ask for the warm blankets...or a cold beverage... Just call Cindy- it is the first step. You won't be disappointed. read more