This place is a dental mill.
- I called to ensure that my insurance could be fully utilized and I was told yes, so I made an appointment. The person starts asking me for name, social security number, and phone numbers of others in my life. This conveyed to me that they overbill and come after your tribe for money. Red flag no. 1.
- I called the day of my appointment to confirm because I hadn't heard from them. Turns out my appointment was canceled because I hadn't confirmed. Why? Because they were texting reminders to my relative's phone and not mine. I also didn't like that it was so money-focused during the appt process. $150 for cancellations not made within 48 hours, interest charged on late payments, etc. I wouldn't be surprised if a collections dept was on site. Red flag no.2.
- I arrive to the office for my new appointment and it is packed with people. I immediately wonder how they afford all this staff and office space and hi-tech equipment so I eavesdrop on other patients, all of whom seem to be getting a lot of expensive work done. Red flag no. 3.
- My dental assistant was great. Loved her! The dentist I didn't like as much. He had a condescending vibe under his pleasant tone. He put down the color of my teeth, my previous dentist's work, etc. Bro looked 12 years old and insulted a dentist with 40 years of experience. Then I heard the two words that strike fear in me: Treatment Plan. Every dentist I've heard that from has slapped me with an extensive amount of work and an enormous bill. Red flag no. 4.
- Turns out that the tooth I came in for could wait, but almost every crown in my mouth needed to be replaced. Jackpot! There was no discussion about what I could afford or what I wanted. Red flag no. 5.
- I go to check out and am handed a $2600 bill for my "treatment plan", which didn't even include the tooth I came in for. I ask again if they're in network for my insurance. Yes & no, she says. They cover the premier and I'm a ppo or something, so I pay just a little more. I should've been told this prior to making the appt because I want to use ALL of my benefits. I wonder if I can send them a bill for this, with interest, and ask them for their cousin's social security number. Then they want to schedule an appt for the work, or a portion of it anyway. She looks at me like I have two heads when I decline. I'm busy and need to think about it, plus I don't want to be charged $150 if I choose to cancel. Red flag no. 6.
Six red flags adds up to a flashing warning billboard. I felt like all they cared about was the almighty dollar and had zero care or concern about me as a person. That's why I prefer a small office with a dentist I trust. I don't like dental mills.
Two stars for having a good dental assistant and the thank you card I got in the mail. Minus three for the rest. read more