Bad Experience at the Dentist

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

My wife just opted to pay for dental insurance from her employer. So we went into the book and found that Aspen Dental on 27/441 in Lady Lake accepts her insurance.

After waiting almost a month for an appointment, we arrived this morning about ten minutes early for her 9:45 appointment. she filled out some paperwork that took about five minutes and at 10:20 she was called into the dentist office.
At 11:02 she sent me a text saying that they took x-rays and she was still waiting to see the dentist. At about 11:15 I got another text expressing her disappointment in the service, or lack thereof.
Finally at 11:40 she comes out and tells me that she saw the dentist for about five minutes and the hygienist for about ten. They told her that she has gingivitis and a lot of plaque buildup. Then they explained that she's have to come back for a cleaning. Not only that, they had to do two different types of cleaning, one of which is not covered by her insurance. They gave her an appointment for May 6.
She is currently in the process of canceling that appointment and we are looking for a dentist who takes Humana and can run an office properly. I assume that her insurance company will now be billed for a visit in which no treatment was provided.
I just felt an obligation to warn my friends on here about this place.

[justjim]

OP, thanks for the heads up. I'm going to hate it when my dentist Retirees at the end of this year. It seems that a lot of the new places only think about money (including work you don't need) --not service or your time.

[784caroline]

Sounds like a bad experience........ Just be aware, the vast majority of dentists in the area require you to pay up front, they will file with your insurance company and you will get reimbursed from the insurance company at a non-participating rate....probably 90% for a typical cleaning and xrays. BUT if you find a dentist you like, its definitley better than using a dentist simply because they are participating in your plan.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

OP, thanks for the heads up. I'm going to hate it when my dentist Retirees at the end of this year. It seems that a lot of the new places only think about money (including work you don't need) --not service or your time.

Unfortunately many, not all of course, medical providers are operating like this today. I had an orthopedic doc up north who was always running an hour behind. One time I asked for the first appointment in the morning and got it. I walked in at 7:45 for my 8:00 appointment and guess what? I was told that the doctor was running an hour behind.
I asked how that could be and was given some stupid excuse about the hospital. It was then that I got to look at his appointment book. He had three people booked in every 15 minute time slot. So when I walked in, the two other people who were also given an 8:00 appointment were there ahead of me. So if each of them took a half hour or the doc was a bit late for some reason, he starts his day and hour behind. 8:00 came and went and about 8:30 I got up and told them I was leaving and that I wouldn't be back. They told me that I couldn't leave and if I did, I would be billed for not keeping my appointment. I explained that I had kept my appointment and the doctor hadn't kept it. They did try to bill me and I had a lawyer friend send them a letter and
I never heard from them again.
I heard about a year later that that office was now running on time or at least close to on time.
The only way that this will stop is if people don't tolerate it. We need to cancel appointments with these people and tell them why we are canceling.

[2BNTV]

Been there , done that.

I went to Aspen after they told me Ii could come in for a regular cleaning but needed an exam.

The exam, according to Aspen, required removing seven teeth, and biulding two partial bridges. One bridge they said needed to be replace that I have had over thirty years, and is ferfectly fine. When I asked if I could just get a regular cleaning., they said i meedd to go to a periodontists to do that. They recommended someone who is not in my plan and it wouldn't be covered. OH VEY!!!!

Here it comes!!! It was only $2,000 to me, and the bill was $3,000. Needless to say, I won't be going back.

[Bogie Shooter]

Do a Google search on Aspen Dental....................that will explain it all.
Buyer Beware!

[kathyzapp]

My husband and I have been seeing Dr.Thomas Kim, Bright Smile Center for Dentistry, for over two years (since moving to TV). I don't know if he accepts Humana. We are very pleased with Dr. Kim and his hygienists. His office is about 15 minutes away from Sanibel.

[CFrance]

My husband and I have been seeing Dr.Thomas Kim, Bright Smile Center for Dentistry, for over two years (since moving to TV). I don't know if he accepts Humana. We are very pleased with Dr. Kim and his hygienists. His office is about 15 minutes away from Sanibel.

Kathyzapp, do you have to pay up front, or will he bill the insurer for you? I had never heard of this pay-up-front till we came to FL. That's just not how it's done in MI or Pittsburgh.

Also... do you like the hygienist? Is she gentle?

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Do a Google search on Aspen Dental....................that will explain it all.
Buyer Beware!

I took your advice and look at some stories. It's surprising that these people are still allowed to operate. Hasn't anyone filed an official complaint?

[BarryRX]

My wife just opted to pay for dental insurance from her employer. So we went into the book and found that Aspen Dental on 27/441 in Lady Lake accepts her insurance.

After waiting almost a month for an appointment, we arrived this morning about ten minutes early for her 9:45 appointment. she filled out some paperwork that took about five minutes and at 10:20 she was called into the dentist office.
At 11:02 she sent me a text saying that they took x-rays and she was still waiting to see the dentist. At about 11:15 I got another text expressing her disappointment in the service, or lack thereof.
Finally at 11:40 she comes out and tells me that she saw the dentist for about five minutes and the hygienist for about ten. They told her that she has gingivitis and a lot of plaque buildup. Then they explained that she's have to come back for a cleaning. Not only that, they had to do two different types of cleaning, one of which is not covered by her insurance. They gave her an appointment for May 6.
She is currently in the process of canceling that appointment and we are looking for a dentist who takes Humana and can run an office properly. I assume that her insurance company will now be billed for a visit in which no treatment was provided.
I just felt an obligation to warn my friends on here about this place.

Dr Winston, you are a regular contributor to TOTV. It's a shame you didn't search for Aspen Dental here. I've heard some bad stories. Sorry for your bad experience.

[JourneyOfLife]

Sounds like a bad experience........ Just be aware, the vast majority of dentists in the area require you to pay up front, they will file with your insurance company and you will get reimbursed from the insurance company at a non-participating rate....probably 90% for a typical cleaning and xrays. BUT if you find a dentist you like, its definitley better than using a dentist simply because they are participating in your plan.

Wow. I don't live in FL, but have live in multiple states and have never had to pay up front when I had insurance.

I wonder if it has to do with the high number of the transients (workers) and snowbirds that visit FL.

[KeepingItReal]

My wife just opted to pay for dental insurance from her employer. So we went into the book and found that Aspen Dental on 27/441 in Lady Lake accepts her insurance.


Finally at 11:40 she comes out and tells me that she saw the dentist for about five minutes and the hygienist for about ten. They told her that she has gingivitis and a lot of plaque buildup. Then they explained that she's have to come back for a cleaning. Not only that, they had to do two different types of cleaning, one of which is not covered by her insurance. They gave her an appointment for May 6.


I just felt an obligation to warn my friends on here about this place.



The other cleaning is probably called scaling which takes a lot longer and supposedly you can have only 1/4 done per visit since the whole mouth takes 4 + hours.

http://www.dentalfearcentral.org/faq/deep-cleaning/

My wife's dentist did the entire mouth in less than an hour which we believe was just a normal cleaning which is all she has ever needed and there is no gum disease.

Needless to say it cost about 5 times what a regular cleaning does. We discussed with dentist and insurance but in the end they decided to pay for it but I think we were taken for a ride.

Buyer beware seems more and more the norm..

[kathyzapp]

Kathyzapp, do you have to pay up front, or will he bill the insurer for you? I had never heard of this pay-up-front till we came to FL. That's just not how it's done in MI or Pittsburgh.

Also... do you like the hygienist? Is she gentle?

We have Aetna Dental and have to pay up front. The office then sends the claim to Aetna and we are reimbursed.

We've never had a problem with any of the hygienists. I would say they are gentle and thorough.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Back in my former life, I had several clients and friends who were dentists. What they told me was that because of fluoride in the dentifrices, education about flossing and fluoride mouth washes, people don't get anywhere near the cavities that they used to get. This "drill and fill" work was a huge part of most dentists business.
Some dentists have gone back for education and gotten certified to do root canals and crowns and bridges and other things the average dentist wouldn't do years ago.
Some dentist, however have simply tried to increase their business by "finding" more problems with their patient's teeth.
I think that it's important to report some of these things to the proper government agencies. Otherwise these less than ethical people will never be shut down.

[BigGuy]

My husband and I have been seeing Dr.Thomas Kim, Bright Smile Center for Dentistry, for over two years (since moving to TV). I don't know if he accepts Humana. We are very pleased with Dr. Kim and his hygienists. His office is about 15 minutes away from Sanibel.

Same here going there over three years nice Dr and staff.
Root canal and no pain.

[coolparrot]

I am not sure about taking Humana, Please call to find out.259-0822
Dr. Thomas Bailey @ Marion Dental Group 13700 US Hwy. 441 Lady Lake
I have lived here 12 Yrs. and finally found a honest great dentist!! You won't
be sorry. I have been to several shysters with a licence to steal. Good Luck

[tainsley]

I still go back home for dental. The costs here are outrageous and After listening to friends' experiences a lot of unnecessary work being done. :(

[Philip Winkler]

I just learned that Aspen Dental is the only dental office near TV that accepts my new medical plan - UHC-TV's HMO; after hearing these comments I will keep my dentist that I am very pleased with.

Any other comments/experience with Aspen Dental?

[rdhdleo]

I believe awhile ago on a previous thread about dentists I gave out a warning about Aspen. We used them several years ago and it was horrible! ended up paying thousands for for my crown and my husbands bridge. His isn't bad but my crown is horrible plus I never saw the same dentist twice! I finally through brightspot01 who is on here found Bushnell Family Dentistry! They are awesome and VERY well worth the nice drive to them right on 301.

[Paper1]

The phenomenal growth of the Villages is also it's biggest downside, at least for this resident. The business model very often here is not repeat business but a home run from every customer. For every unsatisfied customer there are two new ones to take their place. Back a couple months ago there was an auto repair business that got a number of negative posts, although I did not comment I also took a $900. hit at this place for work that my wife was told had to be done. Why is this relevent, I'm also looking for a dentist and need a couple crowns at a minimum. Don't want to take out a reverse mortgage.

[rdhdleo]

Again give Bushnell Family Dentistry a try reasonable and won't push to do anything that does not need to be done, concerned caring people super friendly. Sometimes you have to go outside The Villages bubble for good "reasonable" service at least as far as Dentists are concerned.

[ozia41]

My wife just opted to pay for dental insurance from her employer. So we went into the book and found that Aspen Dental on 27/441 in Lady Lake accepts her insurance.

After waiting almost a month for an appointment, we arrived this morning about ten minutes early for her 9:45 appointment. she filled out some paperwork that took about five minutes and at 10:20 she was called into the dentist office.
At 11:02 she sent me a text saying that they took x-rays and she was still waiting to see the dentist. At about 11:15 I got another text expressing her disappointment in the service, or lack thereof.
Finally at 11:40 she comes out and tells me that she saw the dentist for about five minutes and the hygienist for about ten. They told her that she has gingivitis and a lot of plaque buildup. Then they explained that she's have to come back for a cleaning. Not only that, they had to do two different types of cleaning, one of which is not covered by her insurance. They gave her an appointment for May 6.
She is currently in the process of canceling that appointment and we are looking for a dentist who takes Humana and can run an office properly. I assume that her insurance company will now be billed for a visit in which no treatment was provided.
I just felt an obligation to warn my friends on here about this place.
We have had the same experience with the dentist my wife just saw. We have Delta dental insurance. My wife had no problem, her reason for the visit was just a regular cleaning. The first thing done was taking pictures, and then the Dentist himself came in and spent a few minutes with her. Told her she needs a deep cleaning, but first he needs to find out if the insurance pays for the deep cleaning. Three weeks has passed since and have not heard from him. My wife had regular, every six month, cleaning, why she need a deep cleaning we do not know.
Looks like in the Villages, dentists, like most merchants here, are determined to extract the maximum from these rich old folks.

[ozia41]

Again give Bushnell Family Dentistry a try reasonable and won't push to do anything that does not need to be done, concerned caring people super friendly. Sometimes you have to go outside The Villages bubble for good "reasonable" service at least as far as Dentists are concerned.
WHere are they located if not can you please give us the phone number Thank you

[rdhdleo]

WHere are they located if not can you please give us the phone number Thank you

Their number is 352-569-0100 They are right on 301 in Bushnell, it's a drive but a nice pretty uncontested one and well worth it in my opinion. Many times you get better quality at a more affordable price outside The Villages. It took me 10 years to finally find a great dentist that takes my insurance. They have a website:
Bushnell, FL Dentist - Bushnell Family & Cosmetic Dentistry - General Dentist (http://www.bushnelldental.com)

[CFrance]

Their number is 352-569-0100 They are right on 301 in Bushnell, it's a drive but a nice pretty uncontested one and well worth it in my opinion. Many times you get better quality at a more affordable price outside The Villages. It took me 10 years to finally find a great dentist that takes my insurance. They have a website:
Bushnell, FL Dentist - Bushnell Family & Cosmetic Dentistry - General Dentist (http://www.bushnelldental.com)
rdhdleo, do you have to pay up front and wait for reimbursement? How is their hygienist?

[Bobstr]

Can't say that Bushnell Dentistry is any cheaper than here in the Villages. I went down there twice and couldn't see any difference in price.

[rdhdleo]

rdhdleo, do you have to pay up front and wait for reimbursement? How is their hygienist?

There hygienist was very good and gentle as was the dentist. They will give you an estimate first and look at your insurance and tell you what you can expect your insurance to pay and what you may need to pay, you only pay what the insurance doesn't cover. I have never had to give them little more than $100 and I have had cleaning, a couple fillings many x-rays and a crown.

Brightspot01 on here is the person that gave me a heads up about them. She can also attest as to how wonderful they are. We both see Dr. McAnly!

[CFrance]

There hygienist was very good and gentle as was the dentist. They will give you an estimate first and look at your insurance and tell you what you can expect your insurance to pay and what you may need to pay, you only pay what the insurance doesn't cover. I have never had to give them little more than $100 and I have had cleaning, a couple fillings many x-rays and a crown.

Brightspot01 on here is the person that gave me a heads up about them. She can also attest as to how wonderful they are. We both see Dr. McAnly!
Thanks for the info!

[rdhdleo]

Can't say that Bushnell Dentistry is any cheaper than here in the Villages. I went down there twice and couldn't see any difference in price.

Well I only compared prices at place that took my insurance at the time and Bushnell was cheaper probably also because they said much of what other places recommended was not needed. My choice was per a recommendation on here and I found their personal more friendly and knowledgable than others. So for me it is worth the drive.

[rdhdleo]

Thanks for the info!

You're most welcome!

[marianne237]

After disappointments in TV for dentists, we found Main Street Dentists in Leesburg. The hygienist have been gentle and both DH and I are very pleased with the Dentists...a husband/wife team: Dr. John Mehr, and Dr. Martha Mehr. Prices IMHO are reasonable and they took care of us during a weekend emergency. 352-787-4800.

Leesburg is not a far drive, I also visit my oncologist in Leesburg rather than his other location because of the crazy traffic.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I finally found the list of dentist who accept this insurance.

There are really only three providers in the local area.

Michael J Whitt

Sridhar Sagill

And thirty two dentists all affiliated with Pimendent Pa at the same address.

Has anyone had any good or bad experiences with any of these dentists?

[mikeandnancy1112]

I also had a horrible experience at Aspen Dental. If you search Aspen Dental on 441, you will find my story.

[DEWRDW]

My husband likes Palm Ridge Dental - Dr. Williams - he also was told he needed a deep cleaning by a dentist in TV - we go every 6 months - Dr. Williams told him after checking his xrays, etc. no problem - no deep cleaning - I am going today so we shall see!

[mikeandnancy1112]

She is awesome! After my experience with Aspen Dental I went to her. Then when I was eligible for a Medicare Advantage Program I went somewhere else for a free cleaning. But that was the wrong thing to do so I went back to Dr. Williams and don't plan to leave again. She doesn't take United Health Care, PPO, but I don't care. She is fair and reasonable and a great Dentist!

[kissmelatr]

I checked prices for crowns in the villagaes and most were very expensive.....compared to Bushnell. Plus I have to like the dentist. I cannot say enough good things about the practice. They are very caring, and I think reasonable compared to prices I found in the villages. They are most definitely worth the trip. And it is a very pleasant drive. I had old crowns removed yesterday and 2 teeth pulled and my temporary bridge is in. I was amazed it was painless, didn't feel a thing....Thanks to brightspot and rdh posting on here. Dr. McAnly at Bushnell dental is my new dentist.....

[johmer1]

I had a very similar situation with a different group. I went back up north to my dentist of 30 years. He told me to get a new dentist. For nine years now I am using Dr. Burbank. He is honest and good. I have made many recommendations to friends all who are very happy with him. Hope this helps.