Dental cleaning

[Happinow]

Hello. Would anyone care to share what they pay for a cleaning? We do not have dental insurance and pay 109.00. Does that sound reasonable? Thanks.

[retiredguy123]

It sounds very reasonable. I pay about the same.

[Stu from NYC]

Unless they take xrays. Be careful when they want to do deep cleaning.

[GpaVader]

Watch yourself with most of the dental services here. Most are more interested in getting you for services you don't want or need even though you are scheduled for a cleaning or check up. We were very clear about what we wanted and when we showed up they did a consult and sent us away with an estimate of services they wanted to do.

[ohioshooter]

Watch yourself with most of the dental services here. Most are more interested in getting you for services you don't want or need even though you are scheduled for a cleaning or check up. We were very clear about what we wanted and when we showed up they did a consult and sent us away with an estimate of services they wanted to do.

I went for my first appointment and cleaning and left with a $5700 estimate. I have since been back for another cleaning and was reminded about the work they recommended. I scheduled another cleaning and that’s it. My dentist of 20+ years told me this would happen.

[Golfer222]

Unless they take xrays. Be careful when they want to do deep cleaning.
why be careful with the deep cleaning

[retiredguy123]

why be careful with the deep cleaning
Some dentists in The Villages will recommend a deep cleaning for up to $2,000 when other dentists will just recommend a regular cleaning. They will also recommend a crown when you only need a filling or nothing at all. Get a second opinion, preferably outside of The Villages.

[Stu from NYC]

why be careful with the deep cleaning

Because it is a way for dishonest dentists to disappear funds from your pocket into theirs

[tuccillo]

A prophy, no x-rays : $67


Hello. Would anyone care to share what they pay for a cleaning? We do not have dental insurance and pay 109.00. Does that sound reasonable? Thanks.

[ThirdOfFive]

We have dental insurance. Preventative services (cleaning, exams) cost zero.

I'm probably unlike a lot of people in TV (also posting here) in that ever since my first visit to my current dentist three years ago I've been treated fairly. Nobody tried to line their pockets at my expense. Twice now I've gone in unscheduled; once for a broken tooth and the last time for a filling that I had lost, and both times I fully expected a crown--wouldn't have argued had they suggested one. Both times however they repaired the tooth without going the expensive crown route: first time the dentist (Dr. Ha) said she could fill it--and did. Second on was six months ago and a restoration on one of my eye teeth had decided to part company with the tooth. Dr. Ha had left the practice and the guy who had replaced her (Ukrainian, can't recall the name but a darned good dentist) said that a crown was a last resort: he could restore it without going that route--and did.

By the way, I am served by Marion Dental Group. By Billy's Cafe on 446.

[UpNorth]

why be careful with the deep cleaning

Big profit center. Watch out for the Arestin shots and the fluoride varnish to go along with the SRP. The pain you feel will be in your wallet.

[Ladidi]

Unless they take xrays. Be careful when they want to do deep cleaning.

DEEP CLEANING was recommended for the both of us at over a $1000 each. I asked for the regular cleaning only and a fluoride treatment and was told they couldn’t do that when a DEEP CLEANING was needed. So, that was a waste of our time and we will need to look for another dentist/hygienist.

[72eagleman]

Because Marion Dental wanted to charge me $1,040.00 for deep cleaning.

[westernrider75]

Hello. Would anyone care to share what they pay for a cleaning? We do not have dental insurance and pay 109.00. Does that sound reasonable? Thanks.

That is approximately what I paid.

[ellenwelsh]

In April paid $89, with $40 back from insurance.

[AnnFL]

In April paid $89, with $40 back from insurance.

Where was this?

[msilagy]

Call ahead and ask what the charge will be. Aspen dental is absolutely the worse for uncharging. Never go there. Most dentists want X-rays also, which is appropriate, but cost more. I found a dentist, Lake Miona Dental, that offered free full mouth X-rays and cleaning free (first visit). However that was about 4 years ago. They are in Oxford on 466 right near the Walmart. Give them a call.

[JwizChick]

I’ve been using Dental Care at Magnolia Plaza since the day they opened and they took my Florida Blue Dental Insurance. They confirmed a recent appointment, then the day before the appointment, they called and said they no longer take Florida Blue Dental. THE DAY BEFORE THE APPOINTMENT! Has this happened to anyone else and have you found another dentist that takes Florida Blue? I have Traditional Medicare and a separate Florida Blue Dental policy… I do not have Medicare Advantage with Dental.

[banjobob]

I have trouble finding a dentist to do just an exam and cleaning. Dentist have found the deep cleaning pays much better than routine service my last three different dentist wanted $ 6000.00 root canal bone graphs and implant, another only did deep cleaning not routine ,my last one wanted partial deep clean with every three month visit to maintain . Does anyone know of an old fashion dentist that cleans teeth fills any cavities in this area?

[retiredguy123]

I have trouble finding a dentist to do just an exam and cleaning. Dentist have found the deep cleaning pays much better than routine service my last three different dentist wanted $ 6000.00 root canal bone graphs and implant, another only did deep cleaning not routine ,my last one wanted partial deep clean with every three month visit to maintain . Does anyone know of an old fashion dentist that cleans teeth fills any cavities in this area?
Dr. Chris Lunsford in Leesburg.

[birdawg]

Hello. Would anyone care to share what they pay for a cleaning? We do not have dental insurance and pay 109.00. Does that sound reasonable? Thanks.our insurance covers 2 cleanings and X-rays each year free. I guess each insurance policy is different

[GizmoWhiskers]

Hello. Would anyone care to share what they pay for a cleaning? We do not have dental insurance and pay 109.00. Does that sound reasonable? Thanks.
Love Careington 500 Dental Discount plan found online. Have had it since 2008. There are dentists in T V that take Careington 500 plans. I put a link below for their pricing sheet that hopefully opens up. Signing up is like $150 and it starts at sign up. Check it out online. It really helps if you don't have insurance.

PDFfiller (https://www.pdffiller.com/jsfiller-app12/?requestHash=0a442fb51f622dd3d4547e2611a5221a1b29a 2b7cd19576d5d39260a46d83fc7&projectId=1289529922&loader=tips&jsf-page-rearrange-v2=false&mode=force_choice#a5aea2a318c34b618f79f1a9d54f508f )

[jrref]

Because Marion Dental wanted to charge me $1,040.00 for deep cleaning.

You need to be careful. Part of the checkup is to measure the gaps in your gums. This is the area between the gum line and the bottom of the gum at each tooth. If your gaps are more than 4-5mm you need a deep cleaning becasue your toothbrush will not reach these areas and over time bacteria will build up, you gums where you can't see will get inflamed and you can loose the tooth. This happens as we get older and only great oral hygene is going to avoid this.

If Marian dental told you that you need this, I would get it done since they are very honest and will not do unnecessary work. You can get a second opinion but if you find a dentist who will just do a regular cleaning with a condition like this, you are just fooling yourself.

[Altavia]

Has anyone seen published data demonstrating the benefits of deep cleaning vs the risks?

Particularly for someone 65+?

[retiredguy123]

You need to be careful. Part of the checkup is to measure the gaps in your gums. This is the area between the gum line and the bottom of the gum at each tooth. If your gaps are more than 4-5mm you need a deep cleaning becasue your toothbrush will not reach these areas and over time bacteria will build up, you gums where you can't see will get inflamed and you can loose the tooth. This happens as we get older and only great oral hygene is going to avoid this.

If Marian dental told you that you need this, I would get it done since they are very honest and will not do unnecessary work. You can get a second opinion but if you find a dentist who will just do a regular cleaning with a condition like this, you are just fooling yourself.
That may be true for some people. But, when I came to the Villages 7 years ago, I went to one of the largest dental practices and they recommended 3 crowns and a deep cleaning for a total cost of $6,000. I called my old dentist in Virginia, who I had been seeing every 6 months, and he said that I didn't need any of those procedures. Since then, I have been going to a dentist in Leesburg, getting regular cleanings, and have no gum issues at all. I didn't even know what a deep cleaning was until I moved to The Villages.

[jacqueline larsen]

I paid $1,100 for deep cleaning!
Never went back.
My current dentist charges $160.00 for regular cleaning.

[Rzepecki]

We have dental insurance. Preventative services (cleaning, exams) cost zero.

I'm probably unlike a lot of people in TV (also posting here) in that ever since my first visit to my current dentist three years ago I've been treated fairly. Nobody tried to line their pockets at my expense. Twice now I've gone in unscheduled; once for a broken tooth and the last time for a filling that I had lost, and both times I fully expected a crown--wouldn't have argued had they suggested one. Both times however they repaired the tooth without going the expensive crown route: first time the dentist (Dr. Ha) said she could fill it--and did. Second on was six months ago and a restoration on one of my eye teeth had decided to part company with the tooth. Dr. Ha had left the practice and the guy who had replaced her (Ukrainian, can't recall the name but a darned good dentist) said that a crown was a last resort: he could restore it without going that route--and did.

By the way, I am served by Marion Dental Group. By Billy's Cafe on 446.

My husband and I have used Dr. Wallace at Marion Dental Group over 5 years and have had the same experience. We don’t have dental insurance and Dr. Wallace doesn’t recommend unneeded treatment and looks for ways to save us money.

[Marine1974]

Hello. Would anyone care to share what they pay for a cleaning? We do not have dental insurance and pay 109.00. Does that sound reasonable? Thanks.

Do they do measurements of the pockets between your teeth and keep the measurements on file ?
$185

[jswirs]

I went to Smile design. $3,923.00 for a deep cleaning, Then need to return every 3 months for a regular cleaning. Goodbye!

[mntlblok]

Unless they take xrays. Be careful when they want to do deep cleaning.

As a retired dentist and winner of the "perio" award back in the school days, I'll second that caution. Periodontics has become *very* interesting. . .

[mntlblok]

We have dental insurance. Preventative services (cleaning, exams) cost zero.

I'm probably unlike a lot of people in TV (also posting here) in that ever since my first visit to my current dentist three years ago I've been treated fairly. Nobody tried to line their pockets at my expense. Twice now I've gone in unscheduled; once for a broken tooth and the last time for a filling that I had lost, and both times I fully expected a crown--wouldn't have argued had they suggested one. Both times however they repaired the tooth without going the expensive crown route: first time the dentist (Dr. Ha) said she could fill it--and did. Second on was six months ago and a restoration on one of my eye teeth had decided to part company with the tooth. Dr. Ha had left the practice and the guy who had replaced her (Ukrainian, can't recall the name but a darned good dentist) said that a crown was a last resort: he could restore it without going that route--and did.

By the way, I am served by Marion Dental Group. By Billy's Cafe on 446.


Wow. Marion Dental Group you say. *Very* interesting. . .

[mntlblok]

Might be fun to have a public debate at this stage of my life. "Pocket depths" is actually a very interesting subject. . .

BTW, a mental block is also a local anesthetic technique which "freezes" (as my Canadian friends say) the lower lip on the injected side.

I hold honest (and educated) dentists in highest esteem.

[mntlblok]

Might be fun to have a public debate at this stage of my life. "Pocket depths" is actually a very interesting subject. . .

BTW, a mental block is also a local anesthetic technique which "freezes" (as my Canadian friends say) the lower lip on the injected side.

I hold honest (and educated) dentists in highest esteem.

Might want to keep this article handy for your "deep cleaning" visits.

Just a moment... (https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/CIR.0b013e31825719f3)

[mntlblok]

Has anyone seen published data demonstrating the benefits of deep cleaning vs the risks?

Particularly for someone 65+?

A most excellent question. I look forward to reading any such citations.

[Deden]

Prime Dentistry 8640 County Rd. 466 The Villages 32162. 352-674- 9077. Ask for Kristal. Also, I don't have Insurance, but I do have a plan that's called Carrington 500 it's a discount plan, I paid 125.00 for the year, you have to make sure the Dentist accepts this discount plan before you make an appt. I also go to Dr Hall across the St. from Walmart on 441 in Summerfield I paid $ 88.00 w/ x-ray. Good Luck!

[toeser]

Hello. Would anyone care to share what they pay for a cleaning? We do not have dental insurance and pay 109.00. Does that sound reasonable? Thanks.

Dirt cheap.

[Altavia]

As a retired dentist and winner of the "perio" award back in the school days, I'll second that caution. Periodontics has become *very* interesting. . .

Appreciate your perspective.

I've wondered what the medical benefit/risk rational is to treat the entire mouth when only one or two teeth exceed the guidelines.

[mntlblok]

Appreciate your perspective.

I've wondered what the medical benefit/risk rational is to treat the entire mouth when only one or two teeth exceed the guidelines.

Another excellent question. Lots of areas to explore with that one. Might be interesting to hear your dentist's answer to such an inquiry.

[mntlblok]

Might want to keep this article handy for your "deep cleaning" visits.

Just a moment... (https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/CIR.0b013e31825719f3)

Have only looked at the abstract of this one. Periodontitis: a host-mediated disruption of microbial homeostasis. Unlearning learned concepts - PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23574467/)

Would not be surprised to learn, based on lots of anecdotal evidence, that smoking would be highly correlated with setting up such an environment.

Oh, and this is an interesting one if you *are* a smoker and expect periodontal "treatment" to make a difference. Refractory periodontitis or recurrence of disease - PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8707992/)

[NJRICHARD]

Dentist #1 took x-rays of ALL my teeth ($128) and then EXAMINATION ($80) I asked if I could have my teeth cleaned also (NO)). Then I was escorted into the 'fancy' room and the dental assistant gave me an explanation why the total bill would be $2,748!!. When I told them I had to think about it, BUT when could I have my teeth cleaned? THAT appointment would be in 6 months. I had my dentist from up North who I was with for over 25 years, give me an examination, clean my teeth and fill 2 small cavities for $280 a YEAR ago. HOW is it possible I needed $2,748 worth of work. I decided to go to another dentist, and I asked dentist #1 to have the x-rays sent to dentist #2. I then received a call that same day from dentist #1 saying I could have my teeth cleaned the next day! I said NO. Dentist #2 was fancier! Her assistant cleaned my teeth and did DEEP cleaning to 4 teeth at $282 PER TOOTH for a total of $1598 JUST FOR CLEANING MY TEETH. It took about 20 minutes. THEN dentist #2 came in for 'THE' total exam and evaluation $6,374. It must be the weather here in Florida that destroys your teeth in days. I am now looking for dentist #3....very carefully.

[Bwanajim]

Is anyone use the dentist by the Publix in Magnolia Plaza? Any good? Thanks

[kada328]

Is anyone use the dentist by the Publix in Magnolia Plaza? Any good? Thanks
Also interested in the answer to this question re: Magnolia Dental.

[Muzik]

Hello. Would anyone care to share what they pay for a cleaning? We do not have dental insurance and pay 109.00. Does that sound reasonable? Thanks.
Yes, that is a more than reasonable price for this area. I do not have insurance either, and I pay more than that. $150.00.

[Babubhat]

Dentist #1 took x-rays of ALL my teeth ($128) and then EXAMINATION ($80) I asked if I could have my teeth cleaned also (NO)). Then I was escorted into the 'fancy' room and the dental assistant gave me an explanation why the total bill would be $2,748!!. When I told them I had to think about it, BUT when could I have my teeth cleaned? THAT appointment would be in 6 months. I had my dentist from up North who I was with for over 25 years, give me an examination, clean my teeth and fill 2 small cavities for $280 a YEAR ago. HOW is it possible I needed $2,748 worth of work. I decided to go to another dentist, and I asked dentist #1 to have the x-rays sent to dentist #2. I then received a call that same day from dentist #1 saying I could have my teeth cleaned the next day! I said NO. Dentist #2 was fancier! Her assistant cleaned my teeth and did DEEP cleaning to 4 teeth at $282 PER TOOTH for a total of $1598 JUST FOR CLEANING MY TEETH. It took about 20 minutes. THEN dentist #2 came in for 'THE' total exam and evaluation $6,374. It must be the weather here in Florida that destroys your teeth in days. I am now looking for dentist #3....very carefully.

Beware corporate chains. Revenue targets are important to retaining their employment.

110 is a fair price for cleaning. Dental plans dot com show cost by dentist and procedure. About 10 a month for discounted pricing. Excellent if your dentist participates

[mntlblok]

Beware corporate chains. Revenue targets are important to retaining their employment.

110 is a fair price for cleaning. Dental plans dot com show cost by dentist and procedure. About 10 a month for discounted pricing. Excellent if your dentist participates

Had occasion to "fill in" once at one of the corporate chains. Didn't get the lectures about how it works. Was basically just there so that they could legally be open that day. It was mostly patients coming in for emergency first visits. After examination and x-rays, a "treatment coordinator" came in and presented the company's standard (I presumed) treatment plan.

The patient's chief complaint was ignored - even with pain and obvious swelling. When I checked back in with the patient - who was still in pain - I found that his series of "deep cleanings" had already begun. They must teach some *very* fine "scripts". Our world has a fair bit of absurdity going around.

[rogerk]

That is about what I pay unless x-rays are ordered.

[UpNorth]

Also interested in the answer to this question re: Magnolia Dental.

Went in for a standard prophy cleaning, would not do it unless I got a "deep cleaning" before. Also a few shots of Arestin and fluoride varnish. Nice profit add-ons. About $1200 estimate. Went to my regular dentist whom I've known for years and he said "no way" and just laughed. My advice - if you go there, get a second opinion before you agree to open your wallet. Interestingly enough, I started getting promotions from them offering a 30% discount on any previously diagnosed treatment. No thanks.

[DONS999]

My Crazy Dental Journey
My wife and I signed with Village Health last June of 2022 so that we could have a Primary Care Doctor. Well dental allowance came with the policy and we walked across the street to " Sumter Landing Dental " for a cleaning appointments . First available openings for new patients was 6 months later in December. 6 MONTHS for a cleaning? We keep the appointments just see if this was a joke. December came and 2 days before the scheduled they called and said they needed to rescheduled because their technician was sick and gave us a February date . Now we have 8 months to get a cleaning appointment!!!
Now we show in February for the cleaning because why not it had been 6 months since our new dentist gave us a cleaning. We show up and are told xrays and evaluation are needed before cleaning and insurance will take care of the charges . Well after consultation we are told I need $15,000 of work and my wife $6500 ----- Oh and our cleaning appointments are now scheduled for June 20th of 2023 ... Over a year to get a cleaning appointment Sumter Landing Dental is a joke and scam

Lifetime Dental Care on 441 is great and reasonable Dr Moesching is the best

[Pairadocs]

Unless they take xrays. Be careful when they want to do deep cleaning.

Absolutely beware of "deep cleaning"... usually best to "just say no". Won't go into all, but very close friend whose son was in dental school in Michigan told us about how part of his curriculum was (and this is so unprofessional for a school of the caliber he attends) how to increase your income... one was "deep cleaning". She even showed me screen shots of passages in one of his texts on this, and other "ancillary" procedures like "routine" x-rays.

[Pairadocs]

Dentist #1 took x-rays of ALL my teeth ($128) and then EXAMINATION ($80) I asked if I could have my teeth cleaned also (NO)). Then I was escorted into the 'fancy' room and the dental assistant gave me an explanation why the total bill would be $2,748!!. When I told them I had to think about it, BUT when could I have my teeth cleaned? THAT appointment would be in 6 months. I had my dentist from up North who I was with for over 25 years, give me an examination, clean my teeth and fill 2 small cavities for $280 a YEAR ago. HOW is it possible I needed $2,748 worth of work. I decided to go to another dentist, and I asked dentist #1 to have the x-rays sent to dentist #2. I then received a call that same day from dentist #1 saying I could have my teeth cleaned the next day! I said NO. Dentist #2 was fancier! Her assistant cleaned my teeth and did DEEP cleaning to 4 teeth at $282 PER TOOTH for a total of $1598 JUST FOR CLEANING MY TEETH. It took about 20 minutes. THEN dentist #2 came in for 'THE' total exam and evaluation $6,374. It must be the weather here in Florida that destroys your teeth in days. I am now looking for dentist #3....very carefully.

Good luck with that ! We've finally give up, similar story, went "up north" to visit our adult children, went to their dentist, same as our dentist for 40 years growing up in south Florida. But here, in the Villages, something is definitely going on. Neighbors have reported over the years needing 6K, 8K, 10K and MORE worth of work. Going "home" to their previous dentist only to find things were okay, cleaning and a small filling, or had to have a filling RE-done as it had deteriorated some, bills of $200 to $500. Yes, somethings not quire right here for sure ! Too many of these stories ....

[Pairadocs]

I have trouble finding a dentist to do just an exam and cleaning. Dentist have found the deep cleaning pays much better than routine service my last three different dentist wanted $ 6000.00 root canal bone graphs and implant, another only did deep cleaning not routine ,my last one wanted partial deep clean with every three month visit to maintain . Does anyone know of an old fashion dentist that cleans teeth fills any cavities in this area?

If you find one PLEASE message me, we have had terrible terrible experiences just finding as you said, an "old fashioned" dentist, who can fill or replace a filling, can fix a small chip on an other wise healthy tooth, and not have "treatment specialists" who hit you with thousands of dollars for various procedures your previous dentist never even mentioned !

[jebartle]

Unless they take xrays. Be careful when they want to do deep cleaning.

Especially if you are being treated for cancer, deep cleaning can exacerbate immune system in the WRONG way.

[ellenwelsh]

Magnolia Dental, Summerfield

[SymphonyHill]

I work in the dental field. Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) are buying up the traditional 'small town' single dentist or small group offices which were known to provide honest long-term personal services. Recent stats show that 23% of our most recent dental school grads are joining the ranks of these big conglomerates because of incentives bonus' for selling services and not having the stress of having to run the business side of things in addition to providing dental care. Sadly, reality is that we've had patients bring in their 'quotes' that have included work that our dentists say isn't even remotely warranted. Just sayin' .... FYI: The Ongoing Growth and Evolution of the Top DSOs in the US (https://www.planetdds.com/blog/the-ongoing-growth-and-evolution-of-the-top-dsos-in-the-u-s/)

[dbwolfe]

Do yourself a favor and keep the dentist you have and fly home once or twice a year to see them. Most of the dentist in the villages or around the villages are corporate dentist who graduated with no money in their pocket and a lot of student debt. Tada a corporation comes in sayings we have a system to help you separate your patients money from their wallet. Hence “Deep Cleaning” for deep pockets! Based on my experience with a dentist here, I think the dentists are brain washed by their corporate corrupters and actually believe what they try to sell you on.

[clossonjunk]

Is anyone use the dentist by the Publix in Magnolia Plaza? Any good? Thanks

Yes, had 1 crown and two cleanings. They started with the you need tons of work speech, but I said no. I did have a bad tooth which needed to be crowned, so I let them. Here are my issues with them: whatever time you have spent in a dental chair for any procedure, double that amount and this is how slow they are. Any appointment you make, they will call to reschedule a day or so before. They billed my insurance wrong in that my cleanings should have been free and not counted against my total cap for the year, but they coded in such a way that I was billed for them. When I went in for two broken crowns, it took them 1.5 hrs to x-ray and agree they were broken then quoted me $980 for my portion. The weirdest part was when the dentist came in to tell me my x-ray results, she asked if I had a dentist. Confused I said "you?" The assistant then told her I was their patient. Almost 2 months later, they still didn't have insurance approval. I decided to go to Dr Herb Bennett in Leesburg, they had me in the office the next day, took their own x-rays, told me that one crown wasn't actually broken, just the top layer was chipped and they would just file it. The other crown was replaced within the week and my portion was $177. He and his staff were fantastic and ran the office like dentists in other cities. My husband and two friends also went to Magnolia Plaza and had same experience. Magnolia made my husband go two weeks with a temporary crown that kept falling off because they couldn't find the time to reglue it in. They also played the deep cleaning game with my husband. Fortunately, they only deep cleaned 2 teeth but warned him that he would need deep cleaning on all his teeth next time. We are out of there.

[Rainger99]

I just had a cleaning and fluoride varnish last month. Both were covered by my insurance which is UHC Advantage Dental. I had no co-pay.

The provider billed $113 for the cleaning but I had insurance so the provider was only paid $58.

The provider billed $52 for the fluoride varnish but I had insurance so the provider was only paid $26.

I have never heard of a fluoride varnish before moving to the Villages. If it weren't covered by insurance, I would have skipped it.

[herbaru]

My husband and I have used Dr. Wallace at Marion Dental Group over 5 years and have had the same experience. We don’t have dental insurance and Dr. Wallace doesn’t recommend unneeded treatment and looks for ways to save us money.

Rzepecki, what did you pay for a prophy (cleaning) without insurance?

[dbwolfe]

Absolutely 💯 correct!

[dbwolfe]

Wildwood Dentists runs the same scam!

[UpNorth]

I just had a cleaning and fluoride varnish last month. Both were covered by my insurance which is UHC Advantage Dental. I had no co-pay.

The provider billed $113 for the cleaning but I had insurance so the provider was only paid $58.

The provider billed $52 for the fluoride varnish but I had insurance so the provider was only paid $26.

I have never heard of a fluoride varnish before moving to the Villages. If it weren't covered by insurance, I would have skipped it.

The varnish costs less than $2, and you just paint it on the teeth. Takes only a minute or less. Not a bad add-on for $26, let alone $58.

[retiredguy123]

The varnish costs less than $2, and you just paint it on the teeth. Takes only a minute or less. Not a bad add-on for $26, let alone $58.
In my opinion, two dollars is two dollars too much.

[Rainger99]

From reading this post, it appears that the vast majority of people liked their dentist up north and that the vast majority do not like their dentist in The Villages.

I am trying to figure out why this is the case. Why the price gouging down here and not up north? Why do they recommend treatment down here that they didn't recommend up north? Are the dentists up north incompetent?

Is there any state organization that regulates dentists in Florida? If they are constantly recommending unnecessary treatment, I would think that the state - and the insurance companies - would be interested in that.

[retiredguy123]

From reading this post, it appears that the vast majority of people liked their dentist up north and that the vast majority do not like their dentist in The Villages.

I am trying to figure out why this is the case. Why the price gouging down here and not up north? Why do they recommend treatment down here that they didn't recommend up north? Are the dentists up north incompetent?

Is there any state organization that regulates dentists in Florida? If they are constantly recommending unnecessary treatment, I would think that the state - and the insurance companies - would be interested in that.
The Florida Board of Dentistry

Florida Board of
Dentistry >> Licensing and Registration- Licensing, Renewals & Information (https://floridasdentistry.gov/licensing/)

One problem is that there is a lot of judgment in dentristry. If a tooth is cracked, some dentists will automatically recommend a crown. But, a more conservative dentist will do nothing until the tooth breaks, which may occur in a year, in 5 years, or never.

[Rainger99]

The Florida Board of Dentistry

Florida Board of
Dentistry >> Licensing and Registration- Licensing, Renewals & Information (https://floridasdentistry.gov/licensing/)

One problem is that there is a lot of judgement in dentristry. If a tooth is cracked, some dentists will automatically recommend a crown. But, a more conservative dentist will do nothing until the tooth breaks, which may occur in a year, in 5 years, or never.

Thanks for the post. I just looked at the website.

Examples of complaints that may be investigated

Practicing below minimum standards or negligence
Impairment/medical condition
Advertising violation
Sexual misconduct with a patient
Misfilled/mislabeled prescription
Failure to release patient records

Examples of complaints that may not be investigated
Fee disputes (broken or missed appointments)
Billing disputes
Personality conflicts
Bedside manner or rudeness

It doesn't appear that they can or will investigate unnecessary dental work (deep cleaning, root canals, etc.) or charging excessive rates for dental work.

[lmaine]

You definitely can file complaints. Check other links on the top of the website. Select Home, then Complaints. Lots of information there. Too many dentists are in The Villages are charging for services such as deep cleaning that are not necessary.

[clossonjunk]

From reading this post, it appears that the vast majority of people liked their dentist up north and that the vast majority do not like their dentist in The Villages.

I am trying to figure out why this is the case. Why the price gouging down here and not up north? Why do they recommend treatment down here that they didn't recommend up north? Are the dentists up north incompetent?

Is there any state organization that regulates dentists in Florida? If they are constantly recommending unnecessary treatment, I would think that the state - and the insurance companies - would be interested in that.

I am total agreement with you in that I can’t figure out what the heck is the problem here in TV. I’v had three other dentists in my life and they were all in Jacksonville, FL. I never had any of them do what the ones here in TV try to do. Same with my husband’s dentists. So, northern dentists nor FL dentists have issues. It’s literally TV area dentists. In Jacksonville, they never upsold services, played the deep cleaning game or charged as much as they do here. I have only been here for 3 years. My nephew is a dentist in Jacksonville and he just shakes his head in disbelief. I am thankful I found Dr Herb Bennett in Leesburg. He’s like having a normal dentist again.

[Blueblaze]

Hello. Would anyone care to share what they pay for a cleaning? We do not have dental insurance and pay 109.00. Does that sound reasonable? Thanks.

No, it doesn't, at least not anywhere but Florida.

In Texas, my annual dental checkup included xrays, cleaning (better than what they call "deep" here), and an exam for $120. Fillings were $30-$150. Crowns $500. I had a difficult implant done the year before we moved here that cost $5000 -- which seemed high until I experienced Florida scam dentisty.

My last three checkups and cleanings in Florida were each $400-$600, most of which was paid by insurance (although last time they billed me for a "deep cleaning" and refused to refund it, even after United confirmed it was covered, until they got the check months later). My last "treatment plan" says they want to replace two crowns and add a third one for $6,000.

I've seen three different dentists since we moved here, trying to find one that isn't a crook. All of their fake "treatment plans" have been for different teeth and procedures. The last dentist was the only time I've been able to schedule both the exam and cleaning on the same appointment, and that was only due to a cancellation.

If there is a real dentist in the tri-county area, I haven't been about to find him.

[tuccillo]

Yes, there is. My wife, who is retired from practice, found them.

No, it doesn't, at least not anywhere but Florida.

In Texas, my annual dental checkup included xrays, cleaning (better than what they call "deep" here), and an exam for $120. Fillings were $30-$150. Crowns $500. I had a difficult implant done the year before we moved here that cost $5000 -- which seemed high until I experienced Florida scam dentisty.

My last three checkups and cleanings in Florida were each $400-$600, most of which was paid by insurance (although last time they billed me for a "deep cleaning" and refused to refund it, even after United confirmed it was covered, until they got the check months later). My last "treatment plan" says they want to replace two crowns and add a third one for $6,000.

I've seen three different dentists since we moved here, trying to find one that isn't a crook. All of their fake "treatment plans" have been for different teeth and procedures. The last dentist was the only time I've been able to schedule both the exam and cleaning on the same appointment, and that was only due to a cancellation.

If there is a real dentist in the tri-county area, I haven't been about to find him.