Need names of dentists

[NotGolfer]

This story is familiar---especially for new folks, but we're not new here. We've had a handful of dentists in the almost 15 yrs we've lived here. They leave or insurance changes (which most recently happened with us). Thought I'd found someone but I'm getting frustrated with them. It's Wildwood Dentists on Hwy 44....yes I've recently heard things that are negative re: them but they'd seemed fine with us. I had to have crowns and today they were to be inserted. I called yesterday to double-check on the app't because the last time something happened re: the lab. they use. Well I get there at appointed time, was told to take a seat and waited maybe 15 or 20 minutes when they called me up. I was told the lab was confused or some convoluted thing and things wouldn't be ready for another week. It's already been THREE!! We have FL Blue so looks like I'll be making phone calls around to find someone whose more reliable. I don't want to drive all over the area (we live between 466 and 466A). Can anyone recommend reliable dentists in this area. When ever, in the past, we thought we'd find found someone and was with them awhile then their circumstances changed. I know this one is a large corporation (didn't know that in the beginning) so suspect it's about profits etc. I'd thought they'd use a local lab but apparently not. I'm mostly venting but word of mouth here seems to work pretty well, generally. TY!!

[Bill14564]

We were happy with the quality of the work at Trailwinds Dental.

There were some policies we did not like and their billing department had issues but the work was competent.

[villagetinker]

We use Baylee Dental, they do not take insurance, but they give you a form to send to your carrier, and you get the check. No up sales, no pressure for additional treatments, good reliable dental work. NOTE: when we had dental coverage, this worked fine, we paid the bill, and then we got the insurance check. Since we no longer have dental coverage it does not matter.

[Topspinmo]

IMO Dentist only want to do what they want. Which is don’t want pull teeth no matter how bad. They want to root canel recap run up bill for their next Vegas trip :throwtomatoes: then blame it on you need deep cleaning another racket to run up bill. Dental insurance about as good as appliance insurance pages of tiny print that gets them out of paying virtually nothing except cleaning and when have to have some costly work done good luck getting them to come close to paying half. Good luck in your search, hope have better luck than me :grumpy: O by way I’ve been here 11 years find that most businesses in Florida rip off. :MOJE_whot:

[PJ_Smiley]

Dr. Reem Jaber
Palm Ridge Dental
11938 CR 101, Suite 110
The Villages, FL 32162

Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Practice, Dentists | The Villages, FL (https://www.palmridgedental.net/)
352-391-9930

[NotGolfer]

Thank you for the responses but when I let my fingers do the walking---Prime Ridge Dental and Trailwinds don't take our Florida Blue Ins. THAT was my question that wasn't fully answered. I can see this will be a difficult journey to go on. I agree that many dentists here aren't up to what we were used to in our former lives but there has to be some that still care about their patients etc. IF you have Florida Blue---could/would you please help me. I don't want to pay out of pocket and deal with that mumbo-jumbo! I mostly need help with cleaning as I have implants but once in awhile regular care as well. Thank you again!!

[Lottoguy]

Lifetime Dentistry on 441 by the Lowe's is very good. They take all kinds of insurance plans too.

[NotGolfer]

It's me again.....I finally called the insurance company, which is probably what I should have done first but word of mouth sometimes is more helpful. They're sending me a list of providers BUT she also told me of two other local ones....David Price with Lake Sumter Dental and Jocelyn Lu ( they didn't have a practice name). Does anyone here have feed-back good/bad on either of these??

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

It depends on whether your plan is a PPO or a POS or an HMO. Lifetime Dentistry on 441 near Aldi's only accepts PPO plans. Florida Blue, Delta, Cigna, etc.

[Carla B]

I'm sorry this isn't helpful, NotGolfer, but in 15 years we've only had one dentist. We don't have dental insurance, so no reason to change. Maybe not having insurance is the only way to avoid a hassle?

[retiredguy123]

Personally, I don't believe in dental insurance. Unless someone else, like an employer, is paying the premiums, does it really save any money? I am a Federal retiree, and the Federal Government offers dental insurance, but they don't pay any of the premiums. So, I don't buy it. I think the major benefit for dental insurance is for the dentist, who charges more to someone with insurance.

[Michael 61]

Hardly a week goes by where one of friends/neighbors/team members doesn’t share their frustrations with the challenge of finding a good dentist here in The Villages. So many of us still patronize our old dentists from the states we moved. Poor service and aggressive up-selling seems to be more prevalent here for some reason. I’m not saying there aren’t competent and ethical dentists here, it’s just that you have to be tenacious in your quest to seek them out.

[Vickim]

This story is familiar---especially for new folks, but we're not new here. We've had a handful of dentists in the almost 15 yrs we've lived here. They leave or insurance changes (which most recently happened with us). Thought I'd found someone but I'm getting frustrated with them. It's Wildwood Dentists on Hwy 44....yes I've recently heard things that are negative re: them but they'd seemed fine with us. I had to have crowns and today they were to be inserted. I called yesterday to double-check on the app't because the last time something happened re: the lab. they use. Well I get there at appointed time, was told to take a seat and waited maybe 15 or 20 minutes when they called me up. I was told the lab was confused or some convoluted thing and things wouldn't be ready for another week. It's already been THREE!! We have FL Blue so looks like I'll be making phone calls around to find someone whose more reliable. I don't want to drive all over the area (we live between 466 and 466A). Can anyone recommend reliable dentists in this area. When ever, in the past, we thought we'd find found someone and was with them awhile then their circumstances changed. I know this one is a large corporation (didn't know that in the beginning) so suspect it's about profits etc. I'd thought they'd use a local lab but apparently not. I'm mostly venting but word of mouth here seems to work pretty well, generally. TY!!

As a prior military spouse I have had quite a few dentist. I have learned what to watch out for. When we first moved here , 4 years ago , I was driving back to Pensacola to see my dentist up there every 6 months. I finally had to get an implant and after checking here went with Dr Davis . I took a list of dentist in my network to him to help me choose a local dentist. He recommended Dr Altoos. I am so impressed with him and his office cannot say anything but good things about him and his conservative dentist practice. Highly recommend

[Topspinmo]

It depends on whether your plan is a PPO or a POS or an HMO. Lifetime Dentistry on 441 near Aldi's only accepts PPO plans. Florida Blue, Delta, Cigna, etc.

I’ve got the POS plan….

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Personally, I don't believe in dental insurance. Unless someone else, like an employer, is paying the premiums, does it really save any money? I am a Federal retiree, and the Federal Government offers dental insurance, but they don't pay any of the premiums. So, I don't buy it. I think the major benefit for dental insurance is for the dentist, who charges more to someone with insurance.

It saves money if you need dental work. Because I have periodontal disease, I can't get "regular" cleanings, which cost around $150 twice a year, not including fluoride treatments or xrays. I have to get "periodontal maintenance" which runs around $200, 4 times a year, not including fluoride treatments or yearly xrays. With my dental plan, I pay $64 each time. The dental plan itself costs me $17/month. Basically I pay around 50% less than "retail price" for all dental work, after I factor in my premium as part of my yearly expense.

[Pairadocs]

IMO Dentist only want to do what they want. Which is don’t want pull teeth no matter how bad. They want to root canel recap run up bill for their next Vegas trip :throwtomatoes: then blame it on you need deep cleaning another racket to run up bill. Dental insurance about as good as appliance insurance pages of tiny print that gets them out of paying virtually nothing except cleaning and when have to have some costly work done good luck getting them to come close to paying half. Good luck in your search, hope have better luck than me :grumpy: O by way I’ve been here 11 years find that most businesses in Florida rip off. :MOJE_whot:

Totally agree with ALL your "vetting" plus, the "deep cleaning" is something that should be considered very very carefully, for most people the risk is not worth it. Those are not my words, they are the words of the daughter of my best friend who just got her D.D.S at a VERY well known and respected university ! BTW, she also had actual classes and textbooks (she showed them to us while visiting during this past Christmas) on how to "sell" additional procedures, this at what is considered one of our better dental schools ! Hummm....

[Lyarham]

This story is familiar---especially for new folks, but we're not new here.i like lake quality dental We've had a handful of dentists in the almost 15 yrs we've lived here. They leave or insurance changes (which most recently happened with us). Thought I'd found someone but I'm getting frustrated with them. It's Wildwood Dentists on Hwy 44....yes I've recently heard things that are negative re: them but they'd seemed fine with us. I had to have crowns and today they were to be inserted. I called yesterday to double-check on the app't because the last time something happened re: the lab. they use. Well I get there at appointed time, was told to take a seat and waited maybe 15 or 20 minutes when they called me up. I was told the lab was confused or some convoluted thing and things wouldn't be ready for another week. It's already been THREE!! We have FL Blue so looks like I'll be making phone calls around to find someone who’s more reliable. I don't want to drive all over the area (we live between 466 and 466A). Can anyone recommend reliable dentists in this area. When ever, in the past, we thought we'd find found someone and was with them awhile then their circumstances changed. I know this one is a large corporation (didn't know that in the beginning) so suspect it's about profits etc. I'd thought they'd use a local lab but apparently not. I'm mostly venting but word of mouth here seems to work pretty well, generally. TY!! I like lake quality dental

[ColtsFan]

We switched to "Prime Dentistry" located in the Santa Fe strip mall on 466. Dr. Agrawal also does wonderful implants using 3-D imaging. They do a great job cleaning teeth.

[Rzepecki]

Marion Dental on 441 by Buenos Aires is an excellent practice and accepts insurance.

[CSB1228]

We're going to the new Hawkes Bay Dental in new area by Sprouts on Buena Vista and 466. They are in our network. United Health.

[Duppman]

This story is familiar---especially for new folks, but we're not new here. We've had a handful of dentists in the almost 15 yrs we've lived here. They leave or insurance changes (which most recently happened with us). Thought I'd found someone but I'm getting frustrated with them. It's Wildwood Dentists on Hwy 44....yes I've recently heard things that are negative re: them but they'd seemed fine with us. I had to have crowns and today they were to be inserted. I called yesterday to double-check on the app't because the last time something happened re: the lab. they use. Well I get there at appointed time, was told to take a seat and waited maybe 15 or 20 minutes when they called me up. I was told the lab was confused or some convoluted thing and things wouldn't be ready for another week. It's already been THREE!! We have FL Blue so looks like I'll be making phone calls around to find someone whose more reliable. I don't want to drive all over the area (we live between 466 and 466A). Can anyone recommend reliable dentists in this area. When ever, in the past, we thought we'd find found someone and was with them awhile then their circumstances changed. I know this one is a large corporation (didn't know that in the beginning) so suspect it's about profits etc. I'd thought they'd use a local lab but apparently not. I'm mostly venting but word of mouth here seems to work pretty well, generally. TY!!
I've had to use VIP Dentistry 3 times, including once to remove sutures from a procedure up north. I wasn't charged for this, and the other visits were great. I don't have dental insurance so I can't tell you what they take.

Dentist, The Villages, FL | VIP Dentistry (https://www.vipdentistrythevillages.com/)

[mntlblok]

Totally agree with ALL your "vetting" plus, the "deep cleaning" is something that should be considered very very carefully, for most people the risk is not worth it. Those are not my words, they are the words of the daughter of my best friend who just got her D.D.S at a VERY well known and respected university ! BTW, she also had actual classes and textbooks (she showed them to us while visiting during this past Christmas) on how to "sell" additional procedures, this at what is considered one of our better dental schools ! Hummm....

Sadly, that all sounds too true. Be very careful about "perio" claims, especially if you are not a smoker. Actually, even then, if you should continue to smoke, dentistry isn't going to help much with your connective tissue's ability to remain attached to the roots of your teeth.

Also, consider asking your "providers" if they are familiar with this article: Just a moment... (https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/CIR.0b013e31825719f3) Have yet to find one who is, personally. Be careful out there.

[johnfarr]

We (2) pay $98/month, or $1,176 per year. The annual payout cap is $1,176. After that you pay 100%. I wish we came under that just once so I could tell you if they refund the surplus.

Makes you wonder why bother with dental insurance...

We use Palm Ridge Dental and they are excellent.

[nn0wheremann]

This story is familiar---especially for new folks, but we're not new here. We've had a handful of dentists in the almost 15 yrs we've lived here. They leave or insurance changes (which most recently happened with us). Thought I'd found someone but I'm getting frustrated with them. It's Wildwood Dentists on Hwy 44....yes I've recently heard things that are negative re: them but they'd seemed fine with us. I had to have crowns and today they were to be inserted. I called yesterday to double-check on the app't because the last time something happened re: the lab. they use. Well I get there at appointed time, was told to take a seat and waited maybe 15 or 20 minutes when they called me up. I was told the lab was confused or some convoluted thing and things wouldn't be ready for another week. It's already been THREE!! We have FL Blue so looks like I'll be making phone calls around to find someone whose more reliable. I don't want to drive all over the area (we live between 466 and 466A). Can anyone recommend reliable dentists in this area. When ever, in the past, we thought we'd find found someone and was with them awhile then their circumstances changed. I know this one is a large corporation (didn't know that in the beginning) so suspect it's about profits etc. I'd thought they'd use a local lab but apparently not. I'm mostly venting but word of mouth here seems to work pretty well, generally. TY!!
To dream the impossible dream…..

[DiandJay]

Hardly a week goes by where one of friends/neighbors/team members doesn’t share their frustrations with the challenge of finding a good dentist here in The Villages. So many of us still patronize our old dentists from the states we moved. Poor service and aggressive up-selling seems to be more prevalent here for some reason. I’m not saying there aren’t competent and ethical dentists here, it’s just that you have to be tenacious in your quest to seek them out.
You’re lucky. We lived in NY, RI and CT for forty years and had many dentist over the years who were good but definitely told us we needed treatments we suspected we didn’t need! Last one in CT I caught because I had to go to the UK during the treatment time, and my dentist there said I in no way needed a RC. He fixed the issue with a simple filling.
In NY I was in a bunko group with 3 women dentist who had moved here from abroad. They used to openly talk about how to grow their practices and make money. It used to make me so frustrated to listen to them share tips although I liked them on a personal bases. Anyway, this is simply my personal opinion. Dentistry here in the US is a business that incurs many expenses.

[ComingfromCT]

I use Dental Care on Fennell (on 441) and have been very happy with them.

[G.R.I.T.S.]

This story is familiar---especially for new folks, but we're not new here. We've had a handful of dentists in the almost 15 yrs we've lived here. They leave or insurance changes (which most recently happened with us). Thought I'd found someone but I'm getting frustrated with them. It's Wildwood Dentists on Hwy 44....yes I've recently heard things that are negative re: them but they'd seemed fine with us. I had to have crowns and today they were to be inserted. I called yesterday to double-check on the app't because the last time something happened re: the lab. they use. Well I get there at appointed time, was told to take a seat and waited maybe 15 or 20 minutes when they called me up. I was told the lab was confused or some convoluted thing and things wouldn't be ready for another week. It's already been THREE!! We have FL Blue so looks like I'll be making phone calls around to find someone whose more reliable. I don't want to drive all over the area (we live between 466 and 466A). Can anyone recommend reliable dentists in this area. When ever, in the past, we thought we'd find found someone and was with them awhile then their circumstances changed. I know this one is a large corporation (didn't know that in the beginning) so suspect it's about profits etc. I'd thought they'd use a local lab but apparently not. I'm mostly venting but word of mouth here seems to work pretty well, generally. TY!!

I recommend getting a list of covered dentists from bc/bs and go from there to get information on their practices.

[MSGirl]

It depends on whether your plan is a PPO or a POS or an HMO. Lifetime Dentistry on 441 near Aldi's only accepts PPO plans. Florida Blue, Delta, Cigna, etc.
We use David Price and find him to be very knowledgeable and good at what he does.

[JimmyDebbie]

My husband and I also have Florida Blue (HMO) and had the same struggle of finding a good dentist under the plan. We have recently changed to Summerfield Dentists. They are located on Hwy 441, kind of across from Walmart. We have both had cleanings and x-days and were pleased with the hygienists. I also have had a crown and it was completed in about 3 weeks. The dentist I saw was Dr Jandali. He seemed to be very conscientious and attentive to making sure things went smoothly for me. All of the staff we encountered were friendly and seemed to enjoy their work. It seems to be a well-run, efficient practice. Maybe you can give them a try.

[coleprice]

This story is familiar---especially for new folks, but we're not new here. We've had a handful of dentists in the almost 15 yrs we've lived here. They leave or insurance changes (which most recently happened with us). Thought I'd found someone but I'm getting frustrated with them. It's Wildwood Dentists on Hwy 44....yes I've recently heard things that are negative re: them but they'd seemed fine with us. I had to have crowns and today they were to be inserted. I called yesterday to double-check on the app't because the last time something happened re: the lab. they use. Well I get there at appointed time, was told to take a seat and waited maybe 15 or 20 minutes when they called me up. I was told the lab was confused or some convoluted thing and things wouldn't be ready for another week. It's already been THREE!! We have FL Blue so looks like I'll be making phone calls around to find someone whose more reliable. I don't want to drive all over the area (we live between 466 and 466A). Can anyone recommend reliable dentists in this area. When ever, in the past, we thought we'd find found someone and was with them awhile then their circumstances changed. I know this one is a large corporation (didn't know that in the beginning) so suspect it's about profits etc. I'd thought they'd use a local lab but apparently not. I'm mostly venting but word of mouth here seems to work pretty well, generally. TY!!

We have been very happy with Lifetime Dentistry of Lady Lake, who can be reached at 352-350-6104. They are located at 13851 N US Hwy 441, Lady Lake, FL 32159.

[Nana2Teddy]

I've had to use VIP Dentistry 3 times, including once to remove sutures from a procedure up north. I wasn't charged for this, and the other visits were great. I don't have dental insurance so I can't tell you what they take.

Dentist, The Villages, FL | VIP Dentistry (https://www.vipdentistrythevillages.com/)
VIP Dentistry (Angela Emrick, DDS) was great when I needed to get in as a new patient for a chipped tooth right after the holidays in January. For a cleaning appt they’re 6 months out. We scheduled in January and our appts are in June. She does not accept any insurance though, so won’t work for OP. I really liked her and her staff, which is saying a lot because I’m dental phobic, lol. Her spacious office is in a center directly across the side street from Tequila Cantina on 466.

[Deden]

Prime Dentistry between 446 and 466A ask for Kristal. (Office Manager)

[Fuzzyjourneyfan]

I have your insurance and couldn't find a decent dentist in The Villages, so I went to Jackson and Joyce in Ocala. I know that you don't want to go far away, but the half hour drive is worth it to me. They are excellent and highly recommended by friends.

[Two Bills]

I’ve got the POS plan….

I remember my army dentist was a POS as well.

[NotGolfer]

Someone suggested getting the insurance list of providers. Did that!! I actually found two different lists but neither were helpful. Some practices I called weren't helpful and others---I found you had to pay your "required" 2X/yearly cleaning etc. out of pocket. Our ins. pays that and I don't want to mess with us doing it and getting reimbursed. Then there's the people on these threads who can't resist typing an answer or response that isn't even helpful. Still looking for someone for care. ALL I need is dental checks 2X/yearly and cleanings. Thank you for your responses.

[Kelevision]

Someone suggested getting the insurance list of providers. Did that!! I actually found two different lists but neither were helpful. Some practices I called weren't helpful and others---I found you had to pay your "required" 2X/yearly cleaning etc. out of pocket. Our ins. pays that and I don't want to mess with us doing it and getting reimbursed. Then there's the people on these threads who can't resist typing an answer or response that isn't even helpful. Still looking for someone for care. ALL I need is dental checks 2X/yearly and cleanings. Thank you for your responses.

I use Gary Cardoso in Leesburg. Phone: (352) 728-2639 I’ve only done cleanings there. They take my insurance. I just went to Costa Rica to get 3 implants ( he doesn’t do implants) and prefer that dentist over anyone I’ve had here.

[laboutj]

I use Herb Bennett in Leesburg and find the office to be excellent. Graduate of Tufts dental school. HBDental.com

[MsPCGenius]

I had an appointment yesterday at my "new" dental practice. They did complete x-ray & gum work up and advised I needed deep cleaning.

I said no thank you, please just do normal maintenance cleaning (which I have had for the last 40 yrs with my former dentist). They would not. Something along the lines of "we can't do a healthy mouth cleaning when you have areas of bacteria".

I declined and politely left. Now I will look for another "new, new" dental practice, have work up from "new" practice released, and start over.

I was very irritated that my right to choice was taken away.

[Rainger99]

I had an appointment yesterday at my "new" dental practice. They did complete x-ray & gum work up and advised I needed deep cleaning.

I said no thank you, please just do normal maintenance cleaning (which I have had for the last 40 yrs with my former dentist). They would not. Something along the lines of "we can't do a healthy mouth cleaning when you have areas of bacteria".

I declined and politely left. Now I will look for another "new, new" dental practice, have work up from "new" practice released, and start over.

I was very irritated that my right to choice was taken away.

What was the dentist so we can avoid?

[Rainger99]

It saves money if you need dental work. Because I have periodontal disease, I can't get "regular" cleanings, which cost around $150 twice a year, not including fluoride treatments or xrays. I have to get "periodontal maintenance" which runs around $200, 4 times a year, not including fluoride treatments or yearly xrays. With my dental plan, I pay $64 each time. The dental plan itself costs me $17/month. Basically I pay around 50% less than "retail price" for all dental work, after I factor in my premium as part of my yearly expense.

What is the dental plan?

[MsPCGenius]

What was the dentist so we can avoid?

Touch of Art Dental Studio - next to Sunny Pint on Rt 44