Dentist problem -- help!!!

[Jim B.]

I am a new resident; have Preferred Care dental plan and two dentists to choose from in the Villages. Has anyone ever gone to German Gaitan, DDS? Other dentist is Carlos Johary (he's in Oxford). I am looking for an excellent dentist that is affordable. I would really appreciate any advice. Thanks!

[bobofmanawa]

Not at all happy there. Has four patients laying in a state of half done, rushes through work. Hard to understand. I am now paying someone whom I trust, and that means alot.

[Jim B.]

Thanks for your reply. Both dentists have very low ratings -- scary. What dentist are you currently going to? It seems every one I check on has negatives. Thanks

[thekeithfan]

Jim I feel your pain! finding a good Dentist in the Villages is a lot of work. I've spent HOURS researching and talking to my ins co. I can tell you to absolutely stay away from Aspen and the Villages Dental. I went to Aspen and was there three hours and never got my teeth cleaned!!! After meeting with their sales and finance people was told that I needed $2,400 of antibiotics, and that was over the $3,400 they were going to soak the ins co!!! They tried to scare me by telling me I could spread disease by kissing my grand kids!!!! I have an appointment with Hallmark Dental in Fruitland Park today I'll let you know how I make out.

[Avista]

We have Preferred Care Partners, but do not use their dentists. We also have AARP Delta Dental. My husband uses Dr Christianson in Leesburg and I use Dr Lesh in Southern Chase....both in the Delta Network.

Alternatively, visit the PCP folks in Sumter Landing and get some info on the PCP dentists in Leesburg or Ocala.

[mfp509]

I highly recommend Dr Lisa Wadsworth and her husband in Summerfield, just north of Walmart on 441. I have been going there for 8 years and am very happy with their work.

[JenAjd]

The is a new dentist in TV...think his name is Fischer (can't remember) who is with Preferred Care Partners. His office is on Old Camp Rd. in the new medical park across from Barnes and Noble. He has had ads in The Sun!! Good Luck in your quest!!

[Avista]

That would be Willard Fisher
Sumter Landing Dental Care
1050 Old Camp Rd
Ste 286
Phone 352-674-9009
I have friends who go to him.

[VillagesFlorida]

Here is a post that I wrote some time ago regarding another inquiry about a visit to Royal Dental almost a year ago:


"My husband and I went to Royal Dental recently and left very unsatisfied. We chose this office due to it being on the list of providers on our new insurance. Dr. Gaitan was out of the office so we saw his associate, Dr. Fisher (Fischer??). He was very nice and he did a quick exam. The hygienist was another story. I can't recall her name but she is an older woman, rough around the edges, and very rough in our mouths. My gums were extremely sore for a week following the cleaning. This is the first time in my life where a cleaning did not include some scaling. I am not sure if our insurance only pays for an "economy" cleaning or if she just didn't want to bother to do it. Most of the pain we experienced came from her brutal use of the saliva "vacuum" (I don't know the proper word for this tool). It was a large, plastic tube that she kept pressed tightly against our gums....OUCH! We both spoke to her several times about the fact that she was hurting us but she didn't seem to care and justified all of our complaints with defensive remarks. We will be looking for another dentist and an office where compassion and gentleness is practiced."

As for Dr. Johary, this guy shouldn't be practicing dentistry. He was the first dentist I went to when we moved here 13 years ago. The dental assistant who worked on me was clearly someone off the streets with no dental training whatsoever. Upset that day with the way his assistants were performing, Dr. Johary called a meeting somewhere in a back room. I was left in the chair with an impression tray full of hardening material in my mouth. A long time passed and the girl didn't return to remove the tray. I finally yanked it out, blood and all. I can't speak for this practice since my experience, but I will never darken that doorstep, ever again.

We also have Preferred Care Partners insurance and will likely try a provider from Ocala next. If that move doesn't produce a decent dentist we plan to self pay, just as we did before the PCP insurance. This area on the provider list is where PCP could stand some improvement.

[Trish Crocker]

Wow, sure wish my husband could practice in Florida...he is the best dentist in the whole world. I'm sorry that these experiences occurred and hate it when the profession is cheapened by incompetence. I assist at his office and can assure you, there is no justification in treating patients this way. (by the way, that white plastic thingy is called a saliva ejector :) )

[same]

I highly recommend Dr Lisa Wadsworth and her husband in Summerfield, just north of Walmart on 441. I have been going there for 8 years and am very happy with their work.

I am happy with Dr.Lisa Wadsworth also.

[JenAjd]

I am happy with Dr.Lisa Wadsworth also.

BUT...is she a Preferred Care Partners provider?? Hopefully PCP will be picking up more dentists in The Villages!!!

[VillagesFlorida]

Wow, sure wish my husband could practice in Florida...he is the best dentist in the whole world. I'm sorry that these experiences occurred and hate it when the profession is cheapened by incompetence. I assist at his office and can assure you, there is no justification in treating patients this way. (by the way, that white plastic thingy is called a saliva ejector :) )

Thank you for identifying the "saliva vacuum"!! I could have looked it up but I was in a hurry! I wish your hubby was a dentist here, too. There ARE some good ones, from all that I have read, but as Michael Buble sings, "I just haven't met them yet"! I was trying to use our insurance coverage, but not at the expense of a painful mouth for a week.

[Mudder]

I think the PCP representative told me that starting in January there will be more dentists on the plan, altho many are in Ocala. Sounds like Dr. Fisher could be ok.

[JenAjd]

If you don't care whether or not you use PCP or not...then I highly recommend Adam Still in Laural Manor (his practice is called Laural Manor Dentistry, I believe).
VERY good, thorough and great office staff as well. I wish I could stay there but really need to switch the dentistry part as well since it will save us $$$$ to do so.

[jojo]

Any updates on Preferred Care Partner dentists?

[mikeandnancy1112]

I have sent my friends in TV to Kathleen Williams in Palm Ridge Plaza. She is absolutely wonderful and very reasonable. Her number is 352-391-9930. Palm Ridge Plaza is on CR 101 near 466 and across from Crispers.

Call first to see if she accepts Preferred Care.

I too had a horrible experience with Aspen Dental.

Good luck!

[Vinny]

I spent my first three months here asking about dentist and calling them up and finally selected one. The next day I read that the owner was indited for insurance fraud and they closed up the place. Ended up at Serenity Dentistry in Spanish Springs. For someone who hates dentist I must say that I am very pleased with Dr. Maria Luong. Never have waited for my appointment so far and she has state of the art equipment. They will even provide some spa amenities while you are being treated. :)

[Trish Crocker]

Just a thought...I wouldn't let my insurance company dictate my dentist. First of all, dental insurance is not insurance..it is a benefit. The company gives you something like $1000 or $1500 per year and tells you how to spend it. Many dental insurance companies will allow you to go outside of their list of providers...the only difference is you may have to pay a little more if the dentist you choose does not agree to work for the amount the company chooses to pay. These companies are forcing you to look for a dentist that works cheap. There is a difference in quality and skills between dentists, including the equipment, products and laboratories they use. The average person (trust me, I was one of them!) believes that all dentistry is the same, a filling is a filling, a root canal a root canal, a crown is a crown...this is so not true. A good, skillful, qualified dentist will save you a lot of money in the long run. Your insurance company will probably not pay if you have a crown or filling and then, a year later, find that it needs to be redone because it was not done correctly in the first place. Look for someone you can trust, talk to other people...check with that doctor and see if his office will bill your insurance company for you and if it costs you a little more pay it. Think of all the money you spend on golf balls or going out to dinner....this is your health! Remember the old saying about being penny wise and pound foolish???

[2BNTV]

Just a thought...I wouldn't let my insurance company dictate my dentist. First of all, dental insurance is not insurance..it is a benefit. The company gives you something like $1000 or $1500 per year and tells you how to spend it. Many dental insurance companies will allow you to go outside of their list of providers...the only difference is you may have to pay a little more if the dentist you choose does not agree to work for the amount the company chooses to pay. These companies are forcing you to look for a dentist that works cheap. There is a difference in quality and skills between dentists, including the equipment, products and laboratories they use. The average person (trust me, I was one of them!) believes that all dentistry is the same, a filling is a filling, a root canal a root canal, a crown is a crown...this is so not true. A good, skillful, qualified dentist will save you a lot of money in the long run. Your insurance company will probably not pay if you have a crown or filling and then, a year later, find that it needs to be redone because it was not done correctly in the first place. Look for someone you can trust, talk to other people...check with that doctor and see if his office will bill your insurance company for you and if it costs you a little more pay it. Think of all the money you spend on golf balls or going out to dinner....this is your health! Remember the old saying about being penny wise and pound foolish???

Trish:

I really want to thank you for posting this as I have a choice between two Medicare Advantage plans in CT. One doesn't include dental but I have dental thru my employer. It cost more, and covers more and I can still go to my dentists the same as before.

The other will cover dental and vision with the premium coming to almost the same amount, if I dropped my employers dental. My dentist is not in their plan and would be covered out of network and the plan itself has less coverage. They say I can still go to him but I would pay more.

BTW - My company dental has two options and I took the lesser option once several years ago and encountered a dentists who didn't perform his duties very well. When I switched to the better plan, I found my present dentists.

Thanks for confirming my thoughts as I think you are right in saying about being penny wise and pound foolish. $20 more a month is not worth the hassle. Beside my dentists is almost painless and I like it that way. :)

What you are saying is very true!!!!!!

[captg]

:undecided: Dr. Fisher worked at Royal & Star for Dr. Gaitan prior to opening his own office. We were not pleased at all with the service we encountered at Star. We will be going to Dr. Fisher next month. We shall see, otherwise I am afraid we will have to travel to Ocala.:undecided:

[cologal]

:undecided: Dr. Fisher worked at Royal & Star for Dr. Gaitan prior to opening his own office. We were not pleased at all with the service we encountered at Star. We will be going to Dr. Fisher next month. We shall see, otherwise I am afraid we will have to travel to Ocala.:undecided:

I use Bushnell Family Dentistry in Bushnell. One stop they do it all, root canals, extraction, implants......

Love them

[pjmcd]

My husband just returned yesterday from his first visit to Dr. Gaitan. We have gone to the dentist every 6 months since we were little kids! We are new to TV and Dr. Gaitan was reccommended to us. We do not have dental insurance since retiring. He left the office yesterday with a $6000 "treatment"plan in hand! Just outrageous! So our search begins again for an honest and reasonable dentist. Has anyone been to Don Burbank in Spanish Springs? We appreciate any comments or suggestions!:) Thanks

[SALYBOW]

I am a new resident; have Preferred Care dental plan and two dentists to choose from in the Villages. Has anyone ever gone to German Gaitan, DDS? Other dentist is Carlos Johary (he's in Oxford). I am looking for an excellent dentist that is affordable. I would really appreciate any advice. Thanks!

I was in the chair at Johary's office with novacaine for over two hours. I fanally got up and walked out. This is not a singular experience. I was the second to walk out that day. We now go to Serenity Dental Spa. We could not be happier. :coolsmiley: Call and see if they will cut a deal with your carrier. This office is on Main street in Spanish Springs. Good luck, dental care in the villages can be a nightmare.

[Stayaway!]

I was in the chair at Johary's office with Novocaine for over two hours. I finally got up and walked out. This is not a singular experience. I was the second to walk out that day. We now go to Serenity Dental Spa. We could not be happier. :coolsmiley: Call and see if they will cut a deal with your carrier. This office is on Main street in Spanish Springs. Good luck, dental care in the villages can be a nightmare.

I hear she is a perfectionist! Heard she is tough on her employees but a very good dentist!

And to PJMCD, a $6000 treatment plan is nothing outrageous depending on what it was for! Dentistry is not cheap, let alone in the Villages! Especially without dental insurance, the dentist can then charge whatever they want compared to having a dental insurance plan and going to an in network dentist where they have to go off of the fees set by that insurance! So make sure to research what is being done and what others fees are for equal work before you blast a dentist! As well you have to consider when was the last time your spouse had any major work done or had a thorough exam? If it's been a while now they are playing "catch up." also keep in mind that alot of dentist advertise a free second opinion in the paper so always go for a different opinion if you feel the work is unwarranted. just my opinion

[Stayaway!]

Also remember those that are having not so good experiences with PCP dentists, they are an HMO compared to those with Delta and other insurances are PPO. Ive always heard that HMO dentists are not as good as PPO dentist GENERALLY SPEAKING. That's why they are working with HMO because they can't run their practice without it and stay in business.

Again, not always, but generally that is the case!

[Romegirl]

I am a new resident; have Preferred Care dental plan and two dentists to choose from in the Villages. Has anyone ever gone to German Gaitan, DDS? Other dentist is Carlos Johary (he's in Oxford). I am looking for an excellent dentist that is affordable. I would really appreciate any advice. Thanks!

I have the same problem, although I am not new to T/V, I am new to PCP Ins.I saw saw Dr.G for first time today..he found a pricey problem that ins doesn't cover...I will pay out of my pocket for 2nd opinion before I trust anyone I don't know to replace a bridge....but in the end...we don't have many alternatives...lets hope you generate some good feedback !!:

[NotGolfer]

My only "complaint" with having PCP is that we don't have 'options' with our dentist selections. I went to Dr. Fisher on Old Camp Rd. His hygenist was thorough I'd say and friendly. I didn't see much of him...but he did a quick check in my mouth and took care of an issue I had with a tooth feeling too high. It will be interesting to see what 2012 will bring with this insurance.

I would have to say...other than our dentist AND eye selections I've been happy with PCP. Maybe if all of us with the coverage would contact the carrier with our concerns things will change. I've already made my concerns to them.

[graciegirl]

Wow, sure wish my husband could practice in Florida...he is the best dentist in the whole world. I'm sorry that these experiences occurred and hate it when the profession is cheapened by incompetence. I assist at his office and can assure you, there is no justification in treating patients this way. (by the way, that white plastic thingy is called a saliva ejector :) )

I do too Trish. I wish Doc Crocker would practice here. We talked when you were here that for the first time in my life have I encountered unethical dentistry. It is buyer beware. The dentist we have chosen is very upset about the fact that dentistry in general is tarnished by the unscrupulous and unethical dentists practicing here. I wonder how the state of Florida handles these kinds of things?

I love you all and that is the reason I will tell you that Palm Dental and the two dentists there, Dr. Kathleen WillIams and Dr. Reem Jabar are the best dentists we have ever used. I probably will now not be able to get another appointment until 2020. sigh.

[batman911]

You can (and should) file a complaint with the Florida Dental Board on this website if you feel you have been cheated or received substandard treatment:

Enforcing Health Care Standards - How do Disciplined Licensees Comply With Final Orders? - Medical Quality Assurance - Enforcing Health Care Standards - How do Disciplined Licensees Comply With Final Orders? - Medical Quality Assurance - Enforcing He (http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/enforcement/enforce_home.html)

Bringing state board attention to these scammers may change their habits.

[wilkinsm1]

I just went to the new dentist at Sumter Landing Dental Care...I think his name is Lumsford, or Lans.....? Not sure, but he seemed very professional. Great dental assistant, Sherry, and my husband went to Dr. Fisher and liked him. The only problem is my dentist recommended I get an evaluation by a peridontist as I have two very deep pockets on either side of my top molars. I had gotten a bone graft years ago on one side, but it really didn't do much good. The peridontist is Dr. Davis, but he is not on Preferred Care....I don't think there is one on their plan. I guess the evaluation wouldn't be too expensive. I had been going to Aspen and every time I got a cleaning they injected antibiotics into the pockets, but this dentist said that that was ineffective as a treatment. What do you think? Anyone have the same problem??

[Phanatic Luvr]

I had a bad experience at Sumter Landing Dental. Dr. Fisher told me I needed 4 crowns replaced after informing him I didn't know the history of when I got each one. My out of pocket expense was going to be $3,120.00, $780.00 per tooth. A bit confused by this, I ask how much they charged per crown. I was told $1,200.00 each. Well, since I have great insurance coverage, 80% paid by my insurance, 20% paid by me on crowns, it raised a red flag. I called my former dentist to find out the history on the specific teeth in question. Tooth #12, there was no history so that crown had to be put on prior to 2005. Ok, I'll go along with maybe that one needed replacing. Tooth #13 and #14, crowns put on in June 2008 and tooth #15, crown put on in January 2011. Needless to say, I decided NEVER to go back to Dr. Fisher. Let me also add that I go the the dentist and periodontist religiously every 3 months and have done so since 2005. If there was something wrong and my former dentist didn't pick it up, I am thinking my periodontist would have. Well, the ending to this story is I just returned to my former dentist in Tampa last week and the only thing wrong was a small chip in one crown on tooth #12. He suggested it be filled ... cost to me $0. I think from here on in, I will make the hour drive to someone I can trust.

[Elby B]

I am a new resident; have Preferred Care dental plan and two dentists to choose from in the Villages. Has anyone ever gone to German Gaitan, DDS? Other dentist is Carlos Johary (he's in Oxford). I am looking for an excellent dentist that is affordable. I would really appreciate any advice. Thanks!
I made two appointments together (for my father and me) with Gaitan at Royal Dental. The earliest we could get in was in three months, but I made the appointment anyway since he was in my dental plan. Since we were new to TV, I was unable to provide a phone number where I could be reached, but I did stress that I was confirming the appointment right then and that we would definitely be there, and there would be no need to call me to confirm although they could write us a letter if needed. (I also offered to pay a fee if we didn't show up.) The receptionist said that was fine and that I should give them my new phone no. when we arrived.

Three months later, we arrived early for our appointment - only to find two people already in the crowded waiting room, who had been given our appointments since they were unable to call us and confirm. I told the receptionist that I had confirmed the appointments, but then she started asking me who I'd spoken to 3 months ago (I mean, don't they know who they put on at reception?), and then she said they'd given my appointments to someone else, but if I wanted to wait around for a while they'd try to fit in the X-rays for just me, on that day, and I could make other appointments and come back later.

At that point, I walked out, furious, and never went back.

I tried Fisher in Sumter, but he told me I'd need caps in all of my front teeth whenever they next needed work, and he refused to do any more fillings in them. This would be OK - except I'd never gotten them X-rayed (they kept insisting but I refused), so how could they be sure all my front teeth would require caps ?

Now, I'm going to Carolina Dentistry, up near Mission Hills. No major work done yet, but my father was very impressed with their attitude and diagnosis (he'd gotten the same diagnosis from previous dentists before we came to TV), and he plans to have his work done there.

[gg]

That would be Willard Fisher
Sumter Landing Dental Care
1050 Old Camp Rd
Ste 286
Phone 352-674-9009
I have friends who go to him.

I went to him...I was pleased with my teeth cleaning and xrays. I was told about a procedure for gaps in part of my gums for $80 and that I should have two crowns made larger so that the food would not stick in between those teeth for almost $2000. I have been going to a dentist up north for years that I trust and he never mentioned any of these things. I did not sign up for any additional work and they did not pressure me. When the crowns break then I will get new ones. Dentist was nice but do not want additional work now.

[Sage327]

Jim I feel your pain! finding a good Dentist in the Villages is a lot of work. I've spent HOURS researching and talking to my ins co. I can tell you to absolutely stay away from Aspen and the Villages Dental. I went to Aspen and was there three hours and never got my teeth cleaned!!! After meeting with their sales and finance people was told that I needed $2,400 of antibiotics, and that was over the $3,400 they were going to soak the ins co!!! They tried to scare me by telling me I could spread disease by kissing my grand kids!!!! I have an appointment with Hallmark Dental in Fruitland Park today I'll let you know how I make out.

What didn't t you like about Village Dental? My husband was pleased with them

[Tom Campbell]

The is a new dentist in TV...think his name is Fischer (can't remember) who is with Preferred Care Partners. His office is on Old Camp Rd. in the new medical park across from Barnes and Noble. He has had ads in The Sun!! Good Luck in your quest!!

My wife has used Dr. Fischer....BAD NEWS! No one in the entire office knows what the other is doing. She was pushed off from one Dentist in the office to another...each one worse than the other.

Have heard nothing but horror stories from others about all Villages Dentists.
Best advice is to see your old dentist in the Hometown you're from!

[JP]

Most of the dentists that sign up with carriers like PCP do so because they are not busy enough or not making enough money hence want more patients that PCP or other carriers including HMO's offer. Usually these carriers don't pay the dentists as much as they would make if they were charging a ususal and customary fee(private practice fee) so they have to see more patients to make the same amount of money. These dentists and physicians now have more patients but are making less money for more workload. Hello. Not good.

[chickadee]

I have Delta Dental and go to Dr Lesh in Southern Trace...highly recommend, hygienists excellent and office very efficiently managed...

[Peek]

Has anyone gone to the dentist in Colony Plaza called Modern Dentistry?

[merled]

Dr Fisher is dropping Preferred Care Partners in October. Reason, not saying but has to be money driven.

[shcisamax]

My husband uses Dr Christianson in Leesburg and I use Dr Lesh in Southern Chase....both in the Delta Network.



FORGET Dr. Lesh. My husband used his for a denture and he has been returning for a year...he has provided substandard quality, then blamed the lab, had it remade, still doesn't fit, has cracked twice, and on and on and on. However, I understand the dental hygienist is great.

[claudeguy311]

I am a new resident; have Preferred Care dental plan and two dentists to choose from in the Villages. Has anyone ever gone to German Gaitan, DDS? Other dentist is Carlos Johary (he's in Oxford). I am looking for an excellent dentist that is affordable. I would really appreciate any advice. Thanks!

Stay away from this one. Very bad

[claudeguy311]

Stay away from Gaetan German. Very bad dentist

[sharonga]

Dr. Tatro in Leesburg. Very professional. Hubby really liked him. Accepted our coverage from NYC.

[gerryann]

Good grief!! Been reading this thread...then realized its over 2 yrs old........

[Golf View]

I too am looking for a dentist that is competent and is in my Delta Dental PPO. I have heard good things about Dr. Lesh but don't know anyone personally that has been a patient. Any info is appreciated.

[Golf View]

Also wondering about Dr. Manuel Middleton (Diamond Dental. Went a few times and he seemed very competent. I think his assistant runs the entire office including hygenist work. Think she is trained by the dentist. Problems seem to be in keeping appointments. Office hours are shortened and he is not in office everyday. Only the dentist and hygenist in office. Any comments on this dentist?

[gomsiepop]

The is a new dentist in TV...think his name is Fischer (can't remember) who is with Preferred Care Partners. His office is on Old Camp Rd. in the new medical park across from Barnes and Noble. He has had ads in The Sun!! Good Luck in your quest!!

I can only tell you about my own experience with Dr. Fisher. I am a new homeowner in The Villages and had two implants done in New Jersey three years ago. The attachment (or abutment), I don't know which has broken and I needed to see someone who was familiar with implants. When I met with Dr. Fisher the first thing he replied after checking my mouth was, "these are very old, you will need to have them replaced with six (6) new mini implants". I responded by telling him that the implants were only three years old and if he couldn't repair them I would go elsewhere. He said that he would "try" to repair them. Well, "trying" is not enough for me. Needless to say I left his office immediately. I am in the process of trying to find an honest dentist who will repair my implants. HELP!