Dentists [Archive] - Talk of The Villages Florida

Villages Kahuna

07-30-2007, 11:08 PM

Here's a straightforward description of my experience with Village Dental (offices on 466 and 441). Readers can draw their own conclusions.

I researched the dentists practicing in TV thoroughly. I concluded the dentists at Village Dental were extremely well qualified and best fit my needs. I made an appointment. When asked why I had made an appointment, I explained that I needed a six-month check-up, cleaning and that I had a chip on a lower front tooth that I thought might require some modest bonding.

When I arrived for my appointment, there were three ladies behind the marble-topped reception desk with fresh roses in a vase. I checked in and sat down in the comfortable leather sofas to watch CNN on the big screen plasma TV. I was ushered in for my appointment promptly.

My first stop was with a dental technician who gave me an examination unlike any I had ever experienced. Digital x-rays were taken from every angle including a panoramic view, digital photographs were taken of every tooth as well as my "smile". It was thorough and exceedingly complete. I was impressed.

Next I was ushered into the dental hygenist's office. The hygenist, with an assistant, first performed a periodontal exam, where three measurements were taken of every tooth prior to cleaning. Following that exam, the hygenist told me that I probably should have a "deep cleaning". When I asked what that was, she explained that it was a series of three visits where under anesthesia, some deep scraping was done of the teeth below the gum line. She said the cost would be $900. She then performed a complete cleaning of my teeth.

I was then ushered into the dentist's office. After his two assistants got me into the chair and ready for his arrival, he came in. He quickly looked at my x-rays and photographs and began to explain that my teeth had "100,000 miles on them" and needed maintenance to assure their continued health and avoidance of unexpected cracks or breaks which almost certainly would be painful and would require dental surgery. He then did a very quick inspection of my teeth and told me that I could discuss my further treatment plan with another person, I think she had a title like "Patient's Advocate", or something like that.

I spent about a half hour with her where she went over all my x-rays and photographs--they're all digital, so they were right there on her computer monitor--and explained in detail what they recommended as a treatment plan for me. The bottom line on that is that, following the $900 deep cleaning, they would make appointments for the installation of $17,000 worth of crowns on my teeth. At no point in our conversation did any one ever mention the repair of the chipped front tooth that caused me to make an appointment in the first place.

I left the office without making any future appointments. I have since had an appointment with my long-time dentist "up north". He saw a need for only one crown, and even then he thought it was optional for awhile. I chose to have it installed. He saw no need for a periodontal deep-cleaning.

So at this point I still have my dentist up north, but have decided to continue my research on dentists in TV. You draw your own conclusions.

villages07

07-31-2007, 07:11 AM

Kahuna..... deja vu. Your experience exactly mimics what I found at Village Dental and what I've heard several other people say since then. I heard someone call them the "Star Wars" dentists because of all their high tech equipment. Granted, they've got the technology and the advanced skills, but they seem to routinely find $10,000+ worth of preventive work on every 50+ year old patient. Unfortunately, I fell for the deep cleaning ($1,200) pitch, and went for 4 sessions (total of maybe 4 hrs) almost exclusively with the hygienist. Hard to make that hourly rate compute. I have some dental insurance coverage, but, it barely made a dent in the fee. They found two microscopic cavities and wanted $360 to fill both. Needless to say, I'm now looking for another dentist. I've also heard that Dr Burbank is good.

F16 1UB

07-31-2007, 07:41 AM

Holy :edit: I gotta show this to my wife. She works for a dentist. No not in TV. We're still "Up North".

Steve

JohnZ

07-31-2007, 08:03 AM

I agree that dental fees should be reigned-in. How should this be accomplished and at what levels should fees be set? Medicaid currently sets fees and we can see clearly how well that works and how practitioners manage within that system. Two good riends of mine, one a physician and one a podiatric surgeon closed their practices when their malpractices premiums topped $100,000 per year. Walk out of med school with $200,000 in student loans, do a 4-5 year residency with a paltry income and start your real job at age 30 or so. That's a lot to recoup just to break even. When looking for parachutes and brain surgeons, beware of bargains. Now let's talk about lawyers......

villager99

07-31-2007, 08:43 AM

i've gone to dr. don burbank for 8 years. golf cart accessible office, friendly professional staff,
prices comparable to what i paid up north.
options openly discussed for any treatment i needed.
i highly recommend him.

zcaveman

07-31-2007, 11:42 AM

My Village Dental experience was similar to Kahuna. My wife went to Village Dental for the $79 Xray and checkup (all she wanted was a cleaning) and was told $25,000 to make her smile perfect. The cleaning was quoted at $1000.

She eventually went there for some crowns and fillings and it was $3100. My insurance company got me back $1800 of it.

I go to Lady Lake Dental (my dental plan). They keep you in the chair for a long time (3-4 hours) but they do the job.

jtdraig

08-12-2007, 03:27 PM

;DVILLAGE DENTAL...LOL, my experience was EXACTLY as detailed above. My wife and I went through these supercalifragilisticexpialadocious XRAYS and then, to make the same long story short, had our interview with SuperTech who told me "what a good job I had done maintaining my dental hygiene" BUT I need a crown on almost every tooth and, by the way, the estimate was $12,000. My wife had the same deal and same speech and same cost. THEN came "THE CLOSER"...Dr. Farrell came in with a very serious face and re"capped" the same story except this time he leaned in close and said "Do you have money?". I was appalled. We decided that we would get a second opinion. We remained there through one other cleaning during which they tried to sell me teeth whiteners and reminded me that we needed many crowns. We left and never went back. We are still in search of a dentist that isn't selling crowns like a car dealer sells cars. They may be the highest dental tech practice in the world with dentists with more degrees than a compass but at the end of the day they are high pressure sales guys selling you crowns, teeth whiteners, and, when you leave, you get a rose with that bill. Me, I would stay clear of them.

Avista

08-12-2007, 04:19 PM

Well, I am with Kelly McNight at Marian Dental in Laurel Manor. I don't believe she believes in fixing anything that doesn't need to be fixed. I'm new with her, but I experienced nothing like the above posts. Barb

Talk Host

08-12-2007, 04:29 PM

I sure would hope that Village Dental would reply to some of these posts. Do they even know about them? I would hope somebody would tell them.

darbyduff

08-12-2007, 04:33 PM

Any dentist with a "Drive through"?? That way I can just drop the teeth off and pick up the clean teeth at the next window! :joke: :joke:

jtdraig

08-12-2007, 07:30 PM

:joke:Don't leave them with Village Dental..it will cost you $15,000. to get them back...every teeth will have a crown and they will be SPARKLING white.....and when you pay the bill, you will get a rose with it.
:arrow: :a20:

bamafan

08-12-2007, 08:06 PM

Kahuna, After all that i hate to ask what the cleaning did cost. I've got a dentist here in Birmingham that just because I have insurance want to push deep cleaning on me. Thanks for the info

F16 1UB

08-12-2007, 08:44 PM

All dentists in The Villages area are overcharging...if they had Medicare putting a limit on their charges as they do with doctors and hospitals, some of these dentists would either quit or start charging reasonable prices. Last week an elderly gentlemen friend of mine was charged $265, yes $265 for one filling. Isn't that ridiculous!!

My wife manages a dental office in KY and just told me that if 1 tooth requires filled on 4 surfaces they charge max $190. Yes that's too high anywhere for that matter.

Steve

villagerjudy

08-13-2007, 03:56 AM

Avista, you were not emphatic enough LOL. Dr. McNight was excellent and MARION DENTAL did not try to set me up with unneeded procedures. Prices were "reasonable" $650 for a crown. There can be a long wait for an cleaning but an emergency was "squeezed" right in.

bogeygolfer

08-13-2007, 03:41 PM

" We use J. Michael Whitt on 441 in Lady Lake, he is really good also!"

I have been going to Dr Whitt for several years and after a VERY unpleasant experience I changed dentists. He did a small filling on the side of one of my molars and it fell out in a few days. I went back and he acted mad at me because the filling fell out. He proceded to grind on the tooth and I wanted to jump out of the chair and choke him it hurt so much. He did not use any anesthetic, but said just calm down I'm all done. He stuck the filling in and left the room. That tooth hurt for two weeks. My new dentist discovered a long standing area of decay under one of my caps. She said it had been developing a long time and now was not repairable.
She sent me to an endodontist in Ocala for evaluation and she said it had to be extracted. Her office specializes in root canals and tooth rebuilding. I had previously mentioned the problem of food catching between this molar and the next to Whitt and he said there was nothing he could do about it. If he saw this giant problem in any of the many x-rays he took he didn't do anything about it. Probably beyond his capability. Lots of luck with Dr Whitt. Next Tuesday I see Dr. Blanton, in Leesburg, an oral surgeon, to have a molar w/crown extracted. >:(

08-17-2007, 10:59 AM

:agree: Same experience at THE VILLAGES DENTAL... one visit i need a crown because of a small crack in one of my front teeth, next visit.. never saw a thing.. The other thing.. is that they DO NOT GIVE GOOD INJECTIONS,,

We go to Dr. Bartling at Southern Trace... Very Good. BUT like all the rest EDXSPENSIVE $1100 for a crown.
All take your money up front and file insurance, when it comes back, they do not write of the difference, they just send you the check. AH... the good old days are gone.

Avista

09-09-2007, 07:27 PM

Bump

chuckinca

09-09-2007, 11:44 PM

My wife is a Dental Hygienist working in the SF Bay Area (which should be at least twice as expensive as FLA) and she said that Crowns here start at $900. She has already looked into working in her profession in TV but found that she would be paid about 25% of what she makes here.

Cliff

09-10-2007, 11:14 AM

When first moving to TV, my wife and I both went to Villages Dental. We both had the same experience as Villages Kahuna. Unbelievable experience. During our "come back appointment" they pushed for the movie star look. I actually lost my temper and asked them to confirm that there was an actual NEED for the work they suggested. When they would not confirm that there was a NEED, we got up and walked out. Never did return. They look upon each patient as a money pit. We were lucky to find a GOOD dentist who is not out to drain our bank account. This is not an easy task here in TV.

schachtk

10-09-2007, 08:43 AM

Became a patient of Marion Dental after moving to the Villages. 3 weeks after my appointment I had a very bad toothache. I called on 10/8 for an appointment. I was told I had to wait a week. If the pain was bad they'd send me pain killers. there are several dentists in the office but I would not be permitted to see any but the one I originally saw and he had no availability for a week. What a disgrace. what good is a dentist or doctor if they WON'T see you in an emergency!!!! Village Dental took me in immediately.

jawoodling

10-09-2007, 11:42 AM

Dentists are not my favorite people so I needed to find someone who was caring and compassionate. We moved here in 1998 and went to Dr. Tawill out by the Lake Square mall until he started trying to sell us unneeded dental work at ridiculous prices. I switched to Marion Dental and us Dr. Hope....he is absolutely wonderful and actually remembers you even I usually only see him every months for a check-up. He told me at the first visit that he was here to make me happy, he wouldn't suggest anything like implants, etc. unless I asked him for it. I pay around $600 for crowns which I don't think is too high.

I highly recommend both the office - very friendly, helpful and Dr. Hope who is the greatest!

phillisk

10-11-2007, 03:06 PM

Phillis K: My Husband first went to the dentist at the Mulberry clinic, because that is who I could get into first and after checking with several others about the price for the
first visit and check up and clean, they were the cheapest.

My first appointment was lengthy but very thorough with exam, cleaning and x-rays which
most dentists do yearly. The dental hygenist there gave me and my husband the most
thorough cleaning that I have ever had.

The dentists in Leesburg quoted me over 265.00 for the first visit and Mulberry quoted
me l65.00 and that is what I was charged. The first visit was about 2 ours each and
thereafter has been about 35 to 40 minutes.

I have been very happy with them so far.

ashines

10-16-2007, 09:39 PM

Even with the price of an airline ticket to go up north added to the cost of the dental work I still save a "bundle" by not going to any of the fools here. Boy, do they think we are all senile, or what?
When I was given one of those $22 K's quotes. I asked him if he thought I was the next Mrs Trump.

jadebox

10-17-2007, 09:09 AM

Same thing with The Village Dental. I had a quote from them of $20000 and had a beautiful job done elsewhere for less then half that price. Their prices are WAY out of line with others. I guess the rich people go there or maybe some just do not know they overcharge.
Donna

gingersmom

10-17-2007, 10:18 AM

I use Heritage Dental on 441 across from Water Oak. Very caring people, the office staff and the hygenists are great. Both of the dentists are very well qualified and very good. I never got a bill because my dental insurance paid the costs. I highly recommend Heritage Dental.

donbettyr

10-21-2007, 07:51 AM

As a recently retired D.D.S., who moved to TV a month ago, I would like to give some advice. If you have been routinely been going to a dentist over the years, and suddenly get a consultation that involves a quote for a lot of treatment, and a large $ figure, get a second opinion!! Stories such as those posted, are one of the major reasons I wanted out of my profession( I have wanted to be a dentist since 9th grade). Good look on getting a reasonable exam.

captain1202

11-01-2007, 05:37 AM

Hmm... sounds like they're all going to the same "Improve Your Bottom Line" seminars. We have had a similar experience here in NH with the ridiculous charges and lame attempts at unnecessary work. VERY unprofessional IMHO. My dentist took me through the "deep cleaning" routine saying I must not have had my teeth cleaned for 2 or more years, even though they have been done every 6 months for years.

Then after my gum situation "didn't improve" I was referred to a periodontist who took one look and said "what are they talking about, your gums are fine". Of course, he still charged for the exam.

I finally caught on to the scam and will be leaving the office. May return to our old dentist and work in visits when returning to visit my primary care physician. His advice when he learned I was moving to FL was this:

"If you need a heart operation in FL, no problem, they're great with hearts. Otherwise, watch out"

Health care is obviously a dilema in FL.

puttermai

11-26-2007, 03:29 PM

I had a rather extensive procedure done by Dr. Kelly McKnight. It was painless and fairly priced. She is a very caring and personable person to deal with. Also, they submit your insurance for you. Barbara

Taltarzac

11-26-2007, 05:17 PM

3 Dentists to stay away from:
Village Dental, CR 466: hi-tech, hi-pressure, hi-priced.
Country Village Dental, US 27/441 Fruitland Park: "You need root cleaning".
Oxford Dental, US 301 Oxford: They have absolutely no idea what they're doing.

Skip

Thanks. Skip. :bigthumbsup:

sblb

11-29-2007, 12:27 AM

MaryKaydiva,
I went to Dr. Brignol, he was my first dentist when I moved here. What a disaster. He did a root canal, and only did 2 of the 4 roots, and never put medication in the tooth, and filled it wrong as well. I had to go to an endodontist (Dr. Whitt) to fix it, and he told me what a terrible job he had done (without really stating it) My insurance company made him return the money to me and reprimanded him. I then went to the other Dr. Whitt, (I think that they are cousins) and had a wonderful experience.
I guess dentists are just people, some days they have good days, and some days they have bad days, but for a dentist to return his fee to you, you know he must have known that he screwed up!
Sharon

Mary Lou

11-29-2007, 04:42 PM

Does anyone know anything about the dentist that will soon be opening up "Colony Dental" out in the new Colony Plaza by 466A? It is close to our house, but after hearing so many horror stories, I guess I need to research the topic of "dentist" a little more. I just figured that it you went to get your teeth cleaned, that is what they did and charged you the "going" rate (which I thought would be similar to what we pay in Ohio). Now after reading these posts, I guess that is not necessarily the case!

Mary Lou

Bryant

12-01-2007, 08:01 PM

Can you be a little more specific re: Oxford Dental. I have an appt. in 2 weeks. Chose them because they participate in a dental discount plan I am in. My nephew went to them for a cleaning, filling and a cap and was quite satisfied. Thanks.

Eleanor

12-05-2007, 02:20 PM

I've been going to Dr. Whitt on 27/441 for three years now and I think he is wonderful. He never tries to push you into anything you don't need. Takes you in right away for emergencies and I feel he does not over charge for anything.

iaudit

12-05-2007, 03:21 PM

Do any of the dentists that you have talked about on this thread take out of state insurance? We are covered undered my wife's plan issued by Capitol Blue Cross in Pennsylvania and wondered if any of these dentists accept non Florida insurance.

DENNIS G

12-06-2007, 12:30 PM

:#1:

Can anyone recommend a good dentist?

We use Dr. Christenson in Leesburg, on Lee Street. He great, reasonable and also takes a lot of different insurance. I have Delta which he will bill direct. His hygienist are great too.

Donna

12-06-2007, 12:53 PM

Iaudit..You are not far from me..I am in the freezing Poconos...

iaudit

12-06-2007, 03:45 PM

Donna

It is cold in Bethlehem also. My wife just retired on Tuesday and we will be heading to the Villages on Christmas day, after a family stop in Delaware.

Where in the Poconos do you live? Have skied most of the resorts in that area over the years. Have some old ski equipment for sale.....hope to wear out a set of golf clubs every couple of years.

Muncle

12-09-2007, 07:14 PM

I don't know if this is something of which I should be proud, but I believe I got the highest intro offer from the Village Dental. Not long after moving here, I had a had a very large bridge including my upper front teeth crack. I figured it was not reparable and would likely need to be replaced. It had cost about $5000 to create -- in the late 90's in the DC area. I figured DC was likely more expensive, but 8 years probably brought the price back up there. I was ready for $6K or so.

Well, I went thru the star trek examination. I was impressed!!! Surprise, surprise, surprise, I too needed the deep cleaning. Finally a couple weeks later (with 3 teeth of a bridge still sitting in my pocket), I was escorted into the consultation room. I joked that this must be where they arrange the second mortgages. (ha ha -- not all that funny, especially in retrospect). Before she even discussed the details or quoted costs, she explained the availability of various payment plans (hint, hint??). Then she laid out the treatment plan and estimated cost. $27,000.00 !!! I honestly thought she'd misplaced a comma. I said no. She reiterated the payment plans. I said no, it ain't gonna happen. She said we could stagger the work over a longer time period. I said no, I'd go back to DC or maybe KC or St. Louis to get the work done. But hey, when I walked out, I got a rose, and my care package from the hygienist included one of those sonic tooth brushes.

Oh, I got the work done elsewhere in the community for half the price ~~ still too much, but much more reasonable.

smiley

01-09-2008, 05:17 AM

I have visited several dental offices. Each has pros and cons. I can say that I am impressed with Village Dental. I have had a positive experience. I do not believe the dentist is out for my money. I understand you get what you pay for. You might pay 10-20% more but it is worth it! I had to have an onlay?? I haven't had any problems. I was very comfortable during the procedure. The office was able to get me in right away. The staff is very pleasant. If you value you mouth and want the best, go to Village Dental! Pinch pennies in areas that don't matter, like over priced shoes. :#1:

caswbs

01-10-2008, 02:04 AM

A recommendation for Dr. Joe Seabrook at Mulberry.

Jullie

02-18-2008, 02:31 AM

I have Dr. Barnes for my dentist. My experience is limited with them. Prices seem reasonable

suebanj

03-03-2008, 05:11 PM

Any "good" experiences with getting proper fitting dentures??? and if so, with which dentist>>>

billethkid

03-04-2008, 09:30 PM

Village Dental.
Specifically Dr. Rich Hall.
Yes they are in the constant mode of trying to get clientelle to go to the next level on many things.
However, they have all the latest technology. Their introductory examination discovered a bone deterioration in my wife's jaw that has been missed all these years by some of the best.
In my opinion their basic services are among the best.

BTK

angelhug

03-23-2008, 02:40 AM

Took me 3 years to find a dentist here .Just getting past the office staff was a trip. Now I use Dr David Barnes,Laurel Manor.Wonderful office staff I use to panic just thinking about dentist visits.Cindy(hygenist) changed all that.No pushing 17,000 dollor smiles,He is a retired Navy man and the entire office is ship shape!

friendly12

03-24-2008, 03:13 PM

I went to Dr. McKnight at Marion Dental. I refused to sign that paper that gives them access to my medical records and she refused to treat me. Is it mandatory with every Dentist to sign that peace of paper?

friendly12

04-03-2008, 02:44 PM

I went to Heritage Dental after Dr. McKnight would not treat me without signing the medical release form and they are treating me without signing that form. The place is very nice and the staff is very nice. I did not have to wait 3 month for an appointment unlike when I called Dr. Ross's office. I also called Dr. Williams at Palm Ridge Dental for an appointment. I contactect them 3 times and 3 weeks later they still have not called me back to give me an appointment.

gailanded

04-25-2008, 02:43 AM

After hearing horror stories like those above, and having a couple of bad experiences myself, I began seeing Dr. Mark Ross. He was highly recommended to me, and I have highly recommended him to others who have also been pleased. He is gentle and thorough as well as reasonable. It's also obvious that he does not recommend procedures that are unnecessary.

mfp509

04-25-2008, 11:48 AM

I have been seeing Dr Lisa Wadsworth since I've been here (5 yrs) and I am very happy with her and the staff. She is on 27/441 north of Billy's cafe in the group of buildings like a strip mall. I think they are a tan color.

rjsjr

04-25-2008, 08:12 PM

I found the biggest advantage of going to a dentist in TV is that I was finally able to use the itemized deduction on my federal income tax return, instead of relying on the standard deduction as I had done in the past!!!!

mokey

04-26-2008, 11:46 PM

Just used Laurel Manor Dental this past week. $265 for full mouth xray. exam. and a very good cleaning. This is high compared to Virginia where I came from but about normal for here from what I hear..Was satisfied with dentist and everyone is very nice. This office must be new as I see no one has mentioned it. My wife goes next so we will see how that goes. ::)

kwachowski

05-04-2008, 03:16 AM

Stay away from Dr. Johary. He is a quack. I went there to have a dental exam and cleaning. The exam took 5 minutes and the cleaning was 8 minutes. I couldn't believe they were done in that short a time. I then got a $200 bill. When I went up North the following month I went to see my dentist and he said my teeth were never cleaned. They just scraped a little for effect. He said I should get my money back. I never did, but will never go back. ;D >:(

mcelheny

05-04-2008, 03:26 AM

Where is DR. Johary located?

Cliff

05-04-2008, 09:11 PM

I have not been looking at Talk of the Villages for quite some time. I fell into a pit of feeling like a lot of the contributors were a bit short of brain power. That said (and dreading the reaction I may get) I will add that the topic on dentists in the area caught my immediate attention. My last posting on this subject was just one of the many comments made about The Village Dental. I should add that I started seeing a dentist and a periodontist in Fruitland Park. I was very satisfied with the service I and my wife received from the two dentists there. When the periodontist (Dr Bonner) moved his office to TV, I decided to switch my regular dentist to Dr Barnes at Laurel Manor Dental which is next door to Dr Bonner's office. My regular cleanings there were professionally done and I was satisfied with the arrangement, particularly since I was a Navy Retiree as was Dr Barnes. Then one unfortunate day I had a tooth split. Dr Barnes insisted that I needed to have it repaired by having it crowned. To my horror and surprise, I was quoted a price of $1200+ for the crown. Feeling trapped, I agreed to have it done there. During the procedure I found that most of the work was being done by an assistant and not the dentist. Shortly after the crown was installed, I began to have discomfort from sensitivity on the opposite side of my mouth from where the crown was installed. I refused to go back to Laurel Dental and was fortunate to find Dr Kathleen Williams in her new offices of Palm Ridge Dental on CR 101. She was a breath of fresh air. She took the time to listen to my compaints, and, deducted that the crown was not ground down to fit properly and it was causing discomfort with my other teeth which were not meeting correctly. She found the answer to my problem, charged me a price that even I could afford, and is now my regular dentist is addition to Dr Bonner. Would I recommend my retired Navy dentist - no way. Would I recommend Dr Williams - you bet your bippy I would.

Jullie

05-05-2008, 05:01 AM

We got to Dr. Barnes behind Laurel Manor Rec Center. Good so far and prices are so so...
Most of our close neighbors go to him and have positive comments. Good luck with your venture. ;D

normandy

06-09-2008, 07:49 PM

I ALSO WENT TO VILLAGE DENTAL,BY THE WAY HE LIVES IN THE VILLAGES, WANTED TWO LOSE IMPLANTS REMOVED, AFTER COMPLETE FULL MOUTH PHOTO'S AND EXAM, WHICH HE SAID I NEEDED??????? AND $275.00, I WENT BACK TO GO OVER MY PHOTO'S, I GET A SECT. NOT THE DENTIST, SHE SAYS I NEED OTHER WORK I DID NOT ASK FOR AND A TOTAL BILL OF $38,497 DOLLARS, I ASKED WHAT ABOUT THE LOST IMPLANTS, HE WILL SEND YOU TO ANOTHER DENTIST FOR THAT. I TOOK MY PHOTO'S AND LEFT.

normandy

06-09-2008, 07:50 PM

HAS ANYONE GONE TO MAGNOLIA DENTAL IN SUMMERFIELD????

jjdees

06-15-2008, 12:03 AM

Anyone familiar with James Costello? He has 3 offices in the area.

barb1191

06-15-2008, 12:15 AM

I refused to go back to Laurel Dental and was fortunate to find Dr Kathleen Williams in her new offices of Palm Ridge Dental on CR 101. She was a breath of fresh air. She took the time to listen to my compaints, and, deducted that the crown was not ground down to fit properly and it was causing discomfort with my other teeth which were not meeting correctly. She found the answer to my problem, charged me a price that even I could afford, and is now my regular dentist is addition to Dr Bonner. Would I recommend my retired Navy dentist - no way. Would I recommend Dr Williams - you bet your bippy I would.

Dr Kathleen Williams gets my vote as well. Since moving to TV in 2002, Dr Williams' office was in Southern Trace which was closest to our home, and I sure hit it lucky the very first attempt to have chosen her. Yes, she is extremely compassionate, caring, gentle and within budget. Highly recommend her and her staff.

barb

Muncle

06-15-2008, 12:24 AM

I really like Dr. Seabrook way up north in Mulbarry. It's quite a trip for me, but worth it. He gives the most painless shots ever. And an associate, Dr. Mousa, is doing some implants on me and seems very, very good.

fraurauch

06-18-2008, 11:05 AM

I went for an initial visit to Magnolia Dental yesterday. My appointment was at 1:00PM. At 2:00, I went to the window and asked the girl if she had any idea how much longer I would have to wait. Her answer was that all of the rooms were occupied with patients and they were really busy. She asked me if I wanted to cancel and re-schedule. I told her I would cancel and find another dentist.

For whatever it is worth.

Cinco

07-25-2008, 01:41 PM

Can you stand one more Village Dental horror story?

At my first appointment, almost 4 years ago, they told me I needed roughly $17,000 work done to replace crowns, etc., to make my teeth more presentable. This wasn't required work, just to make all my crowns the exact same color. I told them they were crazy and that wasn't going to happen. However, they were close and golf cart accessible, so I kept using them for cleanings.

About 2 1/2 years ago, Dr. Barnett did do a root canal on an injured tooth, but I was astonished at the number of legal releases I had to sign for him to do the work. These were given to me AFTER I was in the chair and numbed. As I retired legal secretary of many years, I kept thinking that this guy must have been sued a lot to require this many releases. Last time I saw him.

Back to Village Dental. About a year ago, I was told I needed two additional crowns, for a total of approximately $2,500 (no - not front teeth). Also, if I didn't move quickly, I'd probably need root canals on both of those teeth IN ADDITION to the crowns. When I went for my next cleaning, they seemed hostile because I hadn't and wouldn't make an appointment for the crowns.

I had my first appointment with Dr. Kathleen Williams this past week. What a refreshing change! She and her hygienist told me repeatedly what nice crowns I had and what good condition my teeth were in. I left there feeling like I'd had one of the best cleanings I'd had in a long time. Her fees were, in my opinion, very reasonable. I would highly recommend Dr. Williams!

fraurauch

07-25-2008, 02:01 PM

I agree with your assessment of Dr. Williams. First class service at a reasonable cost.

I too had a similar experience with Village Dental. Went twice and never went back. Mine was going to cost $25,000.

Dayton

09-02-2008, 06:04 PM

Does anyone have the new phone number for Dr. Kathleen Williams?

TIA

fraurauch

09-02-2008, 11:30 PM

She's great. Unless her number has recently changed, it is 352-391-9930.

flasunshine

09-20-2008, 05:00 PM

We had the same experience with Village Dental except they wanted $36,000 for my husband's dental work. Needless to say we moved on quickly. We've been very happy with Laurel Manor Dental. Dr. Barnes has recently left the practice to teach at University of Florida but Dr. Beecher and Dr. Still are still with the practice.

MSNPA

09-25-2008, 05:04 PM

Since moving here in July '07 I kept putting off finding a dentist. I cannot tell you have many times I have read this Forum trying to make a decision. I finally took the plunge and today I had an appointment with Dr. Kelly Leaird. I walked away extremely pleased. The hygentist, Linda, was fantastic and I really liked the dentist. Of course it helped that I had a good checkup, but at least now I have found someone I like and can trust in case something develops.

Thanks to TOTV which always helps me make an informed decision.

Mary Lou

10-16-2008, 01:17 PM

MSNPA -(or anyone else who would like to contribute)

Would you be willing to share what Dr. Leaird's office charged for a cleaning? My husband recently went to a dentist and only saw the hygenist. She cleaned his teeth and the charge was $102. This is much higher than we are used to paying in Ohio and I am wondering if this is "standard" for FL or if we can find someone more reasonable.

Thanks -

Mary Lou

MSNPA

10-16-2008, 06:57 PM

Mary Lou,
The visit cost me $217.00; much more expensive than I ever paid in Pennsylvania. This charge was for the examination, cleaning and total mouth xrays. I was with the hygentist for a longer period of time, but Dr. Leaird did examine my teeth. Although costly it was important to me that I was comfortable and I was during the entire visit.
Good Luck!

captain1202

12-05-2008, 02:35 AM

I see one prior negative post about Country Village Dental in Fruitland Park. Has anyone had any recent experience there?

Skip

12-07-2008, 10:02 PM

I see one prior negative post about Country Village Dental in Fruitland Park. Has anyone had any recent experience there?

Tried to sell me a bill of goods. My former dentist up north said I didn't need all that c-r-a-p!

Skip

golferling

01-10-2009, 05:07 AM

I have gone to Southern Trace Dental since I moved here 4 years ago. Not overpriced. Very professional. Would highly recommend.They have a wondereful hygienist named LIZ.

starflyte1

05-14-2009, 06:32 PM

Another for Dr. Kathleen Williams! Because of comments on TOTV, I had an appointment with Dr. Kathleen Williams for a check up and cleaning. Great experience and hope to have found my next dentist for many years to come.

marianne237

05-14-2009, 07:32 PM

My neighbor also went to Village Dental and was quoted a price of $13,000 for work to be done. They also suggested her previous dentist didn't take good care of her. Well, her previous dentist is her husband who was sitting there in the room with her....needless to say, they have found another dentist to take care of both of them.

My experience with them included the fact that I would need 2 appointments, the first for a cleaning, the second to see the dentist. I'm retired, but don't enjoy making numerous visits for anybody. Cancelled both appointments and found another dentist.

Have been going to Main Street Dental in Leesburg and very happy with them...and their fees are reasonable.

Dancer64

05-19-2009, 10:03 AM

Can anyone recommend a CEREC dentist (one day crowns made in office)?
Has anyone had any experience with Dental Touch which advertises CEREC?

captain1202

05-19-2009, 10:54 AM

After my earlier post I did go to Country Village Dental and had my Digital crown done and I am very satisfied with the work and the office. The office is a little homespun, but everyone was very nice (read: lower overhead = fair pricing). The price was very reasonable for the crown around $800 excluding root canal work which I did have to have done (also fairly priced). Insist on Dr. Toombs as he is the Digital expert. They accept a variety of insurance including UHC which I have. ABSOLUTELY NO PRESSURE for additional "gum disease" or "restorative" work. I will be going back.
The office is on 441 in Fruitland Park on the northbound side just north of the Flea Market and RV place (stand alone white building set back a little)

Bryan

05-19-2009, 03:01 PM

Two recommendations on dentists - one good and one bad.

On the GOOD side, Dr. Don Burbank right here in TV on 441 just south of the Golf Cart Bridge. I've had very good experiences there.

On the BAD side, avoid Dr. Seabrook. He has practiced in a lot of places in and around TV such as Colony Dental, Legacy (now Royal) Dental, and a few others. He is currently at (I think) Summerfield Dental which is across from Walmart on 441 but in a building not well marked with any name. My bride had a terrible experience with him and I have talked with several others who have horror stories about Joe Seabrook.:cus:

mac9

05-19-2009, 06:25 PM

Went to Magnolia Dental for the $60 cleaning and exam as advertised in the paper. Saw me about 10 minutes after my appointment time and did everything as promised in the ad including full mouth xrays for the $60!
Has anyone else had any dealings with them, particularly with implants? I am considering the implants, but would like to hear from someone who has had this work done at Magnolia.

jennifer

01-11-2010, 10:55 AM

are you still happy with Dr. Ross?

mnchshadow

01-11-2010, 02:14 PM

I had the same experience but not in The V. We have insurance and the first visit went much like the Villages Kahuna's. They seem to all go for the "deep cleaning" spiel. I'm looking for an old fashion dentist that only does the necessary work and I can just come in for a twice a year cleaning, and yearly exrays.I haven't been to the dentist for a year because I don't want to get any unnecessary work done, and if you refuse to do the work they say "you need" they won't be your dentist. That happened to my husband when he refused to go with their plan for him.

woolman44

01-25-2010, 12:26 PM

I'm searching for a dentist that takes Delta Dental (PPO) insurance. I checked the Delta Dental web-site, D and G Dental Services PA on 560 N. 27/441 is listed with 8 dentists listed. Has anyone gone to D and G Dental Services?
Can anyone recommend a local dentist who takes Delta Dental?
:D

Avista

01-27-2010, 12:06 PM

Yes, I can. My husband goes to Dr Christensen in Leesburg and likes him. He takes Delta Dental. Also Dr Lesh off 466 near Publix also takes Delta Dental.

When we moved here, I couldn't find an acceptable dentist that took Delta Dental and started going to Dr McKnight at Buena Vista Dental. I use my Delta Dental insurance and pay the difference. I really like her. That said, my husband found Dr Christensen and really likes him. He is in the Delta Dental group. Not a bad drive.

Bosoxfan

02-11-2010, 10:15 AM

Hi,
I'm relatively new in the villages and my wife & I are looking for reccommendations for a good dentist.I see this post hasn't been addressed since july 07 and would like some opinions based on recent experiences..Thanks:icon_wink:

Whatever

02-11-2010, 11:11 AM

DR. Barnett-----Buena Vista Dental @ Laurel Manor

moongirl

02-22-2010, 09:39 AM

Both my husband and I go to Dr. Kathleen Williams at Palm Ridge Dental. She knows we don't have dental insurance and gives us quotes before we have work done. We get cleanings 2x year, and I just recently had 3 teeth bonded at $200 a tooth. When she and my husband didn't like the way one tooth looked after bonding she spent 2 more appointments working with it until they were satisfied. No charge for the extra appts. She has never insisted or suggested any work that we did not agree or ask for. I highly recommend her and her staff. Even the "office girls" are all former professional hygenists. BTW-I have also heard horror stories from friends about "Villages Dental."

SamanthaHolland530

03-13-2010, 11:20 AM

My husband and I just had to have dental work done. After talking with my grandfather who just had major work done to get dentures he recommended Dr Cooley at Carolina Dentures off of 466 by the fruit stand. Neither one of us (my husband and I) like going to the dentist. I was the first to go and walked out a very satisfied patient. I seen Dr Cooley and she was very gentle and very pleasant. My Husband saw Dr Gonzalez and he said that he was very pleased with him as well. I told my husband before he went (because he was complaining about going to the dentist because he HATES getting dental work done) that he would enjoy his visit because the staff there are VERY friendly and VERY professional. They have soft music playing and you do not feel claustrophobic because the exam areas are more open.