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Office receptionists rude generally, but policy is subject of this complaint. This office takes various insurance plans. However, to get an annual cleaning, an exam is first required to determine the level of cleaning needed. If more than the basic cleaning covered by insurance plans is determined to be needed, they refuse to do even the basic annual cleaning for the patient that can't afford what they deem needed. The patient is then charged for the exam, which may be the only exam covered by the insurance, and then receives no cleaning. When I pointed out that a basic annual cleaning is better than no cleaning, two receptionists rudely said no, that is not how they do it. This office is more interested in the money than the care.
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You are not entitled to have them provide you with dental care for free.
This is the standard of care everywhere. As a Dental Hygienist, I can understand why people would get upset if it is not properly explained to them. If periodontal disease/gingivitis/gum disease is present then you cannot just have a "regular cleaning" or "free cleaning" done. I know this may upset some people but we do not give you a treatment plan based on what your insurance company covers. I never understand why people look at dental care this way, surely you do not look at your health insurance the same way. Do you go to the Doctor and tell them to only treat the health issues you have that are 100% covered by your insurance? And do you think your Doctor would agree to that? No, because it is considered neglect. Same applies here. No, your "regular cleaning" is not better than nothing at all. It will do nothing to improve the condition you have, nothing. It may remove some stain or may make you feel better, but you have an active infection and the only way to treat that is with a deep cleaning. Doctors that agree to do your "regular cleaning" instead of treatment that is necessary is violating the standard of care they agreed to uphold when they became Doctors. They can face disciplinary action including fines, continuing education courses, and/or license suspension. Doctors that continue to do "regular cleanings" can also be help liable for malpractice whether they told you that you had periodontal disease or not. And you cannot just sign a waiver or a refusal form, this is a common misconception. You did not go to Dental school and therefore do not have the necessary knowledge to consent to negligent treatment. It is obvious this office did not do a very good job explaining to you WHY they have this policy and WHY it is important to your health. Every office should have this policy and if they don't, it should at least be the standard of care they follow. If you cannot afford to have a deep cleaning done, I highly recommend saving up for one or looking into Hygiene schools or clinics with a sliding scale for payment. Your mouth is connected to and effects the rest of your body. It is an active infection that is constantly being spread throughout your body. Untreated periodontal disease puts you at higher risk of diabetes, stroke and heart disease to name a few. So please for your own health and well being, consider saving up to have your treatment done. Either at this office or another.
This all my be true but a person has rights too and if they want their teeth cleaned and polished first before any complex deep cleaning that their insurance pays for then they have that right...Dentist can be rip off artists and so can their staff.
Absolutely agree with complain. Same happened to me. Nothing is FREE as "The Truth You Must Know " stated. Insurance is paying for this regular cleaning twice per year!
NEVER COAST DENTAL
I have seen and been treated by many dentists in my 57 years. Not one single practice had me come in for an exam first, develop a treatment and come back for a second appointment for cleaning my teeth. By requiring 2 separate appointments they can charge more copays. Also, they require 2 types of xrays a panoramic and full mouth which are pretty much the same thing. Then they offer you a discount on the second xray that the insurance does not cover. I had been seen by a different dentist who never said I needed both panoramic & full mouth xray. I requested my xrays to be sent to my new Coast dental office, because I had to change to a dentist that was in network for coverage.When I told my original dentist about the Coast dental xray policy, they said panoramic & bite wing is plenty unless I was being treated for a specific issue. I discussed this with Coast office and they said it was the policy for all new patients. I said I would get my less than 1-year-old xray & dental records from my previous dentist and Coast office said there was no need. Ask lots of questions, get your insurance company involved and be fully aware of all treatment options including costs prior to work. Get a second opinion. Coast dental is a corporate dental company and the dentist is just an employee. He is under contract to meet a corporate bottom line, not necessarily his own. This is often an issue with corporate vs private dentist office, know the difference. Dentistry is one of most over charged medical services so shop around.