Aspen Dental review: fraud 22

I went to Aspen Dental 4 1/2 years ago to have my teeth looked at because I needed dentures, my bottom front teeth were very loose and moved if they were in contact with my tongue. When I went in they took full xrays and the dentists looked at my mouth. I was told that I had severe gum atdiesease and they would have to take all my teeth out and have dentures. My dental insurance had to be notified and approved first before anything was done, which it was. The problem I have is that they took the mold of my mouth that day, when it was swollen from infection, so the fit is not correct. I paid for 6 soft linings and for a hard lining. I received 2 soft linings only. When I went in for my third soft lining, I was the second person to have been seen, I had asked at the desk numerous times when I was going to be seen, and all they would say was they would get to me as soon as possible, so 3 hours later I had enough so I told them at the front desk to find out what was going on, and I happen to notice the sign in sheet and my name had been highlighted off, when I asked why they said because that person was already seen and I told them IMPOSSIBLE SINCE I WAS THAT PERSON. I could not wait any longer since I was already late for work. I told them that they needed to contact me to solve this problem, which they never did. I still had to pay for all of the services even though I had not received them, my dentures do not fit at all and they are not lined as they should be. Also the only time I saw the dentist was on the day I had the surgery.

My husband and I went in for an initial appointment at Aspen Dental, expecting a routine cleaning (that our insurance would cover). After sitting in the office for over an hour and having three different people look in our mouths, and NO cleaning we were pretty perturbed, but what came next made us absolutely ENRAGED! A fourth employee pulled us into a private office to discuss "a treatment plan". She gave us each a printout with a quote on what our treatment plans would cost. Then asked if we had any questions. At $4000 quote for my husband, and $1000 quote for myself - of course we are going to have questions! If you don't ask questions, they add anything and everything into your bill that they possible can and if we had not asked we would not have known that they add a tube of toothpaste onto your bill for $26, an expensive fluoride rinse that they claim "is absolutely necessary" after certain treatments (oh and if you don't agree to buy it, then the dentist can refuse to treat you), and an electronic toothbrush for almost $200 (which we told them to take off the bill because we already had one at home). They told my husband that his condition was VERY SERIOUS and that the procedure needed to be done ASAP! They really pressured us into making a decision right then and there and were constantly trying to get us to agree to the treatment plan. While they say that they can work with you on a payment plan, it's just another credit card payment that you don't need! Now my husband and I don't make split decisions. We have made a rule in our family that we always discuss and sleep on any major decisions. SO WE WALKED...obviously! We chose not to accept the treatment plan as nice as we could, and we left!. When we got to the car, my husband asked me how I felt about the appointment. This was my reply: " I felt like I was being pressured into buying timeshare, ( having been in a similar position before on our honeymoon), only I didn't get anything for my time. I am sorry I wasted both of our time coming here!" My husband told me that he was just waiting for the lady to tell him to turn around, bend over and take it up the #**. They made my husband feel horrible about himself, they literally tried to scare him into doing a procedure that did not necessarily need to be done! HIGH-PRESSURE SALES PITCH ALERT! CON-ARTISTS! FRAUD! We made appointments to get a second opinion, and to our amazement NOTHING, I repeat NOTHING was wrong with our teeth or gums! We are very glad that we trusted out instincts, and got second opinions! The only thing I wish I could have done different is actually researched this company before wasting our time, and being degraded by horrible people who are only in this business to MAKE MONEY! I don't know how these people sleep at night. TO ANYONE THINKING ABOUT GOING TO ASPEN DENTAL: STOP! READ REVIEWS! Find a local, reputable dentist who has been in the file for awhile and knows what they are actually doing!

I purchased the top of the line dentures. They told me my insurance would pay for most of my bill. THEY LIED!BEWARE. It cost me nearly six thousand dollars. They billed insurance companies I didn't even have. They tell you in the begining that they talked to your insurance and your insurance will pay. My insurance company never spoke to them. I was getting rejection letters from insurance companies I didn't have. When you call, " The office manager is in a meeting, " The office manager is on lunch" The office manager has left for the day" . This went on for 3 days. Then I was told to call the main office of Aspen Dental.
Then the bills start coming, Why? this should be paid!. I called the main office, Told them they billled the wrong Insurance, I was told they rebilled the correct insurance, and not to pay the bill. They finally billed my correct insurance, my insurance paid less than a thousand. They quickly billed me the ballance, and the price was now higher than what they quoted.
But of course the quoted price was only an estimate. WARNING!:. STAY AWAY FROM ASPEN DENTAL . Oh by the way, this is a very compressed version, Over 200 phone calls, Countless hours, Sleepless nights, "LESSON LEARNED" " DO NOT TRUST!

I have taken my son for wisdom teeth extraction . We were advised that the price is around $1200 - my son also asked if sedation is included or separately billed, they said it was included, otherwise he was going to do it with local anesthetic - anyhow long story short, teeth were pulled out and they asked me to pull up behind to get my son as he got some " Michael Jackson juice in him" - I paid 614 dollars as asked to pay, got my son and went home. Yesterday, I received a bill in mail stating I owe them another 323 dollars - and the total has changed - on the bill all of the sudden it was $$2430, when itemized come to find out that sedation was not included - billed separately - contrary to what we were advised before the procedure, also there is a $65 charge for Professional consultation ( I never saw a dentist - just a nurse who told me about Michael Jackson's juice in my son's body . I went to talk to Aspen Dental in Webster, 975 Ridge Road 14580 and among 3 ladies I talked to, none knew what to say or how to remedy the issue. To make the matter worse they claimed that $ $2430 was the total from the get go - that is a lie as they asked me to pay $614 right after my son was done, so that $614 has to have had a base to be calculated from - exactly 50% of their $1200 quote - none of them had an answer, they were all looking the other way telling me that none of them handled this for me at the time - I will not let anybody take me for a fool and will contact their Corporate Office, Attorney general and BBB until I get to the consumer's justice. This company is a fraud and this has to stop - I hope somebody from Aspen Corporate reads this and responds to me ASAP - I want my money back - and I will get it . What was quoted at the time of visit - prior to the procedure must stay after the procedure. Needless to say I took offense for Aspen personnel referring to my son post surgery condition as " He has some Michael Jackson's juice in him now" after that same juice killed the famous singer. These people are unprofessional and fraudulent . Do not go there! My e mail is violeta_cro@yahoo.com in case Aspen Dental Corporate Office would like to contact me !

I am a manger of a business with 20 employees. I received a package from Aspen Dental which contained discount cards and coupons for one person to receive free services. These free service coupons were intended to allow one person to visit the office and receive free x-rays, exam, and cleaning.

When making the appointment over the phone, I stated that I had the coupons and that I wanted to evaluate the office through the free services.

When I arrived for the appointment, I stated that I was here for the free services and I presented the coupons. They punched holes in the coupons and added them to my patient folder. They also asked for insurance information, which I provided.

The vist went well and I was pleased with the service. A few days later, I received notice from my insurance company that they were presented with a bill for the services and that Aspen Dental was paid $117.00.

I call the dental office to inquire as to why I was billed for the "free" services and they said that it was their policy to not honor the coupons if the patient had insurance. There was no mention of this policy at all. I objected and asked that the insurance company be reimbursed. So far, no such reimbursement has taken place. I view this as a fraud.

I filed a complaint with the insurance company citing this fraud. I assume the insurance company will be investigating. I also requested copies of my records.

I emailed the Aspen Dental corporate office and have not received a response.

The Webster office indicated that they would pay the insurance company back but it has not yet happened. They did make a point of telling me that they would be making an exception by honoring the coupon!

I would not go back to this company nor will I ever recommend it.

To all Aspen Dental patients...I would like to apologize for my short stint as office manager. I quit after allowing my Regional Manager to bully me into falsifying treatment plans and overcharging customers and insurance companies. With the job market the way it is, I was afraid to lose my job. However, after many sleepless nights, I walked out. I totally admit that my office was involved in fraudulent treatment and falsifying health records. As for my part, I did the least fraudulent things I could and as a result was written up a few times because my manager wanted me out. My manager told me that I was too compassionate and too soft because I refused to ram treatment down patients throats. I now sleep well and have made my restitution with God.

peabody mass, first time at aspendental it was like going to sears to have my car done loose tooth had x rays moved me to a chair after they cheaked my gums saying i had to pull most of the top all out on a next app moved me to a an office to cheak my credit and she said we wer all done. and i was shocked didnt even pull my loose tooth here i am out side of this place with estamits on costs with my tooth still the same way i went in. this place is a side show they probably pull peoples teeth that dont even need pulling just so they can stick dentures in peoples that dont even need it, plain and simple theyer ### artists. maybe its best they didnt pull it they might pull the rong one, and yup tooths still loose, i dont plan on seeing any aspendental any time soon, cant baleave theas places exist,

Thanks MedicalProfessional, I have just recently went to a new Dentist and he is in the process of trying to figure out why my dentures are not working, he did say he would not have done them the way they are and there is something definitely wrong he also told me that if I put all the dentist's that work at Aspen together he has made more then 3 times the amount of dentures they have and he would have left in a couple of Eye teeth on the bottom for something to attach them to so might be looking at implants now, wish I would have known this before. I am going to have my records requested and am currently looking into an attorney that will take m case.

went to Aspen Dental in Lincoln Ne for an upper denture. All I can say everyone is take notes! I have been in the medical field for many years. This is what I can advise at this point due to my experience. I am unable to elaborate since my situation is currently getting reviewed. #1: If they have already numbed your gums and then: give you a consent to treat. DONT sign it. This is a form that states the adverse effects from the procedure and it states you understand the adverse effects. This has to be signed PRIOR to any extractions prior to dentures. #2 DO NOT sign the after care instruction sheet if you have already been numbed. The information on this sheet is highly important. In my case they numbed me and it was difficult for me to ask questions. Thank goodness I understood pain control and medications since I am in the medical field. There are many who do not. #3 If you begin to shiver and feel extremely cold after you have been numbed; have them retake your blood pressure! This could mean you b/p is at an all time low. This could turn into a major medical crisis. They need to have blankets to warm you and they need to know to put your feet up and your head down and to call 911 if b/p is at a critical low. #4 Take notes! DOCUMENT< DOCUMENT! Document who you talked to, when you talked to them, what the conversation was about, and what the resolution was to that conversation. BE SURE TO TAKE NAMES< TIMES

I have had the worst experience with Aspen Dental then I have ever had in my life, back in November 2010 I was told that i had to have all my teeth pulled and fitted for dentures and that I would feel so much better when done well here it is well over a year now and I still cannot wear my bottom ones at all and the top get very irritating by the end of the work day and I can't wait to get home to take them out, They also had to remake them because I have a very small mouth and they were way to big to begin with they also would not even let me put the final ones in until I signed a paper that stated I was satisfied with them? well I signed it because I needed teeth and I work close with the public and have to be able to have them understand me when I talk. I can not enjoy going out to eat because I do not feel comfortable eating without them in front of anyone so I eat at home alone. They have just kept telling me I need to keep coming back for adjustments? how many adjustment can they do before getting it right?

I went to the Aspen Dental in Council Bluffs, Ia and had three teeth pulled on a Wednesday. On Friday I went back in due to a dry socket. On Saturday I called their 800 number and left a message and no one returned my call. I called the 800 again and no one returned my call. So I called a third time to the 800 number and they said that the only office open in my area was at 72nd and Dodge in Omaha. I went their and they had to pull part of the tooth that was left by the Council Bluffs office. They gave me stitches and pain pills for two days. It has been a week and I still have pain in my tooth that was next to the one they pulled and they tell me there is nothing wrong and I must be crazy and gave me a lesson in pain in the mouth like I was 10 years old. I have been living with ice and heat on my mouth for the last week every two hours and still have a lot of pain. I called the 800 number today and they said that the aftercare I received was up to their standards and I should go see a Psychologist. This is a load of horse crap, I am not crazy, I am in pain. I am 47 years old and know what pain feels like.

DANGER! Please Do not use ASPEN Dental
I just got done with Aspen dental In Lincoln Nebraska, I had a very bad wisdom tooth, It was removed, then the one next to it was removed at the same time, Its been over a week, My face is still largely swollen, I cant open my jaw, The disolvable stitches that they used didn't last two days. I am wide open on my jaw from the joint to under my eye on the lower jaw. It stopped bleeding yesterday.
The pain I am in is absolutely excruciating, I think the Dentist may have dislocated my jaw while removing the second tooth. I have never had a dentist so rough in my 43 years. I am having trouble today seeing out of my left eye, pressure in my neck and face is painful. I am on antibiotics however I think that they are not working, I am beginning to wonder if infection is not spreading, I have a severe headache and stiffness in my neck. I feel sick.
Like i said my gum is wide open, i can fold it over completely, Also I am almost certain about the infection as i now have a mouth full of painful sores, cancer type. Never had a problem with them before. I am wondering if the Dental tools were steril.

I do think they need to be investigated. I took my daughter to the aspen in Pensacola Fl. today. They made a very long list of what she needed done. I know it must be thousands of dollars worth. I took her because she has had a toothache and has 2 rotten teeth. I am sure she does need things done other than the 2 teeth but the list just seemed outrageous, so outrageous that I am considering seeing another dentist for second opinion. I saw one complaint on the internet about them having to sit down with someone at the end of the visit as if you were buying a car. That is true. The dentist didn't hardly do anything today but by the way the lady acted I am going to receive some kind of a bill.

Do you know that Aspen dental is a member of the Better Business Bureau and will remain so unless people file complaints?
visit www.bbb.org/us

This poster is a CURRENT Aspen dental employee. Has also posted on a pissed consumer site. The intent seems to be to pose as either a patient as Aspen has been doing or a former employee. When contacted they try to find out if you are an injured patient who is going to sue then they try to undermine your law suit. They are sh-t!

This happened to me too!
I did not have a coupon, but their website and window graphics state differently.
My insurance company was billed 214$ and then I received a bill for 80$.
Bait and switch, fraud, puppy-mill of a company.

I have been going to the boards, reported complaints to my insurance company(potential fraud), and even sent a letter to the Attorney General's Office.

I hope and pray that a class action lawsuit will put these phonies out of business!

I totally agree with what was listed above. I did not read the reviews before I went to Aspen Dental in Seekonk, MA for wisdom tooth extraction for my wife. They suggested to have all 4 tooth extracted and even mentioned that my dental insurance was going to cover it. I had requested for a quote and asked them in particular to check with the insurance company about the anesthesia. They gave me a price and asked me to pay portion of it upfront. I did, the procedure was complete and just when I thought everything was complete, I received a bill for additional $32. I thought its a small amount so paid it out. Now, after 3 months, I receive another bill for an additional $325 and the reason stated is that the Health insurance company declined to pay for the anasthesia. When enquired, the lady from Aspen Dental mentioned that the original amount was only a quote and it can generally be off by a small amount ($300 is a small amount for them). I asked to talk to the manager but no one has called me back in over 2 weeks. It is a HORRIBLE, UNETHICAL business practise from ASPEN and I wish I can bring it up with some state agency. Unfortunately I am struck and have no option but to pay out from my pocket for the mistake by ASPEN.

ASPEN -- truly a big PAIN.

I want to apologize for your experience with our Webster office. The coupon you brought in is for a new program and our Office Manager in Webster did not handle it appropriately. Your coupon should, and will, be honored. If you could send me a message with your name and/or contact information, I will make sure that a member of our patient satisfaction team contacts you quickly.

Again, I apologize that your visit with us was anything less than exceptional.

We’re very sorry and extremely disappointed that your concern has not been resolved. If you call our Patient Satisfaction Hotline at [protected] or email us at patientservices@aspendent.com our Patient Satisfaction Manager will personally look into your issue and get back to you. Again, we apologize. Thank you.

Guys...directly contact one of the following people. They are at least nice. Barbara, Linda or Julie.

Natalie is the person whom is over the billing of the insurance companies and you can ask to speak to her if necessary.

[protected]

Address:

P.o.box3126
Syracuse NY [protected]

Try to talk to one of these people unless you already have. It still helps to have this info if you decide to contact a lawyer. Your best bet is to contact the attorney general's office of the state you live in and lodge a complaint for the particular problems you are experiencing. Such as fraud etc.

Don't give up. I would urge you to call and talk to one of these ladies first and be calm. See if they will listen. If not, then go to the AG of your state and complain away.

I too have had various problems with Aspen dental. I am trying to work patiently with their office staff to get them paid the money that my insurance does owe them and see where we go from there, but it is NOT AN EASY PROCESS.

ASPEN DENTAL has probably less chance than most of surviving the economic crisis, and will probably get overly aggressive before it is over with. That is when I will contact a lawyer. I hope to have my issues with them resolved before than.

However, do not let them bully you into thinking they do not have grave issues with both their care, their professionalism and their office staffs in most, if NOT ALL OF THEIR NEW ENGLAND OFFICES.

The worst customer care I have ever seen.

I need to find a good lawyer, they are scamming me also. WORST dental experience I have EVER had!

I have been fighting with Aspen for over 6 months. They charged me insurance for procedures that were not done, and when questioned they said they could not call my insurance as everyone was out to lunch etc. I am sure that everyone who works for a national insurance company was out eating lunch at 10:30 in the morning. This told me they would put in for a refund. ^ months later, nothing. When I contacted Aspen they said it was an insurance issue and I was not entitled to be refunded. I contacted my insurance and explain they were paying for procedures that were not done and they were entitled to get refunded. The insurance rep used 3 way calling to contact Aspen with me on the phone and they refused to help her and hung up on her. My insurance did finally get their refund and now Aspen decided that since they had to refund the money that will bill me for it. I now went from owing nothing to owing $400. Why should I be penalized for their mistake? I have called Aspen yet again and they tell me my insurance sent me a check and I owe them this money? I contacted my insurance yet again and the lady confirmed to me that no checks were sent to me personally, but directly to Aspen and she could even see when they deposited the check. I asked her if I could have Aspen call her to confirm that they were, and not me, were paid directly by the insurance company. She gave me a number and said to have them call. When I called back Aspen and told her that my insurance verified that they did not said money to me but indeed to Aspen, the Aspen women told me she would not contact my insurance as they do not contact insurance companies directly. She said I would have to fax her proof on my own and not to do it untilthe following week as they were closing right that minute and had the rest of the week off? Are you kidding me? Over 6 months and all they did was fraudently charge my insurance, overcharge me, and bill me for nonsense. Everytime I call they lie over and over. I had reported them to the better business bureau and their reply to my complaint was we do not have an account or patient by that name? Well if I don't have an account, or I was never a patient, why continue to bill me?