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Aspen Dental review: Practice! 30

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Author of the review
12:00 am EST
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This review was chosen algorithmically as the most valued customer feedback.

On Janunary 15, 2008, I went to Aspen dental, Seekonk MA to get my teeth cleaned. After the service, they told me to pay $24, because they said they did periodontal maintenance cleaning on me and I need to pay 20% of it (the total is $125). On Jan 27, I received a letter from my insurance which stated there was no record indicating a history of treatment for periodontal disease and the periodontal maintenance is considered an adult cleaning which should be charged for 58$. The insurance paid 100% of it and indicated I should pay Zero. So I talked to Aspen dental and showed them the letter. They insisted they did periodontal maintenance and refused to refund me. I was so pissed and don't know what to do next. It is not about the money, it is about how they practice. I definitely am not going back to them again.

30 comments
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55bells
norwell, US
Nov 16, 2013 4:05 pm EST

do not go anywhere near aspen dental. why are so many people saying they are cheaper but are deceptive. who says they are cheaper. they are more expensive than hometown dentists it is a disgrace how they cheat the elderly...

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privateyegirl
Scituate, US
Nov 27, 2012 3:14 pm EST

Dear The Knot: Please contact me at Researchpartners@verizon.net to discuss joining the class-action lawsuit which has been filed.

Nancy M. Leathers, PI

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The Knot
warren, US
Nov 06, 2012 12:04 pm EST

Aspen Dental is horrific. I went with a toothache and they told me I needed all my teeth pulled and wanted me to pay $8, 000 for dentures. I am only 32 years old and have never had problems before now ! I told them I needed to get pain relief for the painful tooth whatever they recommended - just get me out of pain. They said I should think about getting the dentures and to fix the tooth causing me pain was useless. They sent me home with some tylenol.
I went home and called them back letting them know I couldn't do $8000 in dentures nor did I want to. I just wanted the painful tooth fixed and I was happy to pay for it... just get me pain free. So they booked me an appt for that Monday (it was Saturday when I first went in). I told them on the phone I was a crazy coward and I would pay extra for nitrous oxide if they needed to do anything other than fill it. They agreed. I went in on Monday and they go me in the chair . The dr said I needed the tooth pulled as it had broken off into the gum and couldn't be saved. At this point I was in so much pain I didn't care. So, they proceeded to give me a shot of novacaine. I asked them then to please give me some nitrous so I could calm down as I was getting ready to come out of the chair with anxiety... childhood trauma abounds. They told me they didn't have a license to use novacaine... too expensive to get one or about $13, 000... and then he laughed. I was devastated, but going out of my mind with the pain now going on 4 days so at this point I just needed the pain to stop. They shot me up with 3 doses of novacaine - the last one went directly into the tooth that was broken into my gum. I almost came out of the chair. I started crying, and hyperventilating because the pain was so excruciating I couldn't breathe. They looked at me and just walked out of the room leaving me alone. I tried to stand up, got dizzy and then after vomiting on the floor I sat down in the chair and just cried until someone finally came back in. The dr finally came back in and cut the tooth out by breaking it up into pieces, sewed me up and presented me with a bill for $400. They never called to follow up on how I was doing or if I needed antibiotics. I have never been treated so horribly in my whole life by a healthcare professional. Aspen Dental is the biggest rip off and should be sued for malpractice. I will be telling everyone I know to stay away.

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Joy2012
, US
Aug 23, 2012 9:03 pm EDT

Wow! so amazing, I went to Aspen in Brockton, MA they gave me the ""free"" x-ray, Then I sat in the chair and waited for the dentist. Unfortunately, my teeth are a mess, and I need new dentures, finally getting up the nerve to go, anyway, he looked in my mouth, that took two seconds, then sent me right away to the office manager to go over "THE PAYMENT" which I got approved for that Credit Care, he didn't even talk to me or asked if I had any concerns, no empathy at all, I was shocked how unfriendly he was and so unconcerned. So they did one bottom impression as the dentist stood talking to the asst. about his daughters ear infection...puhleezzzz. So, they told me I'd have to go without my top teeth for 2 hours while they took the impression of my old tops, Huh? I never EVER heard of that, especially if the ones you have are all worn down, So I said I didn't want to do that, they made me an appointment for the following day. Having had such a bad feeling about them, I went online and started reading all these complaints, I called and cancelled my appointment, I'm just hoping I don't get some ridiculous bill for services NOT done. And YES they need to do away with their phony commercials of how much they care about their patients and let people know their interests is in the money they will make off you, funny how when I cancelled, the girl said fine, and hung up...SHUT their doors once and for all! Now I need to find a good caring dentist...unreal!

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Nice Gums
Seekonk, US
Mar 08, 2012 5:13 am EST

Aspen dental told my wife she needed to have her roots cleaned and it would cost $1, 500 after what the insurance would cover. My wife said she was there to get her teeth cleaned, not her roots, her regular teeth cleaning is 100% covered and that is all she would have. The hygienist went on and on about how she needed her roots cleaned. My wife said "I care about feeding my kids more than I care about my roots, I don't care if all my teeth fall out I won't let my kids go hungry for a dental cleaning." The hygienist then said okay we can do the cleaning minus a special antibiotic we use and it will only cost you $166. My wife then said "that's more like it" and agreed to do the process. That is shady for sure.

It is also important to note the fluoride treatment they offer people at the end of a cleaning for $35 is 100% covered by 90% of the dental insurances out there so check with them because Aspen will charge you and charge your insurance both and it's really nothing more than Biotene than you can get a big bottle of from Wal-mart for $8 and do at home daily.

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Healthy1
, US
Jan 19, 2012 4:07 pm EST

WOW! I am so glad I read this first...I will stick to my dentist..I wonder...are these dentists straight out of Dental school? it seems to me they are. based on what I am reading, they seem very inexperienced. Also, I think when a dental practice goes corporate, it is a horrible idea. When it comes to a private practice, it is more personal, they remember who you are, they are friendlier and you get better quality care. Everywhere I go, I see Aspen Dental offices everywhere...hanover, Plymouth...With most dental insurance plans, ( I know with mine) they pay 50% of the bill and I would have to pay the other half and a small deductable. I am shocked by what is going on with the billing issues...and having collectiion agencies call on top of that? omg !Has anyone also written their complaints to the Better Business Bureau? I would not stop here...keep the complaints coming until something has been resolved. Good luck to all of you guys out there, I hope you get some kind of resolution

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privateyegirl
Scituate, US
Jan 04, 2012 5:31 pm EST

There is a class action lawsuit being filed and we need your help with information relative your experience with Aspen Dental.

Please contact me at researchpartners@verizon.net to provide a contact number that I can provide to the attorney filing the action. Your help would be very much appreciated. Aspen has complaints against them all over the country and we need to put a stop to their wrongful business practices.

Nancy M. Leathers
Private Investigator #75
Scituate, RI

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Theresa Lee
Wilmot, US
Dec 31, 2011 5:07 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Just had an interesting encounter with Aspen Dental in Concord, NH. My husband went in in August to see about getting mini-implants and a denture for his lower mouth. The quote was $3589. After his return home he told me that the dentist he saw was unsure he had enough bone to do the implants and would need to see the dentist who does the work. Since the receptionist knew when I called for the appointment what we were interested in, one would have thought she would have set up the appointment with the correct dentist. First problem, and wait it gets better. Earlier this month (December) I called again to make an appointment for my husband to see the correct dentist since they can't figure this out. He was seen told this procedure would work on him and given an estimate for the work, as well as a request for payment. Since we had already called our dental insurance carrier, we knew what would be covered. 50% of the denture $1399 and 50% of the implants at $525ea for $2100. The estimate for the work which is now a total of $3499, ( don't ask me why its less) also indicated an insurance allowance of $499.50. Well 50% of the denture is $699.50, their first mistake and ours too. So I call Delta again for the 3rd time, and am informed I do have 50% coverage for this and 50% coverage for the implants. The customer service lady just had the procedure done and was well aware what they pay for. So I called Aspen and told them Delta pays for 50% of the implants and asked them to request a predetermination from Delta. Again, Aspen told me they would pay for them. I call Delta again, this time I speak with 2 customer service people. Both tell me the same thing. All 5 can't be wrong. Anyway, the last man looks up information and finds that Aspen uses incorrect procedure codes for this process and the result is this service gets sent to review, which will eventually authorize and pay for the procedure. He also tells me that review will request more information from Aspen about the procedure. Further, the Delta representative calls Aspen and tells them they are using the wrong code and that we do have an allowance for this procedure. Not much to tell, there are no extractions involved and no x-rays taken. Anyway, 2 weeks later he goes in for the procedure and of course they want their money first. We had already paid $1400, using their numbers leaves a balance of $1599. Nope, they want $1624. My math says they should only get $1099 after insurance. So now they send me into Mari (the office manager) who tells me "I've done thousands of these and they don't pay for implants". Now she knows more than Delta does. In the meantime when we got home I found my outline of coverage and it specifically states the allowance for implants as does my handbook with a description of benefits. She also tells me she doesn't have the code that Delta says to use in her computer. So if she doesn't have it, what does it take to get it in there if Delta is giving it to them and eliminate all this headache and OVERCHARGE. There is a word for what they are doing and it's not very pretty. At this point she tells me if they pay and if there is a credit, they will refund it in 10 days. What, they didn't wait 10 days for their money. No where in their refund policy does it say I have to wait 10 days because they overcharged me due to their errors. They had and were given the correct information multiple times and chose not to use it. How many people do they do this to and no one checks their insurance coverage. They are trying to use a one size fits all for insurance purposes and fleecing Joe Public who pays dearly for insurance coverage and isn't afforded the opportunity to use it. Worse, how many times are they paid twice and never make the refund to the patient. It seems this is their way of doing business and it didn't work to well in Pennsylvania. The Attorney General got involved and Aspen made a $125, 000 settlement. Guess where I'm headed. Here's the math: Total bill $3499 ($1000) insurance allowance: $2499 should have been out of pocket, not $3024.50. This might be appropriate business practice in New York, but I don't think it will fly here. They owe me $525.50 and I'm not letting it go! The sad part of this is in 2008 my husband got his upper denture from them and they were awesome. I can't believe this has happened. I guess I should have looked at this site first!

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Belinda Davila-Torres
Lakewood, US
Dec 03, 2011 12:07 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Are all of these bad comments of ASPEN DENTAL going unnotice? They need to be shut down! Is anyone listening?

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Belinda Davila-Torres
Lakewood, US
Dec 03, 2011 11:50 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

They need to close Aspen Dental, because they are taking advantage and instead of caring for you, they only look at $$$$$$!

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Belinda Davila-Torres
Lakewood, US
Dec 03, 2011 11:48 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I went to Aspen Dental because my filling came out & was in so much pain. Mind you, the prior dentist said that my bottom teeth are strong & healthy. Dr. Popa told me that I needed to get rid of three of my lower teeth & replace it with cap. I told him that I only wanted a root canal, which was needed & filling. Dr. Popa @ Ridge & off Brookpark did the opposite. He filed down my teeth to where it was no more. Had no choice, but to get the caps. On top of that, because my dental insurance is $2500 a year, I had to take out a loan through Chase for the other $1010. Now, I also had another bad teeth on the right side & Dr. Popa ignored & never mentioned that tooth. I just went to a different dentist yesterday for that bad tooth. Aspen Dental a one total rippoff place. My mother went to them & they told her that she needed over $7, 000 for dental work. Could not believe this! They are getting away with this as well! They need to shut this office down, because my mother is an elderly lady & they are taking advantage of these type of people!

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nitrodog13
Louisville, US
Nov 03, 2011 8:48 am EDT

Aspen Dental is interested in one thing and one thing only...your money. DO NOT go to an Aspen Dental anywhere. They will rip you off and charge you an arm and a leg for shoddy dentures. They are interested in volume only, not quality. They will give you the fake smiles and treat you nice while they are stabbing you in the back with unneeded dental work. Do not, ... DO NOT trust any thing anyone in the whole office tells you, they are manipulating you and quite frankly I don't see them in operation much longer due to all the complaints I've seen and heard. That would be a good thing

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yolanda mojica
Lowell, US
Sep 22, 2011 4:06 pm EDT

My name is yolanda and went to cheimsford aspen dental free consultation i have emergency my gum was inflamation and feel the bad breath, and was a person spanish one the secretary or receptionista, the another person take care me we all respect some person forget where theyre coming from believe it feel proud from your roots.went then call me for x rays hurt a little and she said im sorry but went SHE [x rays employee]bring to dentist RUBY was diferent history DR dentist treated fell desgating like asco despreciada like garbage unprofesional include told me I have 152 high .presion that isn't was truth them try cover up the digital hig presion the x rays lady put to me with the cover them put me on .and I up to see my presion was normal and the DENTIST RUBY want me going to the hospital the dr put me iv [went dr take blood and put mediction too] .believe it went i used live in woburn went to hospital and them put me tht iv some try the wet that to me and I found watch a soap that can bring worse my health went the real dr was told never wet the iv.only i put ejample and truth was real happened to me before.come back to aspen dental i ask a question to the dentist she give the back to me and ansewer um hum that isn;t profesional we all respect the denist deserve, dentist RUBY give a prescription and no detail nothing dentist explained to me about that prescription .and i was clear with the dentist i no have pain.and Iam honest person dentist RUBY care and concern i give to her 3 point in the survey N.Y.ASPEN send me .THE dentist RUBY want be sure i undertand what she said to me and bring spanish girl was in the lobby and the spanish girl still no want speak spanish include went i was too with ROBERT the maneger .and yours know what i found went my son and me pick up the prescription me in this time went i read the information and detail about antibiotic and pain pill not can take that together can bring you a wrng reation, the pain pill can give you a attack [heart] a stroke, a ulcera. a diarrea.and please the DR RUBY DIDN''T GIVE DETAIL, EXPLAIN TO YOLANDA MOJICA NOTHING, DR RUBY WE ALL RESPECT YOU DESERVE AND ASPEN DENTAL YOU FAIL IN YOU ETHIC PROFESIONAL AND IS HOPE YOUR CORRECT YOURS MISTAKE AND YOURS REJECT TO SEE ME AGAIN BECAUSE YOURS WANT THE 580 dollars in full went i called to aspen dental in cheimsford after finish my antibiotic.believe it health is priority and yours ethic profesional them money and i have a emergency and include i read a harvard medical book and believe it yours fail like dentist and yours ethic profesional fail too we all respect yours deserve please correct yours mistake.and me copy the survey i ask and this letter too please.thanks you.

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1999Anonymous
Columbus, US
Jul 14, 2011 4:31 am EDT

I went to aspen dental today, and was quoted $1400 for a scaling/planing, including the arestin and that was MY COST after insurance -- which BTW, lists scaling and planing at $94 per quadrant. So, they wanted to charge me $1000 for some antibiotics, mouthwash and an electric toothbrush I can buy online for $85. Even if you throw in the cost of a numbing agent, this quote is so way out of line, its not even funny. RIP OFF.

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bad business practices
seeonk, US
Jan 12, 2011 10:16 pm EST

I had a tooth pulled at Aspen Dental Seekonk in 2009, it was a scheduled visit and I paid my portion of the bill $32.oo upon leaving th office the day of the service. Months later I recieved a bill from Aspen Dental for $110.00. Not sure why I was being charged again, I first called my Dental insurance provider, who assurred me everything that should have been covered was taken care of. I called Aspen Dental to find out what the charge was for, and I was told because this was an "EMERGENCY" visit there were extra charges. Even though they clearly could verify that it was not an emergency visit they refused to change the billing and resubmit. I refused to pay, and then recieved a letter from a lawyer in 2010 to collect the $110.oo I explained the situation to the lawyer, and I was instructed to submit a letter of dispute. I just recieved a phone call today from a collection agency threatening to report this bill to the credit bureau if it was not paid today. So 2 years later against my better judgment, I broke down and paid the bill . I WILL be spreading the word about Aspen Dental's unethical billing practices.

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SpeakUpTv
Milford, US
Oct 11, 2010 8:14 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Hello,

We should never have to encounter the kind of business Aspen Dental is currently operating. When I had gone in for a consultation, I was quoted over $4, 000.00 which they said I could use CareCredit to pay off. Fortunately, I knew that I didn't need the amount of work they told me I needed and walked away. This doesn't go for everyone however and that is what I would like to change.

Aspen Dental's unethical practices need to be exposed to the public so we can preserve health care. Making money should never be the bottom line and I hope that we can interview enough people to prove how that can be a dangerous motive for any health care profession.

Please join us in this good fight. If you would like to share your story and help educate others what lies behind Aspen Dental's hook, "Free X-Rays", then please get in touch with me. There are many things you can do to help us! If you would like to join our cause, please contact me at speakuptv@ymail.com ...

Also, I would like to disclose that I AM NOT in any way, shape or form affiliated with Aspen Dental. I am a free agent working on the behalf of and for the people.

This needs to stop as soon as possible and the only way is if we do this together.

Sincerely,
TJ
(concerned CT resident)

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kelcandybevers
Evansville, US
Oct 01, 2010 4:09 pm EDT

Aspen Dental is the worse place to choose if you truly ever wish to have a REAL smile again. I went there for treatment a year ago and had all my upper teeth extracted from their recommendation. The procedure was traumatic and horrible and I was not impressed with the dental care post op either. My dentures have NEVER fit after numerous visits to have them attempt to make them better. I sent my daughter to Aspen Dental for care in the past year also. She had one tooth repaired at the cost of almost 1200.00. Since she is not making a lot of money, she went through Care Credit company and they approved her dental care if I co-signed. Since her one tooth was done, my daughter and I both have recieved harassing phone calls up to 5 times a day from Care Credit in regards to her bill. They even hang up on me after I take the calls when they ask my name. I called Care Credit and asked to speak to a manager and reported the harassment and abuse daily from that company. I called Aspen Dental and informed them of the harassment and bad care of my daughters tooth which now falls out daily when she eats any foods. She is afraid she is going to swallow her tooth the supposedly fixed. Aspen Dental says they have no control over Care Credit. Excuse me, but if you use a company should they not be supporting the credit company they recommend you use when you have no money to pay for dental care? I told Aspen Dental I will never recommend them and nor will me or my family members ever used Aspen Dental again. Worse care and even worse Credit harassment of bill that is not even past due!

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Pissed in Mt. Pleasant
, US
Sep 02, 2010 10:48 am EDT

Sure wish we'd have checked for comments before going to aspen dental (in mt. pleasant, mi). we have experienced the same type of things as most people are posting - being way overcharged for things that were not supposed to be done or weren't part of our insurance plan. my husband has been charged over $400 for what was supposed to be a routine 6-month cleaning & xray. they made him pay before he was even taken back to the exam room. the bill wasn't broken down, so he didn't know exactly what he was being charged for. now we find out that it was all "extras" that aspen did on their own, that they knew that our insurance wouldn't cover. on his third visit (third - because they only did one procedure per visit), he walked out and chose not to continue with their services. he has since returned to his dentist for the cleaning that he never received at aspen, in the two visits he had there. we will continue to voice our disapproval locally to anyone contemplating aspen dental. shame on you aspen.

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peter keenan
Weymouth, US
Jul 13, 2010 1:40 pm EDT

I have had nothing but problems with Aspen Dental since I had a tooth extracted over two weeks ago. Right before the extraction the oral surgeon stated that there was a cyst above the tooth. He stated this should not cause a problem and that it was okay to proceed with the extraction. We did so and I had a vasovagal response in the office and ended up tipped on my head with oxygen on. After 15 minutes they told me it was safe to drive myself home. The oral surgeon then handed me two prescriptions for medication, both of which I am allergic to. I was then handed other prescriptions once I said something. After five days I developed a horrible sinus infection, had to have a CT scan, pay an emergency room fee, start high dose double antibiotics and was referred to an Ear Nose and Throat specialist. I saw the specialist, paid another fee, and was told it was directly related to the tooth. Aspen dental is not willing to take any responsibility for this. Not only did they not call the day after my procedure to see how I was recovering, in my follow up visit they stated their was no infection now, would not take any responsibility for the issue, and told me just to finish the anitibiotics. I still have a terrible taste in my mouth, which the surgeon told me "can happen" and still have sinus tenderness with a terrible taste when I breathe deep through my nose. I have called the corporate office twice and am still waiting for a call back from the regional manager.

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t j moore
Fort Myers, US
Jun 11, 2010 2:35 pm EDT

I just left aspen dental in fort myers, fl, my third trip there to get a crown on a tooth that I lost a filling in. the first trip, exrays only, second trip a build up for the crown (a temp filling), the third, today, I signed in and asked if everything was on time today. the receptionest told me they were running 45 minutes late. I told her I would be back in 45 minutes then, at that time the office manager who had been evesdroping said I wouldn't do that... just have a seat and we'll get to you. unhappily I did, so they wouldn't cancel my appointment. 45 minutes later, the receptionest asked me to come to the desk, and informed me they were canceling the appointment, and that I would have to reschedual for sometime next week. I asked why, and she told me that someone had to have some extractions, and they were not going to have time for me today!
I got loud, asked for a refund of the $100 I had already paid, they laughed and said I had no refund comming! I informed them I would contact my insurance company, and left planning on never darking aspen's door again. when I got home, I called the insc company, and was informed that aspen had over charged me, and I would have to contact them for a refund. after reading this forum, I won't hold my breath for a refund, it won't suprise me to get a bill from these rip-off artists!
Take my advice — do not go to aspen dental —

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Previous aspen patient
Woonsocket, US
May 03, 2010 8:21 pm EDT

I too believe that Aspen Dental is out for their own best business interests and not that of their patients. It is an assembly line practice that uses deceptive tactics on their patients to bring up the costs--like they do an evaluation first before they will even clean your teeth. That is the first clue to watch out for. After this, they then tell you their plan which ends up being thousands of dollars. This appears to br preditatory in many ways. I researched this company on the Internet. I was surprised by the number of negative publicity they have acquired since 1964. If I could give anyone considering them as their dentist this one piece of advice, is to do your homework, and better yet, stay away from them. Factory mentality has long been abolished. Aspen needs to totally cleanup their act. I laugh when I listen to their ads now because they are pure rhetoric and nothing more. BEWARE...

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flai
02171, US
Apr 19, 2010 3:16 pm EDT

I have the same problem with Aspen (differenct offices) One office tries to fill a cavity that isn't there.. told me that they would not clean my teeth unless I come in for the cavity. I made the appointment, went in and was about to get that cavity filled but the very last minute, the dentist mentioned that she was about to work on this upper tooth. Wait! I was told that I needed a filling for a bottom tooth and that's the sensitive area! Okay now they say I don't have cavities..I just have bad gums. Cleaned my teeth for 15 minutes and then tried to charge 130. They didn't even tell me it was going to cost extra. Everytime I go in, they tried to tell me I need to pay them for some extra service and the amount is different everytime. My insurance pays for reg cleaning but they told me that they can not give me reg cleaning. I don't know... it felt like regular cleaning to me and it only lasted 15 minutes. I had reg cleaning from another practice that lasted close to an hour and they did a better job without charging extra. I would not go back to this place again.

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sonya babcock
Syracuse, US
May 19, 2009 3:11 pm EDT

i went to aspen dental to get a tooth pulled. much to dismay aspen dental refused to help me due to credit. i was left with an infected tooth. they were going to charge me $3000.00 for tooth extract and implants. i found a dentist who is willing to help me and work with me for about $700.00. My new dentist feels they should be shut down for the way they practice and people need to report them to the state. i will never see aspen agian. they left me with a painful mouth because i did not suit them and/or qualify as a human being. I will never reccomend aspen to anyone. i will try to keep people out of aspen dental. you suck. the best way to hurt a business is by word of mouth.

Allie at Aspen Dental
Allie at Aspen Dental
East Syracuse, US
Apr 10, 2009 11:54 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Aspen Dental is committed to providing all patients with exceptional service and care. Stephen, we sincerely apologize if your visit to our office was anything less. We want to do everything we can to address your concerns. I have forwarded your message to a member of our Patient Satisfaction team who will get back to you shortly. Stephen, we are committed to your total satisfaction and we look forward resolving any issues quickly and courteously. Thank you for letting Aspen Dental serve you.

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kim kunsman
Bethlehem, US
Dec 10, 2008 8:04 pm EST

I started using aspen dental in easton pa because it was close to where I live. big mistake. I had a lot of work done and everything seemed fine. until they did a root canal and had to put a bridge on because I was missing a tooth. they had showed me what I had to pay and what the insurance was going to pay. I paid my part. then I kept recieving a bill for what the insurance was to pay. called the office and told them that for months. then I started getting calls from a collection agency. told them what was going on. they harrassed me for two months. called the main office for aspen in new york. finally got someone to look at my account. they told me they would put my account on hold so the collection agency would stop calling. they looked into my account and told me I get a credit. have them my credit card number. they told me it would be posted in 3 to 4 days. I waited to get my credit card bill to find out that no credit was issued. called the main office to leave many messages for them to call me back on this issue. days later I was left a message that there was no refund and no need to call back. my account was cleared. I owed them nothing they owed me nothing.
They also had to do a referral for me to go to a surgeon to have my wisdom teeth pulled. went to the surgeon had my wisdom teeth pulled. I have been getting bills from the surgeons office because aspen never gave them a referal. I went to aspen to get a copy of my file. I was checking the paperwork right in the office in front of the office manager and asking where the referal was and why there was nothing written in my file. she told me they wouldn't have a copy of the referal and she wouldn't know if they sent me to the surgeon. they dont keep very good records. so here I am getting screwed by aspen once again.

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Valerie
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Sep 26, 2008 9:22 pm EDT

I went to Aspen today as a new patient for a cleaning. I take very good care of my teeth. I get my teeth cleaned every 6 months. In the last few years, I had braces placed on my teeth. Per my former dentists, my teeth and gums are healthy and gorgeous. I go there today and get these painful x-rays. The bottom of my mouth is sore and raw from the x-ray appliances digging in there and they have some digital x-ray system, where you have to push the button everytime they leave the room. Well, when you are in agony from those appliances digging in your mouth, the last thing you want to remember is to push some stupid button! I'm the cutsomer here--why do I have to work so hard, especially when I am in pain? Anyhow, I get the x-rays, the hygenist and doc comes in. I just saw a dentist 6 months ago, and all my teeth were healthy. Now this doc states I have "4 brown spots that need to be shaved and fillings put in" (even though he didn't say it was a cavity, just a little brown spot) and this hygenist starts talking all this craziness about your gums have infection, etc... WHAT? You are saying my gums are infected? She then says they are not really infected, but just have bacteria on them that needs cleaned out. Okay. Whatever. Then she tells me I need this special cleaning that costs WAY more than my insurance would pay. This is the part that makes me mad---the ### finanical guy gives me the bil minus insurance 780 dollars! Wait a minute--my teeth and gums are healthy, I just had a cleaning 6 months ago--What the hell! I told him I just wanted a regular cleaning and he said, "why even bother--you would be wasting your time if you don't get the special cleaning and you can say goodbye to your teeth" WHAT THE HELL kind of business is this, that they are using scare tactics to get people to get dental treatments. I refused service completely and told him I would talk to my insurance about it. I could tell that made him mad, he barely even said goodbye to me. What the hell is going on with the dental industry? They act like sleazy car salesmen! I will never go to Aspen Dental again. Pretty offices, but terrible procedures.

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arsenault
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Sep 09, 2008 10:07 am EDT

78 year old mother they did a payment plan... then after the work was complete... say she is not accepted in the payment plan... now demanding payment in full. sent in payment.. they sent back... stamped refused delivery... great job aspen deceptive practices against the elderly... please feel free to contact us.

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compassionate friend
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Apr 06, 2008 7:43 pm EDT

I hope everyone takes note of this! you do not have to be treated like this. yes, a private practice dentist may be more expensive, or out of network, but you will be treated kindly, humanely, fairly, and ethically by both the dentist and staff.

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Walter D
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Mar 10, 2008 9:35 am EDT

For most of 2007, I was trying to get billing issues resolved between Aspen Dental, and my Dental Insurance. Aspen did not seem to recognize the fact that my insurance had already paid for the work I had done.

Also, like many others, I was told that I have need for periodontal work, including Arestin treatments. My Dentist is great, but the business practices of Aspen Dental stink!

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Bruce Graham
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Feb 05, 2008 9:46 am EST

I had a bad experince at Seekonk Aspen Dental too.
They tried to charge me over $800.00 for root scaling and planing. I had a free second opinion option with my insurance and went to an independent periodontist. He charged me $140 and said I didn't need all the Arestin antibiotic they add to the bills. I have researched Aspen Dental and they overcharge for unnecessarry work as a partof their business practice. Check your insurance and BEWARE they will try to trick you.
I switched to Alpha Dental in Fall River Ma. they are great there no trying to over charge or scam patients with unnecessary work.