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2.2 290 Reviews

Western Dental Services Complaints Summary

86 Resolved
204 Unresolved
Our verdict: Engaging with Western Dental Services, which has a below-average resolution rate, demands caution. Thoroughly assess their service reviews and explore how they handle unresolved complaints. If you encounter issues, document your experiences meticulously and be persistent in seeking resolutions.
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Western Dental Services reviews & complaints 290

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1:13 pm EDT
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Western Dental Services - price rip off

I feel I was totally ripped off by Western Dental. My son had 2 wisdom teeth coming in and was in a great deal of pain. I am unemployed and uninsured so was calling around to see who had the best pricing. I could only get estimates, and Western Dental gave me a low end estimate of $159 for a simple extraction and $286 at the high end (if a surgical...

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5:27 pm EDT

Western Dental Services collection letters and no refund yet 7 months

I made received part of my treatment at one office, then transferred to another office-- they raised the price at the second office.OK not a BIG deal.

My monthly bill payment straight from my bank, everything is fine. The month everything should be finished I received a collection letter from the account at the first office for more than the full amount.

While trying to straighten out a misunderstanding I made 4 extra payments to keep anything from accidentally going to my credit.

After waiting and receiving more letters and they dont know what they are doing, I requested THEIR records. I found the difference. They had received all of my payments but since it went to the second office and they kept it to the side, they did not transfer it to the first office. OK still not a BIG deal.

They transferred part, but the rest they could not transfer. So. I paid the first account with MORE of my own money.

NOW I am still waiting for a refund which is in process...

I am still receiving collection letters for the wrong amount...

and I am being charged late fees on an account with a 0 balance.

UGH I am getting really tired of working for them and loaning them money without interest, not to mention the concern of anything going to harm my credit.

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11:41 pm EDT
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Western Dental Services billing department/bellflower office

Western Dental in Bellflower is the worst dental experience I have ever had! I have been going to this office off and on for six years. Mostly because they accept medi-cal and hmo dental insurance I had. A long time ago I got over the ghetto way the exam rooms are open for all to see, the unprofessional staff that basically ignore you while they are actively involved with your dental care. The long never ending wait each time you are faced with a dental appointment, and the lack of compassion for pain, not to mention the lack of decent pain medication the dentist gives you. That doesn't even cover listening to the dental assistant and the hygienist complaining about their sex lives during dental procedures. Classic ghetto, unprofessional behavior.

The first time I had an issue, I was on medi-cal and had a bad infected tooth. The dentist didn't give me any antibodies or pain medication. By the time the Novocain wore off I was in horrible pain. I called the office and told them what dire pain I was in. I couldn't sleep or eat anything. It was horrible! The dentist refused to give me anything, and told me to come back the next day. Lucky for me, my mom had some decent pain medication I borrowed from her. The next day, they fixed the problem with no Novocain, and drill into my tooth. It was excruciating, after that I had the tooth fixed at another dentist office that took medi-cal. That dentist gave me pain meds and also antibodies. She was disgusted by the condition of the tooth.

Just recently, I decided to give them another chance. I had no dental insurance, like a good portion of the people in the US, I was unemployed. I went in for an infected tooth. The dentist recommended a tooth canal. I signed the paper work, and he did the procedure. I was reminded from the office staff that I had a two hundred and eighty dollar credit I hadn't used. I was given a number to call in billing to have the credit added to the new account. I also made a payment of a hundred in forty dollars. I called the billing department and the billing representative told me that the Bellflower office should have already credit my account, and she would leave a message to the office manager. I asked her to have them send me a statement with the corrections on it. She told me that would be no problem.

I continue to get more bills with the same amount and the corrections hadn't been made on it. I called the billing department again, and left a message about the problem. Nobody got back to me by phone, email, or letter. A few more months went by, and I had left several messages with collections and the billing department. I was told by the representatives that they could see the credit balance I had on their computer, and that it would be added to my bill for the root canal. That never happened, I was so fed up I told them I wouldn't pay a cent on the bill until they had taken action to correct this problem.

Finally, in July, I called the collections again, very frustrated and upset that this had still not been taken care of, not to mention I had called, left messages, talk to representatives in both billing and collections about this, where I was told I had a credit balance, but none of them could explain why it had not been added to the current bill.

After talking to collections, billing, and the office manager in the Bellflower office of Western Dental, I was told that the credit balance was used in another procedure that I cannot remember getting. They refused to add this to my current bill. I called to make a complaint with Western Dental Complaint Department.

If that was the case, than they did some other dental procedures that I cannot remember getting, than why did their front office staff tell me that I had a credit balance and gave me the number to billing to get it transferred to my new account? This was at least two people in this Bellflower office telling me that right after my root canal! Why didn't the office manager contact me and let me know about these mysterious procedures months ago when I called? A letter an email explaining any of this? Why did the billing and collections tell me I had a credit of two hundred and eighty dollars? I think this office is fraudulent, and the office manger probably stole the money! I am not paying that bill! This whole situation is bs! I am beyond unhappy. I don't have the money right now to pay out the kind of interest they want on this bill, or deal with this ghetto people like this! I was told that this credit would be going to pay this bill, and now suddenly it's not. Whatever!

Don't ever go to Western Dental, because they will scam you, give you second rate dental care, and try to screw you like they did me. I will never go to any office dealing with Western Dental, and I will also never take my children there either! I hope that office manger get's fired!

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Update by slynn1
Aug 16, 2010 2:16 am EDT

Dawniette,

Yes, I have been on med-cal so what? That is not welfare you stupid ###... There is no reason not to take advantage of whatever is available for your health needs. I also have had hmo dental insurance, PPO Dental insurance, and dentacal... I am sure that your backward state doesn't offers anything like that, but California does, so I take advantage of it. I am not working, but on unemployment, which means you stupid [censored], that my dental insurance and my medical insurance don't exists anymore. Instead, what would you suggest. I not have any medical insurance, and if something happens to me or my children I should just pay it out of pocket. Your so stupid and obviously never had any children. That is why your so hateful to anyone with a complaint about kids... Now that your old, enjoy the second rate nursing home you will be forced into... LOL! : ) You obviously have no kids to take care of you in your old age... I notice you didn't say that anyone went with you when you had some heath care problem. Not even a friend would go with you in your time of need... That is pathetic and sad. When I have medical procedures, my family or friends go with me. It suck not to have anyone that cares about you... I can see all the bitterness anc coldness in you... How sad for you...

Update by slynn1
Aug 10, 2010 7:51 pm EDT

You are the one that is following me! Your not working! Don't you have something better to do? Don't have the money because SSI doesn't pay to well huh?! LOL! I do have my teeth ###! It was a root canal [censored]! Which means I still have my teeth... Stocking me huh!? You make me laugh!

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2:56 pm EDT
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Western Dental Services bad & un-needed dental work

In 2007 or 2008, the first time I went to Western Dental, the dentist gave the dental assistant a tool and the dental assistant used the tool and left chips in my front upper right tooth.

The unnecessary dental work are the upper middle teeth, which a female dentist saw shadows in the teeth and stated they needed to be filled. She filled them and now I feel pain in them when I eat certain foods.

Worst of all was the dental work again in 2008 when four (4) filling were done on my middle bottom teeth in one day. They were hastily done, and in 2008 I began to chew filling that were slipping off of those teeth.

Cavities quickly ravaged those teeth and turned them black ugly. Now three of those teeth have broken off at the gum level. The last of these have another black ugly cavity.

I need dental work immediately and I am in constant pain. Western Dental has truly done me a disservice to many including me.

I feel that there entire system needs to be revamped or close. Dentist come and go like a revolving door. The California Dental Board really needs to scrutinize thoroughly.

My teeth need to be fixed, I am disabled. It is going to cost a lot of money. The estimate I have is $8, 000 for my total mouth to be fixed

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scoobydoo
Orlando, US
Jul 06, 2010 6:48 pm EDT

Um ew, did you ever brush them? Take those pictures down!

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7:32 pm EDT
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Western Dental Services worst dental experience ever

Western Dental is the worst experience I have ever had. They are rip offs and have the worst dentists.The first time i went there I spent about 30 min. getting my X-rays done because the stupid lady forgot how to do X-rays.After that she led me to this "room" which had no privacy as well did the others.Then the dentist came and started putting sealents on my teeth and had to stop in the middle of my treatment to go attend another patient.I stayed there having to spit for about 15 min. after they came back when the dentist's assistant started sucking out all they wet stuff with a tube they were both paying little attention and the assistant started pulling my cheek with the little tube, as well the doctor was applying to much pain with a metal tool.After they were done they led me outside without telling me if I had to wait a certain number of time to eat.The next day I had an appointment for orthodontics and I waited while my mother and my sister were already called in I waited for an hour.They finally called me in and said they had to speak with my mother so I waited till my mom came out and we went in all so they could tell me that the Dent-cal didn't approve the braces that i needed.While I was surprised to hear that after I heard almost all the other kids in there got their braces approved by denti-cal.I really dislike Western Dental and I will never do there again.

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12:27 pm EDT
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Western Dental Services good dental care — ungrateful customers

For the past ten years I've been getting all my dental work done at Western Dental. They provide good, honest, no-frills dental care. They're work lasts too. With other dentists, I would need to have fillings replaced every few years. With Western Dental my fillings last a long, long time. I always pay them in full right after having the work done, so I've never experienced any type of problem with their payment plans. My guess is that most of the people complaining are just pissed off because they didn't get 'somethin-for-nuthin'. Western Dental is clean, very professional, and they really do care.

Read full review of Western Dental Services and 3 comments
Update by billh2
Aug 11, 2010 10:41 am EDT

All I have to say is that I hope you both remember to brush twice a day!

Update by billh2
Aug 10, 2010 1:17 pm EDT

Girls, girls . . please, lets play nice.

I still stand by my Western Dental recommendation.

My teeth hurt like heck for several weeks after the treatment.

Right now though, they feel good (like I knew that they would).

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jluciani
concord, US
Jun 07, 2011 4:53 pm EDT

How did you guys get off on this from Western dental issues. Pathedic... Get a grip girls, Bill you seem to be balanced. Life is too short for treating others so horribly. Name calling is immature.

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slynn1
Orange, US
Aug 10, 2010 7:29 pm EDT
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At least I don't have to use devices to help me get off like you... Do yourself a favor Dawniette, get yourself and man and get ###ed on a regular basis. Than you wouldn't be such an uptight ###. I like sex with my boyfriend. He doesn't have to pay me because I willingly do it willingly... You such an uptight ###. I got it was a joke about the vibrator, I just figured since your such a ###, no man wants you. So, what is the saying, in a joke is a bit of truth. I am sure your neighbors do have issues with their TVs while you ### yourself hard with your vibrator... But nothing is like the real thing...

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slynn1
Orange, US
Jul 30, 2010 12:28 am EDT
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Your a jerk... It must be nice to have the money to pay out of pocket, but if you hadn't notice we are in a recession, and many people have lost their jobs, and don't have the financial means not to be put on some kind of plan with Western Dental. Maybe the Western Dental you go to is fine, but it doesn't mean the rest of us with complaints didn't have serious problems with their services. Maybe if you loose your job, and your dental insurance you will have to deal with their financing department. It would serve you right.

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2:16 pm EDT

Western Dental Services crooks, don't do business with them

These people are crooks! Apparently they have been investigated (and offices raided) by the FBI for insurance fraud, and they are famous for over charging their patients and harrassing them. My husband went to them and had some work done. The work itself was fine, BUT after he set up a payment plan with them to be charged to his credit card, they keep billing his card every month and he pays it every month, but they call him (and me) every week sometimes several times a week saying that his card has been declined, yet the charges show up on his credit card statement. They have been rude and even hung up the phone several times on him when he has tried to work the situation out with them. They even started calling me trying to find him because he now refuses their phone calls. I told them not to call me again because they are not authorized to call my number, and if they keep harrasing us and don't sort the situation out on their own, I will be filing a complaint with Consumer Affairs, and the California District Attorneys office. If neccesary I will also contact the phone company and file a complaint for harrassment. I also told them that I am well aware of their business practices and that they have been investigated by the FBI for fraud. Hopefully they will stop calling and get it together. If not I will be seeking legal action.

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Wpayton5599
Bolingbrook, US
Apr 13, 2011 5:56 pm EDT
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Always beware when you hear 70% off! What business can charge 70% less than they normally do? This is no different that going to JC Penny's every week when they have 30 - 70% everything in the store! They have never charged MSRP as long as I have been going there. $2, 100 for three root canals is not bad.

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Reno patient
Reno, US
Apr 12, 2011 9:49 pm EDT

I am commenting to see if anyone else has seen this commercial advertisement on TV. I am in Reno, NV and have no insurance, I saw several times a commercial for Western Dental where they say, bad credit, no credit, payment plans and they say that if you have no insurance you get 70% off regular prices. I have been contemplating going to the dentist for awhile and considered them, but put it off since I have had bad dental experiences in the past. Suddenly one day a filling falls out so I go to Western Dental, after they tell me I have three cavities, they quote me a price and then begin and find I need a root canal. My price goes from $700.00 to $2100.00 and I ask about the discount and they say they only give 10% off if you pay in full. I paid their fee but didn't find it to be cheap and when I talked with the office they say they never saw the commercial. They transfer me and another girl says that I misunderstood the commercial and that their prices are 70% cheaper than any other dentist. I said, "I guess that's what you are going with", and hang up. I am seriously considering seeing if there is a class action suit here for false advertising. I welcome all other patients who have been scammed by this TV ad. BTW my treatment is not finished yet so I may have more complaints.

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Western Dental Services fraudlent billing/false advertising/poor and unprofessional serves

I took my two children into Western Dental both for check ups and cleaning, but my son needed screening for braces. My first complaint was the number of people waiting in the office, I have never seen a dentist office so crowded before . The wait was extremly long, I was there for an 11am appointment by the time I left it was almost 3pm! My second complaint was the cleaning they did, it was horrible! They didn't do anything but brush thier teeth and stick some kind of flouride on their teeth . You could not tell my kids teeth were professionally cleaned. I had to go home and brush thier teeth with peroxide and baking soda. My third complaint is that they advertise free screening for braces which my son had, but because the service was so terrible I decided not to come back and get the braces. They billed my insurance company for the lousy cleaning job they did on my children. I'm currently fighting that because the cleaning was not properly done and has to be redone by a better dentist ! I also later received several phone calls from the office talking about a balance! When I called to find out they stated they were billing me for services rendered for my son who needs braces. I explained to the office manager that my son never had braces we only had the free screening and they already charged my insurance company for the cleaning and check-ups so therefore I owe them nothing. The office manager tried to tell me that we started the process of braces by giving him an x-ray. The x-ray wasn't for braces it was for his regular check-up which they charged my insurance company for! They are now saying I owe them $200.00 this information was never disclosed to me at the office. I have called the main office and they are no help what so ever. The workers there are unprofessional, there is no privacy there were different doctors and assistants working on my kids, they couldn't explain the way they bill. I refused any further service from them and stated I would not be coming back. Had I seen all the negative complaints against them I would have never taken my children there. I work to hard for my money to just give it to Western Dental for something we never had. I will fight this all the way to court if I have to.

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2:11 pm EDT

Western Dental Services rip off

Ok Im am posting this in effort to save some other family from the horrible experiance of dealing with western dental...

let me begin by saying that the Ft.Worth office is a dump... During my first visit there, it looked like it was under construction with sighns say please excuse our mess as we are expanding to better serve you. The floors were nasty and looked like they had removed tile as they were and looked sticky. However the staff and Dr were very nice. So first App went well except for the way the office looked.. However after going back for more visits the office continued to stay in a mess. My 11yr was set up to get braces on.. during the first visit of this prosses I started to notice things I felt were being done wrong. Like the Dental ***. was having a hard time making molds and putting in spacers that consisted of just small rubber band being placed between teeth. she was very rough with my child during this and seemed very nervous. I asked for another ***.

during the next visit to have bracets put on, I again became very uncomfortable as the room we were in was small and dirty. The table that was used to hold the equimpment being used was a cardboard box with some kind of cloth cover.. I even seen her put stuff on that dirty nasty floor, because her makeshift table was too small. Then after some... NOT all brackets were placed on..Im informed that they dont have them all and we will have to come back to have the rest put on. So as we are leaving A heated argument breaks out behind the receptionist desk between coworker who are yelling screaming and cussing at one another... all infront of the dentist that just walks out the front door with one of the angry ***. ANYWAYS long story short point... Western dental is a joke...

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HanK76
, US
Sep 29, 2009 11:48 am EDT

Western Dental overcharges on patients billing statements! RIP-OFF & DISHONEST WESTERN DENTAL. They bill you for services covered 100% free from your insurance policy. Western Dental fraudulent billing of DELTA DENTAL INSURANCE POLICY by double charging for services- overcharging you and charging the insurance company for the same service. BEWARE-DO NOT USE WESTERN DENTAL-Find a honest dentist. CHECK OUT COMPLAINTS-google keywords... western dental overcharging...read complaints. We have enough complaints to get a lawyer to file a CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT-UNFAIR BUSINESS PRACTICE- WESTERN DENTAL FRAUDULENT CLAIMS...File your complaints now! Read your billing statement invoices and compare it to your policy coverage- Western Dental Overcharges Patients- CHOOSE A DIFFERENT DENTIST PPO/PREMIER...Do not pay for your free 100% policy benefits- call your insurance company!

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Western Dental Services unprofessional management/ unclear contract plan

I decided to go to Western Dental after it was suggested by co-workers as an easy, quick and cheaper option. I was feeling soreness in my gums and wanted to take care of it right away. Everything was fine, until my second visit, after having a confrontation with the manager.

My sudden realizations against the company are as follows:

Western's payment plan contract includes the work that is going to be serviced at an estimated price with a monthly payment plan; but it does not explain what work is actually completed with each visit and its related cost. You are simply billed for an item such as "Periodontal Scaling & Root Plan" at an extended plan co-pay rate and then given a monthly installment pay plan for an extended/final cost.

After my second visit and after having a petty dispute with the office's manager, I was questioning how much of my service plan had actually been completed and how much I was obligated to complete paying. In other words, there was the projected and contracted cost of the plan which was billed, and then there's the actual cost of each job that has been completed in that work plan as of the given date of the last visit. With Western's contact, it is hard to tell where you are within that scheduled project and which costs have been incurred and which are not.

Why this is of concern to me is because I was truly not interested in returning to the facility after confronting the manager. I was asked by the doctor to return in two weeks, but I didn't want to return to that office, after being treated so rudely, unprofessionally and with lack of sympathy and disregard by the branch manager. It just gave me a really bad vibe, like I was unimportant to them and simply a means to a profit. I was so disgusted that after planning to take off, I then turned around and walked back into the office and cancelled my next appointment. I expressed my disgust to the manager, at which she actually just stood there and tried to ignore me! That just angered me even more and showed me that this office had absolutely no professional integrity or sympathy for its patrons. Not only that, but it appeared as though she had practiced such demeanor with her customers before. She thinks she can just stand there stone faced and focused on something else, when she is only about four feet away or so, behind a counter with other staff sitting right nearby. It concerned my worst assumptions and took my concern to the next level: this was not just simple disagreement, but truly lack of respect and utter disregard. The last thing I expect from a practicing doctor's office is to be ignored by the manager or the staff! I have zero tolerance for such behavior. We all go to a doctor to be cared for and most of us spend plenty of money with them and place our trust with them, so such attitude is completely unacceptable. It goes against the ethics and concern I expect from any doctor or practice and which takes such oath.

I next thought that I could complete my work at another Western Dental location here in San Jose, but the 1-800 telephone customer service tells me that I have to complete my services and pay my balance due before I transfer to another location. Yet, it appears that they believe that they can treat me with less than respect. They can disregard my complaint. They can have limited access to their facility and/or high parking rates. Despite all that dissatisfaction, I would still be obligated to that same branch location, even though they are a large corporation servicing at more than one location in a given city. That doesn't seem fair. If I don't like a given manager, staff or location, I should have the option to transfer or negotiate. But Western appears to be uncompromising.

Presently, I am questioning wether I would like to return to this location, if even to any Western Dental facility at all. Because of the way that the contract plan is written, it is hard to tell what you are getting for your money, what has been completed, what maintenance shall be done, how many visits you will be afforded and so on. This is all determined by Western Dental. When you call the office, you are asked to call a specialist or talk to a remote corporate business office as of Monday.

I am guessing that I am suppose to have one more visit, or perhaps more, but this is not clear. I am somewhat sure what has been completed, but I am unclear what work is not. If I choose not to return to the office, as far as I can tell, there seems to be no clear compromise by Western Dental to discount the rest of the cost of the plan for work that has not been provided. It seems that they would intend to keep billing me, regardless.

I am glad that most of the agreed work seems to be done and that I only agreed to a cost that was not substantially high or extended out over a long payment plan for several months that I couldn't pay off. I only owe another 700 dollars approximately, but I have already learned a valuable lesson in dealing with this company and I don't think I shall continue with them.

Oddly, what led me to the more profound realization was something that was actually a rather petty concern. When I arrived at the branch location, downtown San Jose has quite a few parking garages and open lots, but it appears that Western Dental will not validate any garage. They paid for my first visit, but were unclear about where I should park on my second visit. They said to park in the city garage at Third St., which I did. The problem is that there are more than two garages on that street nearby, so I was rudely surprised when I returned to the garage and realized that my parking fee had to be paid out of pocket. Not only that, but I saw another Western customer who was there at the garage and very upset, because she appeared to have limited income and no cash on hand to pay for the parking. (After all, the current economy has put lots of low-income families into real hardship). Like me, she felt misled and poorly regarded by the management and staff at the office who do not make it clear at which garage to park. She was so upset, because she had her daughter with her, wanted everything to go comfortably and alright and yet she could not pay and was stuck inside the garage. She actually began crying. Myself, although not as dramatic, I went back to the office and asked kindly for validation and explained to them that they were not very clear as to where to park, because there are two garages on the same street.

That's when I started getting very upset, because the manager simply disregarded my complaint and refused to pay for the validation. Most businesses in downtown San Jose have validated parking, especially for city garages, which is where I parked. So, I thought it was extremely petty for her to refuse my validation, after having spent over an hour in the office and spending a few hundred dollars on dental work. I can afford to pay for parking, but downtown parking can easily add up and its quite standard and courteous for businesses to validate a customer's parking in any circumstance. Why else would most people in San Jose even consider parking downtown, when there's plenty of places across the valley to go with free parking? The city actually encourages business to validate to stimulate business in the downtown district. But Western doesn't seem to care.

Indeed, this is not just about a silly parking fee. It's about receiving respect fron your practitioner. Its about fairness and clarity in contracts. Its about services rendered and value and appreciation for the money you pay and the business you provide. Its about comfort, assurance, sympathy and easy and affordable access, which is what I expect from my doctor.

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Western Dental Services shotty service/work

Took 30min before i could be seen, then I went to get xrays done. I was in the stand up machine and as it rotated it hit my shoulder. I then had to wait in the chair for 45min. I was seen about 3-4 times by multiple nurses that claimed the doctor will be with you in a few min. The nurses there have no clue why I was there, all they talk about is starting my treatment without even knowing whats wrong. The doctor finally comes and checks the xrays, he then said I had to get another xray for some reason. I had to get more xrays done, then another 30min in the chair. He then says I need to see a specialist and gives me a prescription. I call the specialist, I cannot be seen for a week. The pain pills he prescribed only lasted for 4 days. I went back today and asked for a refill. I then had to wait another 30 min in the waiting room, then was seated in the chair again for 20 min as a nurse which barely speaks english asks if I am ready to start my treatment. I told her NO I am just here for a refill. The doctor then tells me he has already given me enough and I try to explain that the specialist cannot see me for another 3 days and I am in pain. He says no since its a controlled drug and walks away. I wanted to punch him in the mouth so he could feel the pain I was in. So here I am in pain, waiting another 3 days to be seen by a specialist and unable to sleep at night due to the severe throbbing and pain. I will never go back there as this service was horrible. Do not see dr wesam mohammad altamimi or any of his staff.

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Western Dental Services how does this happen?

I recently went to Western Dental for some "routine work" (a temporary root canal) It showed in my X-Rays that I did not have infection but that I needed the work done to prevent any future pain. I have been to the dentist several times in the past and have had root canals done. After the procedure I felt like I was in more pain than usual. The next day I woke up in unbelievable pain and the left side of my face was swollen. I tried ice packs and tylenol but none of it was working. By the next day I was in so much pain that I couldn't sleep or eat. My face was so swollen that I looked like a chipmunk. So my boyfriend took me to the Emergency Room and they got me in the back almost immediatly. They ended up putting me on an IV with antibiotics because I had a really bad infection. I ended up being admitted to the hospital for 4 days, which is a huge sacrafice to me because I have 3 children and they dont allow children under the age of 12 to visit people in the hospital (due to the Swine Flu). I ALSO was not able to eat anything except jello and water. My boyfriend missed 3 days of work due to this because he didn't want to leave me there alone. How is it, you go to the dentist with no infection and leave with such a bad one that you end up in the hospital for the better part of a week? Well now I have to go to the oral surgeon and have 2 teeth removed due to their ignorance. I am trying to get my money back from them, but who knows if that will ever happen. I will never enter that building again unless im there to get my money back. I do not recromend anyone ever go to Western Dental. They could land you in a hospital bed.

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Western Dental Services scam

Western Dental is a complete SCAM! Don't believe anything they tell you, they are onl trying to rip you off and take yor money! My husband and I only went there because we were new to the area and it was the first place that popped up under my insurance. We went there and I felt like I was in some third world country. We had to wait almost 2 hours for them to verify our insurance and once we got in, we got our xrays done and then take into a huge room with about 10 or more different patient areas. It was like a large communal denitist office. Once the so called "dentist" came to examine me, she quickly went through my teeth and told me I had 16 cavities (one in a tooth I had extracted for braces years ago) and needed 2 root canals. She then proceeded to tell me that I had fallen on my face somehow and had created a trauma to my teeth. I am only 25 years old and nothing has happened to me or my teeth! Then she told me my husband needed veneers and when he refused she told him he needed gold crowns. She then said he had 5 cavities but when his proposed treatment came up those 5 turned into 17! We went to a real dentist today, an accredited dentist, he found absolutely NO cavities in either myself or my husband, NO need for any type of root canal or veneers or caps. And in his words exactly...Western Dental is a bunch of BULL! I had serious anxiety after this experience and will never be so stupid to not look into something more ever again! Please spread the word and stay away!

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Tajinaz
, US
Sep 03, 2010 2:34 pm EDT

Recently, I had an unsatisfactory transaction with Western Dental in Phoenix on Thunderbird Road. After dental x-rays and a check up, I was told that I would be needing dentures. I decided to go ahead with the process after being told that they took my insurance. They gave me all of the paperwork that showed what my payments would be and I left a 10% down payment. I was also told (after the services were rendered for the initial check up and mold of my teeth were taken) that I should still call my insurance to be sure. This was on a Saturday.

On Monday, I called my insurance and discovered that they are not taken at Western Dental. I immediately called Western Dental to inform them. After haggling with the manager for 20 minutes she insured me she would find out from her superior if I can get a refund for my down payment.

After waiting all day, the manager called me back after 5 p.m. and told me that yes, I would receive a refund minus $39.99 for the x-rays. After waiting several weeks to see the credit on my credit card, it never showed up. Trying to contact the manager after this was incredibly difficult. Calling 3 times in the same day on more than one occasion over a period of several weeks and each time a different excuse as to why she can not take my call and leaving a message for her to call me back. She never did call me back and I have not seen the credit yet.

My credit card company will not let me pursue a merchant dispute without proof of cancellation which I am having trouble getting from the dental office. Recently, I had an unsatisfactory transaction with Western Dental in Phoenix on Thunderbird Road. After dental x-rays and a check up, I was told that I would be needing dentures. I decided to go ahead with the process after being told that they took my insurance. They gave me all of the paperwork that showed what my payments would be and I left a 10% down payment. I was also told (after the services were rendered for the initial check up and mold of my teeth were taken) that I should still call my insurance to be sure. This was on a Saturday.

On Monday, I called my insurance and discovered that they are not taken at Western Dental. I immediately called Western Dental to inform them. After haggling with the manager for 20 minutes she insured me she would find out from her superior if I can get a refund for my down payment.

After waiting all day, the manager called me back after 5 p.m. and told me that yes, I would receive a refund minus $39.99 for the x-rays. After waiting several weeks to see the credit on my credit card, it never showed up. Trying to contact the manager after this was incredibly difficult. Calling 3 times in the same day on more than one occasion over a period of several weeks and each time a different excuse as to why she can not take my call and leaving a message for her to call me back. She never did call me back and I have not seen the credit yet.

My credit card company will not let me pursue a merchant dispute without proof of cancellation which I am having trouble getting from the dental office.

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Mbranum
, US
Nov 21, 2011 5:46 pm EST

Went to Western Dental Yuba City, CA.today for appointments at 2:30 and 3:00 for my children. Asked not to have children in rooms alone with Dr.s (girls) the assistant took my 11yr old in the room anyway.

Also, after 3 1/2 hours we were finally see. When I complained to the Manager (Kevin Evers) he was rude, "ready for a fight" and said "If you dont like the way we do things here, you can find another Dr." He also said because of HEPA laws I would not be able to sit in the room while the Dr. did his procedure.

Both times today, (and EVERY OTHER VISIT BEFORE)I was invited to sit in the room with my childern at the time of service.

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lheil
Santa Clarita, US
May 04, 2011 8:52 pm EDT
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Yes it is amazing! This is how it was for me! OMG it is all about the money and on made-up stories! I am glad for you that you got out of there and you are spreading the word! Dentist are supposed to SAVE TEETH! THEY DO NOT DO THIS AT WESTERN DENTAL!

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Western Dental Services over charging

How in the world can they charge me $871 when i've already paid my contract in fuill?
Let me explain: in april of 2007 I decided to get braces. The payment arrangements were just what I needed and I paid faithfully every month until my contract ended in september 2009. The only complaint I had then was that in the beginning of 2009 I had lost my job. I called w. D. And spoke with their associates asking if I could pay $50 of my normal $110 payments. I did this for 3 months. I was told this was "fine as long as you are making a payment and that no late fees will be assessed. By september when I made my last payment, I was told that I had a balance of $30.00 in late fees and was told not to worry about it - they would be removed! In oct 2009 I received letter for an outstanding balance of $50.00 telling me that they were going to discontinue my treatments! My braces were remove almost 2 years ago! That was when I realized that they do not care nor do they pay attention to their clients. Then out of the blue, yesterday I received a bill that went to collections for $871.00!
How in the world can they charge me when i've fulfilled my contract obligations? No communication what-so-ever! And what a nightmare this has become! I've contacted the bbb

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Update by Jennifer Slinde
Jan 22, 2010 10:14 am EST

NOt to mention everyone is just RUDE!

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j.d.2
1, US
Jul 23, 2011 9:05 am EDT

they charged me a late fee on my first payment that i made early by 3 weeks to get it out of the way. the ghetto broad in the office said it was ok and took my money. the bill was for $114 so i paid 120 since they did't have change or so they said. when the 9th came and went i thought everthing was good but on the 12th the calls started. i called back and they said i haven't made a payment for the 9th and i have a late fee. i told them i made a payment weeks ago and it was for my first bill in the contract. the ### in the collections department said since the payment was made early it was considered an "eatra payment" and does not count. i have been fighting this since then, these people are a joke and need to be put behind bars.

p.s. i have the paper work and recipts to prove i have paid in full and on time so if there is a suit on these p.o.s' i'm in

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Western Dental Services your worst enemy!

Do Not Use Western Dental Ever! I should have went with my gut instinct! Reading all these reviews as well just confirms it! My husband and I set up appointments for a Saturday, since most dentists are closed on weekends. When we arrived we were asked to sign all this paperwork, including a credit report to be run for payments plans! WTF! I hadn't even been seen and was only there for a CLEANING! So we then waited and waited and waited some more, until an HOUR later we were brought back for X-rays. My husband received a teeth cleaning, they asked me to come back when I was to get a "supposed" cavity filled and get a cleaning then. Within a week I receieved payment stubs in the mail for the UPCOMING work to be done. They have the due set up so that you have to pay before your insurance pays. So they receive DOUBLE payment, one from YOU and one from the insurance company! Argh! Is this legal? Can a company continue to get away with this type of service? I am sick to my stomach over it! Class action lawsuit sounds glorious to me! Let's take them DOWN!

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Update by AnAngryOne
Dec 14, 2009 11:24 am EST

You set up your teeth cleaning appointment, just to be asked to come back at a later time. It was not convenient for them because it was time for lunch break! This place is a joke and just sitting there in the waiting room, you can see how other patients are treated! I HATE Western Dental and do not use that word often! I hope Karma does it's work on this company. They definately deserve to be sued after taking innocent peoples money and commiting fraud with insurance companies daily!

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**taken##
Sacramento, US
Feb 06, 2015 1:16 pm EST

I had a recently bad experience with western, worst dentist every, they did a root cannel on the wrong tooth and still had to pay for it.

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samya13
Tucson, US
Feb 28, 2013 6:55 pm EST

western dental told my husband he needed a 5 tooth bridge. first 4 temps, broke 1 by 1. he got he"s first permanent bridge, I month later it broke, went for a second bridge, 5 mo. later it broke again. we asked for our money back what was around 2700.00 not to mention with the insurance paying into it, what came to a total of around 4600.00. and the ignored us . now we fighting them to get the money back in order to go to a different dr. to get this teeth fixed. I can begin how this upsets us, that this dentist office gets away treating people like this .western dental has so many complaints all over the worst one is in California .why don't the dental board shut them down .the cheating honest hard working people what are not rich, most of them live paycheck to paycheck. where is our courts to put a stop to that

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fed up with western dental
Manteca, US
Jun 13, 2012 3:44 pm EDT

My biggest problem with Western Dental is their billing procedures. If you do not keep all records of your payments and what they are charging you, you will owe them much more than you think. Please pay in person and request a receipt. Make sure the balances are correct. I just received a receipt that stated I owed them over $4, 000 and the last receipt showed my balance as $1, 700. I had no additional work done. When I called the manager he said that if he audited my account I would probably owe more than my receipts showed. Who does business like this? If you get a receipt after making a payment the balance owing is supposed to be correct. I am open to a class action lawsuit because I think they are ripping off people who aren't paying close attention to their account balance.

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Eve Valdez
Anderson please write also/ phone, US
Sep 27, 2011 6:47 pm EDT

Please contact us if there is a class action lawsuit against Western Dental by mail at Chebere Valdez co Eve
1771 Brigman St
Anderson, Ca 96007

Chebere's teeth and credit and messed up because of Western D
Our phones are not reliable but [protected] or [protected] my connect you to us.

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Eve Valdez
Anderson please write also/ phone, US
Sep 27, 2011 6:42 pm EDT

My son was charged 2, 600 for 7 rubberbanded teeth (braces?) that kept falling off. They also messed up his billing and said he didn't pay for 2 months When he showed them they were wrong about the billing they corrected the billing and we were relived but the next bill they messed up again When we tried to straighted the next bill out they simple cut us off every time we called. We could never get through again In order to get his teeth worked on he had to pay and since the bill kept mounting and we could find any commun his teeth are not going to be worked on They recently sent his payments to Collections. Watch Out

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igold08
Santa Monica, US
Jul 16, 2011 3:57 am EDT

fraud company covers all workers they can do what ever they want because they pray on poor people
I totally agree with you about Western Dental..I'm with you on the class action lawsuit
igold08

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Donna99
Oakland, US
Feb 18, 2010 1:46 pm EST

Western Dental in Elcerrito, CA AWFUL ... broke two front teeth after biting on brackets from brances. I went to another dental office non western dental . Another doctor advised braces were placed on incorrectly. Now Wesrern Dental is refusing to see and broke the contract and even corporate office is as bad and the manager hung up in my face. Now I have partial brackets on my teeth and 1 broken tooth and 1 cracked tooth.

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Sunshine209
Modesto, US
Jan 31, 2010 12:18 am EST

I totally agree with you about Western Dental..I'm with you on the class action lawsuit...I've never been so scared at a dentist office ..I kept telling myself to walk out..but my tooth hurted so bad I stayed...to top it all off the area I sat at was dirty..and being a clean freak I was like OHH EMMM GEEE...I so wanted to cry...but I kept thinking about the pain I went through the night before and I wanted to sleep that night...I so regret it...I hope if anyone is reading this and was thinking about going to Western Dental ...All I have to say is Please don't..you'll regret it! I wish I had read all these reviews about W.D before I made that desperate appt...

Oh and P.S. I went for a tooth extraction and the dentist kept hitting my lip HARD while trying to pull the tooth and seemed not to give a rats behind! then he had the wrong clamp thing or whatever it is called and I had to wait for the assistant to run and get the correct one ..while I sat there with blood and saliva forming in my mouth..and when the assistant did suction my mouth he kept getting my lip..I cant even type everything I went through because I would be here all night...I just want to say dont go to Western Dental!

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MzLizzie
Phoenix, US
Dec 17, 2009 5:27 pm EST

They can't make you pay in advance for services not yet started or completed. Tell them you want out of your contract and ask them what the balance is for work already completed. Threaten them with the Better Business Bureau (I'd file a complaint anyway if I were you) and the state atty General consumer complaints division. Complain to your insurance company too. Apparently Cigna has received so many complaints against Western Dental they may initiate an investigation and pull Western Dental's contract.

I've been trying to get a $952 refund of an overpayment to them since October. Today, as soon as I told them of my intent to file complaints with both of the above mentioned agencies, they're suddenly very cooperative.
The more complaints made against them to various agencies, the more likely they will be fined or shut down altogether.

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N'fer
Lake Havasu City, US
Dec 14, 2009 5:24 pm EST

The Department of Managed Care fined Western 1.1 million for unnecessary/negligent dentistry.

An attorney sued Western app. 90 x for negligent dentistry and had jury verdicts, judge decisions, arbitration decisions against Western. They settles mostly out of court. Small Claims court is another option, with $ 7, 500 maximum, no attorney fees.

Consult with another dentist, particularly prosthodontists. Check American College of Prosthodontists for a prosthodontist near you. Complain to the Department of Managed Care, who regulates Western. They require you file a written grievance against W.D, which W.D may white wash. Submit a report to the Department of Managed Care from a 2nd opinion dentist showing unnecessary/negligent dentistry. Only if sufficient patients complain, will the Department of Managed Care investigate.

For root canal problems, consult an endodontist. Referrals: 1-800-USA-ENDO.

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Western Dental Services scamming patients and theift!

They stole $8oo. Oo$ dollars from me!
They prepaired my teeth for my front porcilen vaneriers crowns and shaved my teeth down as they do in order to get the crowns to fit and stay on, but after I paid my large 8oo dollar down payment, half of what I owed! They refused to put my already recieved, made just for me by the company they order from, and said I had no accesss to my crowns untill I paid 100% in full, the remanding payment! I aggreed to make 110 dollar amount payments each month!
So, they were soo rude and un proffessional, they used my lil baby as their excuse for not giving me my crowns and why this all happened, I was unable to make it to one visit and reschedualed with them because I had no babysitter at the momment, and after that they have just brushed me off, stole my money and never fixed my now ugly shaved teeth! How in gods good name can they even get away with this kinda treatment to their good paitents!? Pleaae somebody give me some usefull advise as to what rights ivw got and how to move forward with this, because im a single mommy right now or other wise id just give those thiefs all the remanding cash, just to finish what they started! Its like theyre holding my crowns hostage and they know they already prept my teeth for them, now what can I do? Please help!
Western dental and its employees in riverside california need to be arrested for scamming and stealing from patients! I cant believe this!
Western dental has got to be the most messed up screwed up dental office ever! They continue scaming people to get paid and then its screw us, the patients in desprate need of dental work!

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legalbtch
Soquel, US
Feb 22, 2015 10:06 pm EST

They did something similar to me. Still missing my front tooth. Still cant chew food. Get an attorney. Today!

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Western Dental Services over charge and everyday phone call harassment

I'm so pissed! Double charge for bill, constant phone calls for unauthorized bill collecting.
Bad services bad dental care bad bad bad! Horrible!
I became the patient of berkeley office in july 2009. The first visit they asked me to take x-ray, and recommended me to do the 2-phrase cleaning, which I think it's just like regular cleaning, but almost double the price. Also, they said I should get my 4 impacted wisdom teeth extracted, which will cost almost 700 co-pay. I guess I was ignorant so I do everything they suggested, and sign the contract. From that day on and before the extraction, I had visited their office for a couple times, every time the appointment was delay for 45mins to 2hours! Ridiculous!
On the day of the extraction -8/21/2009, my appointment was 2pm, but I was in the office alone for more than 2hours no kidding! At around 4:30, the surgeon came out and said he has to go, so he can't see me on that day but he asked me to go to the oakland office the next day to see him. So, the berkeley office transfered me to the oakland office for the extraction. The next day, I arrived at the oakland office around 7:30am, after waiting around 1hrs, I finally got the work done. However, my face swelled like hell for another week. And I also had bruises around my face.
Then the trouble comes in the billing. The oakland office said I only need to pay what I supposed to pay for the contract that I opened in the berkeley office, because the berkeley office will transfer the fund to them. So for the next month, I paid my full bill to the berkeley office, and thought that's it. But! Guess what, I got billed by another account. So I called different numbers and explained for more than ten times. But this still isn't resolved till now.in these 2months, I kept receiving mails and phone calls asking me to pay. Every time I need to explain the situation over and over again. When I called to address my concern, most often they just throw me around on the phone, transfer my call to couple people. Wtf! And they even use very bad attitude to push the responsibility to me! Nothing can be worse! I am seriously thinking about suing the company, for my lost of time and the cause of mental anxiety.

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Western Dental Services 3 yr old with a swollen lip

i took my 3 yr old daughter in yesterday morning at 10. they finally called her in after an hour. they did not give me any details on what they were going to do to her. i was asked to leave the room after they strapped her in the seat. i've waited in the waiting room for over an hour. finally my daughter came out with a swollen face. i did not recognize her at all. i've then asked what was done to her the stupid lady that works there just said we did all her crowns she wont be seen til the next 6 months. i then asked when she can eat again. she just said when the swelling goes down. and walked off. all day my daughter wasnt able to eat because her whole left side was so swollen. so at 9pm i called the emergency line and a dr called back. told me to take her in today. all night my baby was burning. she probably had a fever because of the pain she was having. this morning, the left side of her face went down but her lips were still so swollen. they finally called her in and why the ### are you going to tell me she had a fever thats why shes swollen?! she did not get her fever until after the stupid procedures were done on her. dr Nyugen told me my daughter bit her lips. how can that happen when she came out of the room looking like that?! the place looks so unsanitized and the ladies who work there speaks very little english. for sure i will not be going to that [censored]hole again! its so ###EN DIRTY!

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Angryatunited
Orange, US
Sep 12, 2015 2:15 am EDT

Notice none of you have a defense for Western Dental after that! They are awful. treat adults and children poorly, and should all be closed down. Any dentist from Bellflower, Huntington Beach, or Costa Mesa Offices, I hope karma found you.

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ibleejniam
Sacramento, US
Mar 02, 2011 3:20 am EST

I took in my two children in for a check up. My 4yr old daughter had 1 cavity in the back. And had a filling done. On the other hand, MY 2.5 yr old son, had 2 cavities found on his 2 front teeth... This was by far the worst experience ever, that I ever experience. I've always like going to the dentist... and wanted my children to have the same feel... fun, comfortable, and welcoming environment. The Vietnamese dentist lady, said they had to strap him in order to prevent him from moving around... and so that way she can finish up quicker. I had no ideal what was gonna happen to me... they told me that it is best to wait in the waiting room. BUT boy, I can hear my son's voice crying the whole time. I wanted to march in there and stop them! My son cried and struggled through the whole process! I just dont understand how Western Dental can work in that condition... having a toddler, strapped up and crying out loud and working inside his mouth for 40 plus minutes! What a [censor]en horror night mare! To see my baby in that kind of condition and feel so helpless! After the procedure was done... The dentist stated "This is the best we can do..." and I asked if the silver cap will fall off with his natural tooth... she says "Hopefully it does..." What the [censor] is that suppose to mean? So after they unwrapped him from the strap, my son was so weak from crying, sweating, and had little red dotty spots all over his neck and under his eyes...

I do not recommend any one going to western dental... It will be a night mare for you as a parent and for your child... Please go to a pediatric dentist... I should have listen to the bad reviews and complaints about western dental...

precious_anjo@yahoo.com

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slynn1
Orange, US
Aug 09, 2010 3:12 am EDT
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Refused to- At the time, I went in once a year for a check up. This happened a year or so before my son's birth, and I had two little kids. It took for this tooth to get infected before Western Dental did anything for it. I don't even think the dentist knew what he was doing. He spent an hour drilling on my teeth, and I had one of my young son's with me, so I think he got tired of dealing with him, and sent me home without capping the tooth. A couple of hours later, my tooth was in excruciating pain, and I called the dentist office at Western Dental, were the dentists handling the night time emergencies told me just to take the Motrin I was given and come back for my appointment several days later. This ticked me off, and I went to another dentist on an emergency basis two days later. The stupid dentist from Western Dental in Costa Mesa, made a mistake I assume and drilled into my nerve and left it exposed. A few days later, it was infected, and the dentist gave me antibodies and some type of pain killer, as well as a numbing agent for my teeth. She fixed the problem once the tooth could be cared for.

My second issue with Western Dental was the Huntington Beach office. When I was pregnant, my regular dentist refused to see patients that were pregnant. I had a tooth that was killing me, I went to a different Western Dental, because they would see me even when I was pregnant. First off, the dentist office went back and forth with my obgyn. I had to go back and forth at least four times. My obgyn needed to indicate what pain meds I could take, or what procedures they could do. All the while, my tooth was bothering me. Finally, I saw the dentist who told me nothing was wrong with the tooth. He looked over the medications for pain the obgyn said I could take, if I needed too. I didn't want pain medication, I wanted the dentist to fix the pain in that tooth. He accused me of wanting pain medication, and told me nothing was wrong with the tooth. He sent me home, after accusing me of being a drug abuser. I never took anything worse than Tylenol when I was pregnant. I wanted the dentist to fix the tooth, not give me pain meds! I didn't fill out the authorization of what scripts of pain med I could have my obgyn did! How the hell would I even know what pain medication are what!? It was awful, and went home and cried. I ignored the pain for quiet some time because the dentist told me nothing was wrong with that tooth. I went back to my regular dentist, after my son was six months old. Guess what! The tooth had a huge cavity, that now extended to another tooth. That dentist told me it had to have been there for quiet a while for it to be that bad. It was also getting infected, and she thought it was because a filling had probably fell out. It was infected so once again I had to do a antibiotic regiment. She had to do a root canal on that tooth, as well as drill and do a filling on the next tooth. But according to the dentist at Western Dental, there was nothing wrong with that tooth! ( The dentist offered me pain meds, but I was breast feeding and refused them.)

I was pretty lucky with my kids, because known of them had any really bad dental problems. Just so you know, I did have deep roots when I was young, and my parents had a heck of a time trying to prevent me from getting cavities. I don't think that anything helped until the dentist found some kind of sealant for my teeth.

I have been to several Western Dental offices is SO CAl Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, and the Bellflower one. As far as I could tell, all of them are horrible. I have given them chances, but I am done.

People and children need some compassion, and need to trust their dentist. I don't think that Western Dental does this at all. Because of all these horrible experiences, I have put off going to the dentist, and now I have need of some major dental work. Some of these experiences were really mentally taxing. I have a phobia now. I never ask for pain medication from the dentist. I actually had one call me because I left before he could give me some. He was afraid I was in pain. Dealing with dentists that accuse you have being a drug addict, or not showing any concern for the pain that I was feeling... Made me feel like I had done something wrong... Which I hadn't.

That is why I thought it was horrible what that dentist did to that little girl. Why wouldn't the dentist have one of the dental assistants explain to her how to care for her teeth, or explain why this child had so many cavities. If it was just brushing her teeth, any normal dentist would take the time to explain how to prevent them in the future. Was the child given soda? Did the child not have supervised teeth brushing? Was it because of having the bottle to long? It just seems that the dentist lacked compassion, refused to properly explain what would happen to the child, or try and make sure that the child in the future wouldn't have these issues anymore.

Most of the time we are trusting the dentist and dental facilitates to have our children
best interest at heart, but Western Dental doesn't. It's only concern is making money. This Western Dental should have explained the procedure her little girl was going to undergo, and with such extensive dental problems referred her to a child dental specialist. Also, the mother should have been given instructions of what her daughter aftercare. Can you imagination being tied down, and undergoing an hour of dental care at that age? I agree, the mother should have been making sure that her daughter was brushing her teeth. But, that still doesn't give this facility the right to treat toddler that way! I hate the dentist now after experiencing the way I was treated. I can just not even imagination what that poor girl feels towards dentist.

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slynn1
Orange, US
Aug 09, 2010 1:14 am EDT
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The dentist was the one to expose the nerve after drilling in it. He didn't have time to finish it that day. Once the Novocaine wore off I was in excruciating pain. I called and the dentist ignored my complaints, and said to come to my next appointment a couple days away. The dentist was the one who left the nerve exposed. The attending dentist did give me Motrin, but not any antibiotics. After that horrible experience, I went to another dentist, a non Western Dental Dentist, and she said the tooth was infected and the nerve was exposed. She was horrified and gave me antibiotics and pain medication. It took a few days before the tooth could be worked on. Due to swelling and infection. She fixed the tooth, and I didn't go back to that Western Dental again. I had no idea that the tooth would hurt that bad. It was horrible, and at the time my son was small, and to have to deal with it was horrible.

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Red Bluff, US
Aug 01, 2010 2:13 pm EDT

I feel terrible for what happened to your daughter given also the fact that she is at such a young age. Yet, the doctor did perform the dental treatment that was needed for her to prevent any further pain.Im sure there were other kids in the office that needed dental treatment as wel that also left swollen.Yes, Children do tend to behave better without the parent in the room. Only because with a parent in the room they become more apprehenive while the parent is there because the child doesn't even want to be there in the first place! Swollen lip? She was most probably chewing on her lip especially because being numb is so new to her. She didn't know what was going on.Were you not advised to watch her as the numbness will wear off? To not allow her to bite on her lip or cheek because she's numb? Proper oral hygiene could've prevented this from happening in the first place. You cant expect a 3 year old MOST ESPECIALLY A 3 YEAR OLD! to properly brush his or her own teeth can you!? They still need parental supervision when doing this!

You did NOT have to agree to get her dental treatment done there! You could've opted for a referral for a place that sedates children in order not to tramatize the child.

lala niam- i hope from this you've learned to brush your childs teeth and help her get the proper oral hygiene. it's not the doctors fault nor your daughters. But yours.

Slynn1- You would also like to add onto her complaints? You had an exposed nerve? Were you offered a way to be treated for the pain? Or did you just opt out to ask for pain medications? Why was it only then that you decided to go the dentist because you were in pain? or did you need a check-up? Think about it. Why would a doctor prescribe you pain medications that are stronger than motrin 800 without treatment done? The pain medications would have not helped your situation AT ALL. The tooth needed treatment. Not vicodin.Not Norco. Pain medications will not make the problem go away.

As for children not needing novacaine?! So what do you expect a doctor to use when a childs tooth is being worked on? When the cavity is so large on the poor child that it needs a 'baby root canal' IT IS normal to be swollen even adults become swollen after extensive dental treatment! and to finish the little girls whole mouth?! The child IS NOT even sedated! Whats more tortuerous one side. Or her whole mouth!? She sees everything thats going on. YOU wouldve asked for your 3 year olds teeth to be pulled? You must not know that can cause her more problems in the future! It's a 3 year old! SHE NEEDS TEETH!

So, all the compassion i feel is for the child, because SHE is the one that was laying there needing the dental treatment because mom doesnt brush the childs teeth. When even on the instructions on the toothpaste says.. " 2 or 3 year old is to PROPERLY SUPERVISED when BRUSHING and RINSING "

Proper education on brushing is offered everywhere. Even on the internet!

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slynn1
Orange, US
Jul 30, 2010 4:03 am EDT
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Brenda,
None of my children had cavities at three, mostly because I breast fed them. It doesn't matter why she had the cavities, but how the poor little girl was treated at this facility. At Western Dental, they also don't give patients any type of pain relief either. I had an exposed nerve, and they gave me Motrin. Have you ever had an exposed nerve? It is quiet painful! At that young of age, the dentist could have recommended a child specialist, and she could have been given something to make her more comfortable. I know because I had a friend that child had many dental problems when she was little, and they gave her something to help her calm down. It is barbaric to strap a small child in a chair and drill in their teeth for over an hour! If they were going to do it, they should have not done it all at once! She is only three years old! She will probably be afraid of the dentist for life!

When I was little I had a similar experience. I was about three years old and I cut my foot open and needed stitches. The [censor] doctor used Novocaine but it didn't work, I could feel them stitching my foot closed. The doctor had several orderlies and my mom holding me down. I kept yelling and screaming and he kept yelling at me. If he would have taken his time, allowed the medicine to work, or even given me something to keep me calm the whole experience would have been much better. After that, I would have a tantrum anytime I had to go to the doctors. I hated them! That is the way that little girl is going to remember the dentist.

Western Dental treats people like cattle getting antibiotic shots one after the other. Dentistry is scary for small children, and with a little compassion, talking to them, and just taking a little time to elevate their fears, a child can have a decent experience.

It is not normal for a child to have a swollen face after receiving dental care. Nor should she have been running a fever! I would have been livid too if my child had gone through that. The dentist showed no concern for the child. Not mention, Novocaine shouldn't be given to patients that young because they don't understand what is happening to them! They should have referred the poor girl out to a specialist that could have better handled her dental issues.

As a dentists, don't you think that [censor] dentist should have been asking the mother the questions you asked? Or taken the time to better education the mother how to avoid these types of dental problems in the future? Some children have dental issues because of heritability. They might have deep roots, or other problems that make them prone to cavities. Instead of crowning them that [censor] dentist should have pulled them! Show some compassion for that poor little girl, and how would you feel if that was your child?

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slynn1
Orange, US
Jul 30, 2010 12:09 am EDT
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They suck! Since your daughter was so young couldn't they give her some pain meds to make it easier for her? They show so little compassion for children or adults. They could care less if your child is in pain, or their discomfort. I am sorry your poor daughter went through that. I hope you found a better dentist than that witch! They are supposed to have a parent in the room while they are working on her. I have never heard of them forcing the mom out! You should complain to the dental board!

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12:19 am EDT
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Western Dental Services bad work done!! nightmare!

Went in to just get an idea on a bridge I needed to have done on the top 2 teeth they talked me into it rushed me through the dentist said you only need a filling then we will make an impression and give you a temp. Bridge all for 3, 600 (What a deal huh?!) wrong! The girl didnt know what she was doing who took my impression had to do it 3 times! The dentist was saying he wished jesus would just come and take us all out of this bad world!.. Thought he was (Nuts!) the dentist gave me 5 shots letting me swollow most of the medicine including everything else! The was yelling at the girl while I was laying there at there mercy! He shoved a temp. Bridge in there that did not fit.. I had to go back could not chew for 2 days he was mad and my gums were all swelling he jammmed the needle in my gums and yelled kep still its not the end of the world!.. Had to remove the bridge he ground down my eye tooth that never needed any work at all puting a cap on it he never told me he had put a temp. Cap on the tooth he was suppose to only fill!.. Well now its thurs. Before labor day weekend and my plans for camping or cancelled because the cap fell off and (By the way had a pin hole in it so everything was leeking through on to my ground down to nothing stub of a tooth he ruined! The nerve is exposed! And now I must take off work to find another dentist to try and fix what they did to me!.. (Please dont do there! He's name is thomas wont even call him a doctor he dosent deserve it!) reporting him to the dental board!

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2:51 pm EDT
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Western Dental Services stay away from them

I went in because one of my tooth was hurting. After my x-rays got back the dentist walked in and took a quick look at it and say that I have two root canals. She never took the time to explain what options I have nor did she explain what procedure is going to be done. A while later the assistant came in and quoted me $2600 out of my own pocket after milking $1250 from my insurance. I told her that it was kind of expensive and that I'll think it over. They took an x-ray only but also tried to bill my insurance $351 dollars which included exam fees, x-ray, and cleaning (never got anything done for this). I had to call back for them to make adjustments and told them that I never got cleaning done. Worst experience ever in a medical/dental office. I am currently looking around for a better dental office. Take my advice and STAY AWAY! They basically charged my insurance company $250 for x-rays.

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emmanuel villarruel
Clovis, US
Jan 22, 2013 2:57 pm EST

i took my son in to the dentist wanting help for hes teeth...the dentist walk up to him and just open hes mouth and said nothing wrong just use fluoide to help . 7 months later i go back to westrn dental to check hes teeth and they say its bad he needs two teeth pulled out i say what and im in shock..i talk to a friend and gives me her dentist number. i make an appointment and go in and its a different story. hes a good dentist and he tells me he has to pull out to 2 teeth problebly 4 and and put caps and 4 of them my son is only two years old .i took him in before all this could happen now my baby is sufferring 8 teeth in total...im really mad at western dental services no one go there they dont care about no one just getting money...

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dr tre
, US
Jul 26, 2014 4:03 am EDT
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Senior citizens beware! Western Dental advertises with deceptive business practices. They recently messed up my mother's root canal and refused to pay for a retreatment. Root canals can cost anywhere between [protected] and they were only willing to refund 395 on the cost of retreatment. Why? Because they break everything down in the bill such as doctor services, equipment, drugs, etc. used in the process of doing the root canal. On the actual bill, they only put 395 on the invoice even though it will cost over 1100 to come into the office to get a root canal done. I reported this to the Department of Consumer Affairs and intend to pursue it in small claims court. If anyone out there had similar incidences, let me know and let's pursue a class action suit! Contact me at trvpup@yahoo.com if you are interested.

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Grmills
, US
Aug 19, 2010 2:22 pm EDT

I feel I was totally ripped off by Western Dental. My son had 2 wisdom teeth coming in and was in a great deal of pain. I am unemployed and uninsured so was calling around to see who had the best pricing. I could only get estimates, and Western Dental gave me a low end estimate of $159 for a simple extraction and $286 at the high end (if a surgical extraction was needed). I also mentioned that my son was working part time and we'd like to have the teeth removed on his day off. I was told - no problem so I scheduled an appointment for the x-rays, under the impression I could set the appt for the extraction on the next day (his day off).

After having the x-rays, I am told the price would be $191 for the simple extraction (not $159) and $386 for the surgical extraction (not the $286). I was also told that the oral surgeon is only there 2x a month - and this was his day. Having spent $99 for the exam, and facing having to wait 2+ weeks for the surgeon to return, I felt I had no other option other than to agree to their greatly inflated price.

I have called no less than 5 different phone numbers, only to be hung up on several times, left multiple voice messages that never get returned, and endured repeated statements that Western Dental does not make adjustments; I have repeatedly been told that I am at fault for accepting the pricing and having the work done; that I had the option to not accept the quote (and walk away with only a $99 loss).

I understand an estimate is an estimate, but common sense dictates that the estimate be somewhat in the ballpark of the actual cost. The estimate I was given was more than 40% lower than the actual quote. I feel I was backed into a corner and had no choice - make my son suffer or pay their extorted rates.

I will never go back to this place and will advise everyone I know to never do business with this institution.

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SHERRY VANDERVORT
Peoria, US
Mar 11, 2011 2:15 am EST

First complaint — 2 more to follow — run... Is the best word that I can say to start this off. I have been dealing with western dental for a 1.5 years and they billed my daughters cleaning as an adult and then billed my ins 2x for a full set of x-rays. After three office managers and 6 collection agencies and corporate office... I got no where except a increased bill and no one to rebill this bill correctly. I filed a formal complaint with my insurace and now they are rebilling only the floride treatment and they will do nothing about the fact that they billed for services that they did not get approval from me and they knew that the insurance would not pay for. Then they will not accept the contracted rate. They are trying to get me to pay the entire bill. This went from 146.00 to 490.00... On my credit how many times and this is their mistake...

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Gagagaga
, US
Feb 14, 2011 4:54 pm EST

I want to give some feedback about their HR Team. I am looking for job and has been contacted by Christina A Thais. She scheduled a phone interview but she was late and re-scheduled. Not a big deal. Next day she called and told me that 'looks like you are not interested in this position and we are not going to consider you'. Believe it or not but I had no chance to tell her anything. She just hang up after this.

I have never been to Western Dental before so I have not had bad attitude or something I was just surprised how rude and inappropriate it was.

I hope they fix their business starting from their representatives. Othewise it is just a shame.

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SHERRY VANDERVORT
Peoria, US
Mar 11, 2011 2:21 am EST

2nd complaint — had work done on my son... They charged me 300.00 outof pocket (My cost after insurance). This includes a 50.00 charge for a family plan that I told them not to charge me because my family would not be going there anymore (Due to billing errors for my daughter). I had already paid the down payment of 300.00 so I went back in and asked that they just do work that I had already paid for and no more. Well I got the eob (Explanation of benefits) from my insurance company and I only owed 180.00 I called and requested the refund and at this point they are unwilling to give it to me. They once again over charged me for services. I want my money back... Becareful

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DoctorSuffer
San Jose, US
Jan 25, 2010 4:09 pm EST

I am Employee of Western Dental, I am subjected to harrasment and abusive attitude
by the Western dental Management. The current director of the Area is not bothered
about the dental ethics or patient treatment. Someone should investigate this bad character. All, He is worried about is the Money that is comming in, Money, money, money. He sometimes uses Foul and sign Language and harrasses the other staff and doctors. I am sure he has a mental case with himself or his family. I only hope he get it back. This is not solicitation, This is the Fact, Me or the othe doctors never get a break,
They end up having lunch at 3 or 4 PM, which is against the state law.
They are therfore increasing the Liablity risk when treating a patient, without bothering to know the well beign of the doctors. Even, the pregnant doctors are not cared. If you are a patient, please find out if she / he has had their break and Lunch, then Start the treatment.

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Smithy
, US
Apr 13, 2010 9:56 am EDT

I had an appointment at 3:30, I arrived at 3:17, filled out my paperwork until 3:30, handed to the receptionist, she told me I have to wait for 30 minutes because they have only 1 dentist for the day. I reluctantly agreed. I was not seen until 1 hour and 30 minutes later. Worst is they did not read my profile. When I filled out the paperwork, I clearly indicated that I'm pregnant and that's the only yes answer I circled. After a very long wait, while the technician prepared for my x-ray, I saw the sign posted next to the x-ray machine regarding pregnant patient, so I decided to tell the technician that I'm pregnant and she was surprised! She came out to tell the office manager who came in to say sorry that they did not know and that they can't take my x-ray. So I waited 1 hour and30 minutes just to hear them say they're sorry. This place is filthy and filled with unprofessional, rude and illiterate workers! My baby's life was on the line just because they are ignorant about their job. The place is filled with at least 6 people doing nothing but eating, laughing and chatting among each other. Personally, I hope you don't have to experience what I and many people have experienced here at this office.

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bettina morgan
, US
Mar 30, 2011 11:37 am EDT

Western dental calls me at least once a day on my cell phone asking for my daughter nicole which is 27 yrs old. I have told them who I am and gave them her number which they do not use. I have asked them to remove my number they said no. Not sure why i get calls she is current on her payments. I just want them to stop calling me.

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kca6aaz
El Cajon, US
May 13, 2011 4:52 am EDT

After agreeing to 1800 dollars worth of dental work and paying down payment of more than 400 dollars; the dentist removed what was left of my upper teeth which I believe were all good. She broke them of then proceeded to remove them by twisting and turning them rather than split them and extract s most dental surgeons would have done. I then had an ill-fitting plate put in my mouth causing me great pain. When I returned two days later, the head dentist jammed the plate in my mouth and told me to live with it. Five days later I returned and was told there was nothing they could do about the ill-fitting plate unless I paid more money. When I iformed thier coporate office of this I was told that was tough, and I needed to pay uyp or go without followup. After investigating the companies record I find they are well known for thier fraud of senior citizens. DON'T LET THEM SCREW YOU.

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