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3.1 31 Reviews

SmileCare Dental Complaints Summary

16 Resolved
15 Unresolved
Our verdict: While SmileCare Dental has an above-average resolution rate, there’s room for improvement. Investigate common issues reported by customers and understand how they were resolved. Be prepared to follow up on your queries if needed, and keep detailed records of all interactions.
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SmileCare Dental reviews & complaints 31

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10:53 am EDT
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SmileCare Dental bait and switch

I recently went to Smile Care as recommended provder from Careington Dental disc. plan. They do not explain the services, do not stand by their estimates, charge excessively for very small services.

The dental hygienist charged $44. to squirt mouthwash (irrigate) between a teeth..and $456 to do a periodontal 20min. clean. Up from the $152. quote. Bone graft at $380 each was a 3 second process of squirting SYNTHETIC bone graft stuff in two extraction sites.

I went in for two partials..and was sold temporary STAYPLATES that I assumed were the partials..but really are just unfunctional inserts. If I had been told to get the last 2 items, a root canal and one tooth replaced before a permenant partial was made..I surely would not have paid over $1300 for two Stayplates that are impossible to eat or talk with and will need to be replaced within a year or so.

Go to a trusted dentist you know...find out his/her plans..save yourself a fortune. Any questions about pricing the dentist referred me to the office manager..corporate..and I am still waiting up to 6 weeks for any credit...refund..that is really nothing. I think the worst of it was no explanation..and the patient assuming the care I was getting was for my own good. It was strictly for the buck. YOU DONT ASK..THEY WONT TELL. So I take responsibilty for that. I am having the dental xrays and work reviewed. I will never go to an outfit like this again..after researching them now..wish I had before..their reviews are stinky from everyone.

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6:03 pm EDT
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SmileCare Dental billing fraud

I went to smilecare over 8 years ago and was overcharged. In the past 4 months I have spoken to several individuals whom have done everything from promise a check is being sent to offering to refund a credit card I no longer have. Yet today when I attempted to follow up and see where my refund was I was told that there were no notes in their system regarding money due me.

At this point I don't only want the money I was over charged but I also want simple interest at the very minimum.

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Josette T
, US
Apr 08, 2013 8:49 pm EDT

I was A patient went too smilcare in November of 2012. They broke the tooth in my mouth wanted too double charge me for them too get the rest of the tooth out. I had to wait a whole week before I could get It removed, and on top of that they had charged me for srevices not rendered I'm a single mother work and attend college full time. I have never seen such mishandled care like I seen @ smilecare. Not only that they pulled the wrong tooth, And here it is April of 2013 and My mouth is still not complete I have missed more work and pay trying too get them to correct their mistakes and the only thing I get from them is we have fired the Dr who caused the damage because he overcharged me on a preapproved account now i have a balance well over $5, 000 because he ran off with the money. The Doctor that is there now is very good but she came into A bad situation due to neglect of the last Dr. can somebody recommend a good Lawyer please.

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HauntinguFrauders
North Las Vegas, US
Dec 06, 2012 6:00 pm EST

I requested my progress note and they were unable to present it. They never sent anything to me from my health insurance. I was new in the United States and they took advantage of me. Their staffs were unprofessional! They acted they were when my white mother-in-law came in, but if she wasn't with me...The dentist left my mouth wide open for about 30 minutes...I never complain about the pain in my right ear because I thought that it was an impact due to dental work. Also, my fillings came off, so I suffered for a few days from the pain. This month of December, there will be someone checking my mouth and I will let him/her know that I never had any clicking sound in my right ear in the past.

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5:31 am EDT
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SmileCare Dental overcharged

This was my first visit to this dentist. I was examine and was given a statement of what was being done and the cost. I needed according to the dentist, a crown and 3 surf ante, and 2 surf post, I assumed that the surf ante and the surf post was the filling of the space between the upper part of my teeth to the bottom of the gum line because that's what I believed was done. Full mouth x ray, Prophy, Adult, core buildup W/P and crown-prc hi nob. The UCF column was 3216.00. Then the Prim column was 1077.30 cents.

Then the patient column was 899.70. Between my insurance company and myself we paid in 1649.70. I then received another bill for 364.40. I then made some phone calls to Los Angles where the bill was sent from, they told me that was what I owe. I told them the story to no avail, they told me to contact the office where the work was done. I called the office and told the story 4 times, one right after another, they sent me around the office until the last girl I told hung up on me. I tried calling back and they didn't answer there phone. I didn't want anything to do with those people again.

Again they sent me another bill for the same 364.40, I called Los Angles again and made a complaint to the complaint department there, I told the story and at first I didn't know what I was paying all this money for, she told me that the SURF ANTE, and SURF POST was fillings, the only fillings that I know was cavities, and I asked the girl and she said yes that is what you are paying for, I told her I never had any fillings there, she said she will take the complaint and that I would probably hear from the higher ups. One girl from the office where I had the work done called and said she received an email from Los Angles to call me. I told her what has happen about me trying to call there office and the problems that I had, she apologize to me for what happen and told me the girl does not work there anymore and she is new to the company.

After explaining the problem I had with the bills I've been getting she told me that the fillings were the filling of the spaces, I told her that the girl from Los Angles told me they were fillings for cavities. I explain to her that between my Insurance and myself we paid over the amount I'm suppose to have, she explain to me that the insurance paid the maximum benefits and when that ran out they automatically charge me as having no Insurance.

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2:46 pm EDT
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SmileCare Dental terrible company

This was my first visit to this dentist. I was examine and was given a statement of what was being done and the cost. I needed according to the dentist, a crown and 3 surf ante, and 2 surf post, I assumed that the surf ante and the surf post was the filling of the space between the upper part of my teeth to the bottom of the gum line because that's what I believed was done. Full mouth x ray, Prophy, Adult, core buildup W/P and crown-prc hi nob. The UCF column was 3216.00. Then the Prim column was 1077.30 cents.

Then the patient column was 899.70. Between my insurance company and myself we paid in 1649.70. I then received another bill for 364.40. I then made some phone calls to Los Angles where the bill was sent from, they told me that was what I owe. I told them the story to no avail, they told me to contact the office where the work was done. I called the office and told the story 4 times, one right after another, they sent me around the office until the last girl I told hung up on me. I tried calling back and they didn't answer there phone. I didn't want anything to do with those people again.

Again they sent me another bill for the same 364.40, I called Los Angles again and made a complaint to the complaint department there, I told the story and at first I didn't know what I was paying all this money for, she told me that the SURF ANTE, and SURF POST was fillings, the only fillings that I know was cavities, and I asked the girl and she said yes that is what you are paying for, I told her I never had any fillings there, she said she will take the complaint and that I would probably hear from the higher ups. One girl from the office where I had the work done called and said she received an email from Los Angles to call me. I told her what has happen about me trying to call there office and the problems that I had, she apologize to me for what happen and told me the girl does not work there anymore and she is new to the company.

After explaining the problem I had with the bills I've been getting she told me that the fillings were the filling of the spaces, I told her that the girl from Los Angles told me they were fillings for cavities. I explain to her that between my Insurance and myself we paid over the amount I'm suppose to have, she explain to me that the insurance paid the maximum benefits and when that ran out they automatically charge me as having no Insuran.

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1:21 am EDT
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SmileCare Dental unnecessary work

I wish I had visited this site prior to going to Smilecare. Besides the dentists changing constantly, and half of them being very rude, they keep trying to convince us we need work done that we don't.

I hadn't been to a dentist in a few years, and I knew I needed work due to a very visible and painful cavity in a front tooth. In addition to that tooth, they told me I needed a bunch of other stuff done, for a total of over $4, 000 the first time. Being young and gullible, I believed they knew what they were talking about and were being totally honest. I started questioning their practices when I went in again for a check up and the new dentist said I needed several more root canals and had cavities to fill in ALL the teeth that weren't capped! There was no way I could afford all that work, so I didn't have any of it done. I went back a few months later because one of my caps were bothering me. The new dentist I saw said I had one very tiny cavity that was too small to fill and I'd need to watch it, and said that the gums under my crown were irritated, likely from something I ate. That was it, no other cavities, no root canals needed, nothing. I gave them the benefit of the doubt, figuring I got one bad dentist.

A couple years pass, and one of my caps comes loose. Well, when they first put it in the temp had pulled out the "build up" underneath, but they put in the cap anyway. None of my other caps (even the one I've had for 15 years) has come loose like that. But they charged me again for a new build up, a post lengthening surgery because she said not enough tooth was left for them to glue on a new cap, and a new cap. I don't think I should have paid, because I'm sure it is their mess up that caused the cap to break after such a short time (it was either just under or just over 2 years).

They tried to convince my husband that he needed several thousand dollars of work done when he first went in, and he just had a checkup and suddenly doesn't anymore. They are also trying to convince us that my son needs braces (his teeth are straight but his 2 front teeth are a little bigger that the rest of the top, definitely not bad enough for braces.)

I am changing dentists just as soon as I find out what other dentists in the area are covered by my insurance. I recommend to anyone who cares about their dental health to go anywhere else but Smilecare. Any dentist that is good at what they do, and cares about the patients, wouldn't work for them.

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11:59 am EST
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SmileCare Dental stole my money!

I'm very unhappy with the service that I received from Smilecare on Manchester and Normandie, in California. I paid in full for a root canal that was never completed, and the office manager said that Corporate said that it was my fault that I did not come in or remind them that the work was not done. They took my money and then forgot about me! Now they are saying that I have to pay an additional 700 or so dollars to re-do the cap that I need. I am not paying twice for work that was not done in the first place!

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12:13 pm EST
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SmileCare Dental dental malpractice/billing fraud

I am writing in regards to several incidents that have happened in relation to myself and SmileCare. I had went to SmileCare in Folsom on June 13th, 2008 to have mine and my son's teeth cleaned. During the visit, my son and I had x-rays taken, my son did have his teeth cleaned, and one of the dentists put anti-biotic plugs in my gums, however, I did NOT have my teeth cleaned.

My son also had a filling done on two joining teeth, and it was at that time I asked the dentist if she could fill in a gap between my teeth. She said she could. As the doctor proceeded to fill the gap, she said that she could not get the product to adhere to my tooth, and that she would have to remove the overlay that was on it, and redo the whole thing.

As she was trying to remove the porcelain overlay, she slipped and took a chunk out of the side of my tooth, and busted my lip. She apologized for it, but I was not aware of the extreme amount of damage she had done at this time.

After the local anesthetic wore off, I was in pain, but figured it would go away in a day or two. I then felt this gouge out of my tooth that the dentist had been working on, and knew right away, that this was from when she was drilling in my mouth and slipped.

I immediately called the Folsom SmileCare office, and asked to speak to the dentist. The girl that answered the phone took a message and said she would have her call me back. I did not receive a call back. My son had been complaining that his teeth still hurt, and when I looked at his filling, it was gone. I called again the next day, and once again, left a message explaining that there was damage to my tooth, and my son's filling had fallen out, and I was told that the dentist would return my call later that day. I still did not receive a call back. I called again the next day, and every day for a week and a half, leaving messages, and still no returned calls.

During that time, I unexpectedly had to move to Arkansas, and left immediately. I was no longer in CA, so I could not simply walk into the office that had seen my son and I.

I then started calling SmileCare's 800#, and filed a claim with their Quality Assurance dept. I spent the next 2-3 months trying to find out what was happening with my claim. Most of the time, Jackie at ext. 5374, was not taking messages because the mailbox was too full or she would simply hang up on me. I finally started calling any extension I could, so that I could get someone to handle this. I then spoke to Ezrialda at [protected], who told me she would handle this. She never did.

I then started working with another representative by the name of Georgia Bradshaw, ext. 5303. I then had to start the whole claims process over again, because the other women had simply done nothing. And once again, my calls went unanswered and once again, could not leave messages for Georgia, because her mailbox was full all the time. The few times that I spoke with Georgia, I had to explain everything over and over, she never took any records of our conversations.

After 6 months of trying to get my tooth fixed, and my son's filling redone, SmileCare agreed to fix my son's teeth, but would not fix my tooth, stating that they had fixed the "filling" I had, due to "reoccurring decay". A completely false record of the events that took place. Also, by agreeing to fix my son's teeth, they admit to damage on him, that occurred at the exact same time as mine, but stated that the x-rays I had taken in December, were far too long after the incident to prove that my damage occurred when I said it did.

At NO time during any of this process did anyone tell me to go see another dentist to get new x-rays. And had I know this, I would have went immediately to my dentist in Arkansas.

Not only did I NOT have reoccurring decay, they did NOT fix a filling. SmileCare also claimed that I did not act in a timely manner so I could not prove that they were at fault. I explained in my letters to SmileCare that this was not at all what happened, and that the records of the dentist were fraudulent. SmileCare had billed my insurance company for a filling and a cleaning, both of which were not done.

I appealed the decision of SmileCare, and the next contact I received, in the form of a letter dated Jan. 29th, 2009, was from a Mariam Youssef, Quality Assurance Supervisor/SmileCare Dental, stating that I was once again denied, but they would refund me $23.20, for the cost of the filling.

I then started calling the extension that Mariam Youssef had given as a contact number, and yet again, was given a message that the extension was full and unable to take any new messages. I have called at least 3 times per day, every day, since I received the letter, and have never been able to contact this QA Supervisor, or anyone in that position.

I am simply wanting SmileCare to repair the damage their dentist caused to my tooth. SmileCare has x-rays of my tooth in question, prior to this damage, and it is clearly visible, that there was NO reoccuring decay. Not only did they NOT perfom these actions, they made fraudulent claims to my insurance company, stating they had, and received payment for them.

I have spent thousands of dollars taking care of my teeth over the years, and now I have damage caused by a dentist at SmileCare, that I cannot afford to fix myself, or I would have already done that. SmileCare is responsible for this damage.

SmileCare has done everything in their power to avoid paying for their mistakes, and they way that they have dealt with me as a patient, is absolutely immoral, and dishonest. I hope that this does not happen to anyone else, as the Corporation of SmileCare has walked all over me.

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3:59 pm EDT
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SmileCare Dental terrible experience

After 18 months of ortho appointments, I do not recommend Smilecare in Concord, CA. Even though I had an appointment card; E-v-e-r--y single time I went in they were running late. They called for me 45 minutes after my scheduled appointment time. If you do use them, I suggest if you have a 3:00 appointment, show up at 2:15 and sign in your name, only then you M-i-g-h-t actually get your appointment on time. Even when I was waiting in the waiting room people were sitting on the (dirty) floor because there were not enough chairs, there are no magazines to read, they did have a TV blasting. All the people waiting had annoyed looks on their faces. I have seen several people just leave. I should have been one of them.

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Jim F
, US
Jan 27, 2011 5:28 pm EST

I stopped going to Smilecare over a year ago as I no longer had insurance. I was told there was no outstanding balances. I didn't think so, as I paid my co-pay as the work was completed. Mostly just cleanings and one crown.

Since then I have received bills every month for stuff the insurance company supposedly declined over TWO years ago. They keep saying I don't own anything, but keep sending bills.

Now these bills are marked as overdue and may affect my credit rating. I feel as if I am being held credit hostage by this company due to their incompetency.

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Kim B
, US
Feb 07, 2011 12:39 pm EST

Beware of Tracey the office financial administrator, she is a liar and swindler. She explained a procedure that had to be done and completed in two appointments as one cost. After paying and asking several times before the 1st procedure and after, while setting up 2nd appointment I asked again "so I am paid in full for 2nd appointment" the answer was yes sir just show up and have work completed. Well to my surprise before going into the doc's chair I was told I had to pay $360.00 for 2nd appointment, when I asked her to produce the paperwork I signed since she said she covered all cost with me she could not produce the signed copy (Hmmm). The dentist herself was "GREAT" although she worked with the limited supplies she had, which I think was so ridiculous that you pay hard earned money and they can't even have the right supplies in stock.

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Manoo
, US
Jan 09, 2011 2:17 pm EST

My wife and I underwent a dental cleaning procedure carried out by LINGA VUPPALA at Smile Care, Fremont. Upon completion of the cleaning, the doctor told that there are certain other things (X-rays and some filling) that can be done for the teeth and completely covered under the Insurance. Since we were guaranteed coverage by insurance (the receptionist/administrative staff at Smilecare called my insurance and confirmed this) we did nt say no to this and the doctor carried out the same. Now Smilecare has send me and my wife of bills apxt 170 USD and 160 USD and is asking us to pay for this. We were told that we will be called back but never got a response. Finally we got a notice saying that if the outstanding amount is not paid, the account will be referred to the collection agency.

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Rncheri
, US
Jan 25, 2011 5:54 pm EST

My child recently had a procedure done at the San Jose office. I'd heard terrible things about SmileCare, so I was on my guard. The office was okay, nothing fancy...the front office staff was polite and courteous, however, there is a snippy blond back office assistant that needs a major attitude adjustment. To put it quite simply, she is a ***. If you happen to read this sweetheart, change the attitude...you are public healthcare and have a responsibility to be nice. I'm an RN...that outranks you I'm pretty sure. Be a careful consumer here and don't be afraid to speak up with this company!

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BayAreanative
, US
Feb 03, 2010 12:50 pm EST

I agree that SmileCare in Concord, California is horrible! My son got braces there, and I only went to them because of my insurance. The office manager told me that I had to get financing for the copay, and I was able to get part of it through CareCredit (also has bad customer service). She told me to try another company for the rest of it, but I told her that I was re-establishing my credit after a divorce and didn't want to run another credit check. She assured me that they approved people easily, but they didn't approve me. She didn't apologize or say one word, other than filling out their in-house credit form that I hadn't even been told about. I couldn't believe she didn't tell me that they could do the financing, especially when I told her my situation. They couldn't care less about their customers.

I also got a letter from them saying they were going to remove my son's braces, because I had not been "cooperative" in keeping appointments. My son had never missed an appointment, or even been late. The letter was so rude, and it was obviously a form letter. I was so insulted, because the only reason they sent it was because he needed to make appointments every month. I didn't realize that, and they waited two months before they sent the letter. How about calling the customer, huh? I pay for his braces every month, whether he sees a dentist or not, so why treat me this way?

Bottom line, DO NOT USE this dentist if you can help it.

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5:38 am EDT
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SmileCare Dental beware

Smile care Dental, their so call professionals say your tooth ache is due to a bruise tooth. However you do need some crowns and other work in which I did not go in for. This place is high pressure sale on items you really don't need. Guess what happen next the tooth I went in for with the problem after getting a second opinion was indeed infected and need antibiotics and a root canal. Thank you Smile care not only did they use my insurance but cost me more money to get the proper care that I should have received in the first place.

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Allan Ezell
,
Sep 11, 2008 11:42 am EDT

Same problem, I am now suing them

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11:05 pm EDT

SmileCare Dental unethical and terrible treatment

I am a dentist that worked for this organization as an employee only I was told i was an independent contractor. The treatment of patients is so bad I don"t even want to write this, if you see this know that your health and welfare is at great risk!

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Soldgie
, US
Aug 19, 2015 4:09 pm EDT
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I went to Smile care for the first time today. I have been with the same dentist for 20 years and I have perfect teeth and gums. Smile care refused to clean my teeth after the hygienist said I need a deep cleaning and antibiotics! This was such a joke. It wasn't until I said no to the extra costs and procedures that they refused a routine cleaning. After they took 18 X-rays and 2 hours of my time with perfect X-rays they tried to scam me! Canceling the insurance for them tomorrow. They aren't getting one more dime from me, , , I can't believe these people can feel good about they are doing!

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Anotheroneabouttoberippedoff
Riverside, US
Jul 07, 2011 7:31 pm EDT

I reviewed the complaints against SmileCare in Riverside before I made my appointment this past Tuesday, but went anyway to see for myself firsthand if the complaints had any justification. WELL: THEY ARE CORRECT! After I completed the paperwork as a new patient, I was led upstairs to the Drs. I was asked to come up to the receptionist. She asked me for $ 80.00 dollars for the x-rays, and consultation fees. I told her that I did not know I would have to pay this amount today and WHY was I NOT told this before/after I completed my paperwork. Her response: Didn't she tell you this downstairs? Duh, NO! I completed the paperwork and was brought up here to you! I knew I would have to pay something, but NOT THIS MUCH! LOW-COME... THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS. Most dental x-rays, consultations AND Cleaning: $ 35.00. (I checked). Well, I gave them the check. Saw the Dr. X-rays were taken, my "Consultant" told me it would cost: $ 1, 914.10 for my work I needed done: Root Canal, already had one on this tooth 2 years ago. WHAT ARE YOU ROOTING OUT? THEY DON'T GROW BACK! Then, re-posting & crownwork. I checked with another clinic in Riverside:VERY THOROUGH IN EXPLAINING WHAT WILL BE DONE. VERY LOW PAYMENTS TO FIT YOUR BUDGETS, AND YOU WILL STILL HAVE $$ TO LIVE! Something should be done about these dentist offices and corporations that take the advantage of people who do not have insurance OR IF THEY DO: BE HONEST. Don't rip them off if you want to remain in business (The correct way).What happened to the integrity of people? Did it go away after Dr. Marcus Welby died?

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unknownterribleservice
sanger, US
Jun 18, 2011 11:35 pm EDT

I agree with you my first time there I was there from 8-5 and that was for a check up, Their Hygienist Peter was great, but their new lady hygienist is pretty bad she only took 7 minutes and if that is the case why do they make you wait so long. When I questioned the way she was cleaning my teeth she got upset and she forgot to do the irrigation. Did not even read my chart.. I am sure she did not know what she was doing. Polished teeth first sort of clean them with the drill and than she floss. I did not like her attitude at all and the front desk person was even worse I don't know why they hire such idiots to work there.

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ihatesmilecaresomuch
, US
Mar 10, 2011 12:50 am EST

OMG upsetme2010, I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND YOUR PAIN! I went to Bellflower office for my ortho. and I regret it so much! And yes they change the doctor 5 times! The latest one is the Asian Dr. I just lost track of their name.

I finally got my powerchain when I hit my 24 months. Yes I was told I have 9 more months to go. I almost cry when she told me that. I am also dreaded the cleaning. The last one they manage to get $384 from me and refer me to a perio. I DID CANCEL THAT ONE. and yes like you, I dont have the nicest teeth but I just simply cant afford it anymore.

It will be my next cleaning in 2 days, I wouldnt surprise if they want to fix my whole mouth. I everyone there that look so concern about my teeth and how I need to fix it ASAP. I just gonna set my foot down and just said no to everything and just go ahead with the cleaning

I HATE THEM SO MUCH. I also bought the MI PASTE from Amazon for $14 and I brought it with me because they been pressuring me to buy it at one point.

I just cant wait for this to be over also. I am so stressed I have app with them.

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upsetme2010
, US
Sep 23, 2010 11:26 am EDT
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I am *sadly* signed for the ortho treatment. I couldnt agree more. They change dr 5 times! This is the one in Bellflower office.

I was suppose to be off end of this year. I only missed 2 appointments, so I was thinking it might add 2-3 months of my 24 months contracts.

Imaging my surprise when they told me I wont be done until atleast August 2011. That is 8 more months than original contract! The doctor sure is taking their sweet time to fix my teeth. I am already 1.5 years in and not even in Power Chain yet!

I hate them so much I feel like puking everytime I go in for appointment.

6 months cleaning is the worse. THEY ALWAYS FIND SOMETHING TO FIX, and give me this horrible story about tooth loss. Ok so, I might have some problem, but they are referring me to perio. for bone grafting and what else they want me to do.

Right now I am trying to cancel all specialist appointment except for ortho, and get second opinion.

At one time they are trying to sell me MI PASTE (more like pressuring me) for $25, and I told them I bought it off Amazon.com for $14. I notice that, that week all the flyers are nothing but featuring MI PASTE.

Seriously I hate the sale tactics. I just hate them and can't wait for this to be over.

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Joseph EL-B
Santa Fe Springs, US
Apr 22, 2010 2:06 am EDT

I worked with this group in the past, I saw a few comments that I agree with but some that I don't, especially the comment by Suzy G about Dr. Balshe! She complains that the cost was high and the Dr. has nothing to do with it. She should have checked with the office about the cost and not complain about the Dr. The 2nd opinions she had prove that she required work to be done. Knowing him, he was one of the most ethical colleagues I have ever worked with and one I would definetely feel comfortable working with!

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JezN
, US
Dec 02, 2009 4:04 pm EST

BEWARE! SMILE CARE IN BELLFLOWER OF OF DOWNEY! RUDE! SCAMMERS! I waited for 3hours before i got treatment not to mention i had a appt! Then get this ...I was only supposed to get half of my mouth fixed, next thing you know iam getting numbing shots in both sides of my mouth and the dentist starts working...he fixed all my mouth when i only agreed to half! now i have a huge bill that i didnt agree to pay! NOT FARE! Plus he was so ruff and was working on five people at once! Never again!

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Up Set Mom
El Monte, US
Nov 04, 2009 10:46 pm EST

I took my daughter to the Smile Care in Rosemead, CA for braces. I paid 4K+ (cash) for her braces. My contract was for 36 months. If you go over your contract, you get charged $75 each additional month. Well, they found ways to prolong the length of my daughters braces from coming off. They would set appointments for her and when she'd go in, they'd tell her that she didn't have an appointment for that day. This has happened many times. So if you don't have your appt card as proof, then you're pretty much screwed because it's your word against theirs. We got smart and started saving our appt cards as proof to show them that she did in fact have the appt. I tried to get them to waive her $75 monthly fee and they refused. Smile Care will find ways to prolong the length of time your braces stay on so that once your contract ends, you have no choice but to pay the $75 monthly fees. It's unfair and if I had known, I would have never taken her there! Not only this, the Dr intimidates you if you have questions. He made my daughter feel like an idiot when she asked a question. Unprofessional Dr's and staff.

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Michaelmike
Riverside, US
Jul 08, 2009 12:22 am EDT

OH...NOT TO MENTION TERRIBLE TREATMENT, CUT HER LIP, DROP THE INSTRUMENT AND GO STRAIGHT TO MY WIFE'S MOUTH. SMILE CARE RIVERSIDE, CA. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR HURTING MY WIFE.

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Michaelmike
Riverside, US
Jul 08, 2009 12:03 am EDT

STAY AWAY FROM SMILE CARE DENTAL IN RIVERSIDE, CA. UNPROFESSIONAL, RUDE, MONEY SUCKING ROACHES!. THEY ARE YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE ESPECIALLY DR. SOLTON...

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6:17 am EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

SmileCare Dental Dental malpractice and billing fraud

These people mishandled my dental care and are now billing me for work that they told me was covered by my insurance. Their staff was unprofessional and incompetent and now they sent me to collections for $300 that I was told was covered under my insurance. They told me it was approved but didn't actually get it approved and billed me over six months later for it and in the process of my complaint they said they would take care of it (or at least investigate it) but instead ignored my calls and sent me to collections instead. I have no problem paying my bills as long as they are MY BILLS properly accrued.

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KNB11
, US
Aug 10, 2016 1:32 pm EDT

Could not agree with you more! They sent me a bill for $465 for services that my insurance had paid for! I sent them copies of the payments and statements from my insurance company showing that they paid. They told me I was correct, but I had to speak to their corporate office. I sent the info to them and one year letter I received a collection letter from them! That negatively impacted my Excellent credit score just when I was trying to purchase a home! I don't know how this place is still in business! They are not even BBB accredited!

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HauntinguFrauders
North Las Vegas, US
Dec 06, 2012 5:45 pm EST

I can't believe that I have bills after a few years later. They already sucked ~12, 000 USD from me and my insurance. Where do I start for a fraud billing?

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hate smilecare
Pomona, US
Aug 31, 2011 7:23 am EDT

let take smilecare out of business

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nancywheelero422
Tracy, US
May 08, 2011 11:04 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

they made a right partial that has never fit properly and now they are refusing to fix it. they billed my insurance and my care credit account. i highly recommend that you never go there. i was on my third dentist by the time i left. i have file a complaint with smile care, the dental board, and with my insurance company. i had to pay $40.oo to get a copy of my dental file. they get you going and coming. i hate them and i hope my complaint is not for nothing

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NotSoHappyPatient
2343 E 17th St Unit 103, US
Mar 24, 2011 8:20 pm EDT

I went to SmileCare to get a deep cleaning procedure done and apparently they found cavities and needed to fill them in. Fine, I said. But I want the silver ones because I am not paying extra for white filling that will not even be on the visible teeth. Also declined the desentisizing irrigation whatnot that they offered for the deep cleaning because it was not covered. How is it that when I opened an email from Aetna do I find out that I was being billed by an "Ivan Berger" and not SmileCare? This now results in Aetna saying I went out of network so I must pay near $700! I have been trying to contact their corporate insurance billing department for 2 weeks and have not received any answer to my request of fixing the billing to show SmileCare and not some random dentist. Argh!

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silvestrova
San diego, US
Mar 03, 2011 12:42 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I complained to BBB and they are ware of it and still not taking of the problem. I would consider a lawsuit but i am so infamiliar with the judgmental system.

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Rupunz
, US
Mar 03, 2011 12:19 am EST

The same billing issues have happened to me. They are horrible and unprofessional. They need to be investigated and possibly lose their liscense. A class action law suit would be nice.

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silvestrova
San diego, US
Feb 09, 2011 12:32 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I have exactly the same problem with this company. They performed a service that I never agreed to and then they charged me. After numerous phone calls they said they will take care of it. Six month later they sent me to a collection agency and posted it to my credit report. My credit score dropped from 740 to 680 because of that. I would do everything to expose their shady business. There must be a oragnization or autority that can help people to deal with fraud companies like that.

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frown care
d safd as, US
Nov 18, 2010 2:23 am EST

I went to them in 2008 to get a tooth removed, my insurance covered it is what they told me. Went again in 2009 to get another removed. Insurance covered it they told me. About 2 weeks later I get something in the mail saying my insurance didn't cover all the expenses and owe $50 for the procedure done in 2008! Went in there and complained told me that this is all I owed. Paid the stupid $50 and left. Its 2010 and I just got 2 more bills from them saying I owe $40 for the procedure done in 2009 and another saying I owe $30 for the procedure done in 2008!

Not to mention they tried to pull this one thing on me where they left me a voicemail saying "this message is for ... confirming your appointment tomorrow. If you cancel or miss your appointment you will be charged and you have until 3 o'clock to cancel the appointment." I was soo upset after hearing this I called and yelled at her saying I never made any appointment and her response was "Oh the computer automatically schedules everyone for there checkup appointments and you're due for a checkup." I was like NO take me off that stupid thing I don't ever want to go to you guys again!

I don't really know what I should do about these bills that just came in the mail yesterday for procedures done 2 years ago.. probably just throw them away

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LUCKYSTAR.2009
BAKERSFIELD, US
Oct 07, 2010 11:45 am EDT

All of this has me really scared ! Last week I took my kids in for a cleaning and was told both of my kids needed braces and it was in my best interest to get them done that same day ... So I worked out a payment plan and let me do the braces ! The next day stuff was falling out of my kids mouth, the brackets were becoming detached and 1 wire broke ! I called and they said well your kids must have ate something hard or drank soda ! They hadnt eaten anything cuz they were in pain.
They said they cant see my kids for two wks because the ortho dept is out till then !
I read my contracts fine print and it says that even if I choose to go to a different dentist I am responsible to pay for the entire amount of the treatment ! IM SO SCREWED RIGHT ?

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