Dental Chains

[Bitterness]

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[NileBDS]

So I just had an interesting experience last weekend,

I went to Western Dental, Because I hadnt visited a dentist in a while + I have been getting too much sweets, So they tell me that they would charge me 85 for exam and xrays only and then after that, If I needed anything else, they would give me an estimate, so I said ok.
After the exam, they gave me a estimate for $2000 for 6 cavities (amalgam) wisdom teeth extraction and cleaning. They said, they would accept 3 payments over 6 months if I didnt have the money upfront.
I asked her if they could do the cleaning and a couple of fillings and charge me for that for now, and they said that they dont do that. I had to accept the whole treatment and submit the payment.
So I am wondering, Is that how big chains make their money???
Or is it just stardard procedure of any dental office?
I went to a private dental office where they actually did the cleaning and couple of fillings... so what's up with that??

No, it is not. They are just flat out being dishonest, but that it is just how they choose to run their business. There should be absolutely no problem with them doing the first part of the treatment (specially that you offered to pay in full for those services), and put you on a payment plan or contract for the rest.

 

[recentgrad123]

I don't agree with what they are doing to you, but you have to consider other facts. They are a corporation and they want to cover themselves from liability. If they do some of the fillings but not others and leave your wisdom teeth and there are any problems arising from those teeth in the future, you might consider suing them for failing to do those procedures.
You should go to a private practice dentist.

 

[jay47]

I don't agree with what they are doing to you, but you have to consider other facts. They are a corporation and they want to cover themselves from liability. If they do some of the fillings but not others and leave your wisdom teeth and there are any problems arising from those teeth in the future, you might consider suing them for failing to do those procedures.
You should go to a private practice dentist.

Very good logic here. They have certain ways they must do things.

 

[jmill0]

I don't agree with what they are doing to you, but you have to consider other facts. They are a corporation and they want to cover themselves from liability. If they do some of the fillings but not others and leave your wisdom teeth and there are any problems arising from those teeth in the future, you might consider suing them for failing to do those procedures.
You should go to a private practice dentist.

WTF? This doesn't even make sense. How can you sue someone for if you refuse treatment?

The choice to continue with treatment is the sole decision of the patient, not the dentist. I have a feeling there is more to the story than is being told. They probably said they don't finance less than a certain amount. I doubt it was in-house financing either. I'm sure a "private practice dentist" will do it either.....

JKM

 

[airsimon]

I know an orthodontist that worked for Western Dental for 10 years. He now refers to the company as "Western Devil."

 

[HuyetKiem]

WTF? This doesn't even make sense. How can you sue someone for if you refuse treatment?

The choice to continue with treatment is the sole decision of the patient, not the dentist. I have a feeling there is more to the story than is being told. They probably said they don't finance less than a certain amount. I doubt it was in-house financing either. I'm sure a "private practice dentist" will do it either.....

JKM

you will be surprised. Many patients tend to have very short term memory.

 

[aphistis]

you will be surprised. Many patients tend to have very short term memory.

..Which is why everyone should document their informed consent discussions, whether the patient agrees to or refuses treatment.

 

[blankguy]

..Which is why everyone should document their informed consent discussions, whether the patient agrees to or refuses treatment.

Legalese. The world revolves around them.🙄

 

[Dr. Dai Phan]

So I just had an interesting experience last weekend,

I went to Western Dental, Because I hadnt visited a dentist in a while + I have been getting too much sweets, So they tell me that they would charge me 85 for exam and xrays only and then after that, If I needed anything else, they would give me an estimate, so I said ok.
After the exam, they gave me a estimate for $2000 for 6 cavities (amalgam) wisdom teeth extraction and cleaning. They said, they would accept 3 payments over 6 months if I didnt have the money upfront.
I asked her if they could do the cleaning and a couple of fillings and charge me for that for now, and they said that they dont do that. I had to accept the whole treatment and submit the payment.
So I am wondering, Is that how big chains make their money???
Or is it just stardard procedure of any dental office?
I went to a private dental office where they actually did the cleaning and couple of fillings... so what's up with that??

I think it is in your best interest is to seek second opinion from private dentist(s) or better yet enroll as a patient at a dental school or hospital that has dental residents. From my experience with one dental chain, the fees are typical lower to entice patients but the treatment plan tends to be elaborate. I once knew a friend who worked in a dental chain and everyone there was under pressure to produce a certain amount each month. If she meets the quota then she gets the bonus. If not, then comes the pink slip. It was not the place where a patient's wellness is their first priority. DP