ComplaintsforDental Care at Little River

• Initial Complaint

  07/30/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Unanswered

  More info

  Husband and I both went to Dental Care of Little River in S.C on Nov 9th 2023. Approx 3 months after visit, they sent incorrect bill charging wife ************* for husband's visit. I called & explained they have our insurances swapped and was told, oh yes, I see that, let me work on it. About a month later, I get a bill for over $300, which I paid. In ***** 2024, I was talking with my HR person and the $300 plus bill came up. She helped me confirm in the system that the bill was not only wrong, but the dentist office never even ran my insurance, they just deposited the check I sent them. When I called the dental office they said I have a credit on my account for the exact amount I paid when they sent the second incorrect bill. I had to tell them to bill my insurance as they still had not done so after numerous calls into them. We have called them no less than 20 times since ***** requesting they give us back our money and we keep getting the run around. They have not returned one message that we have left. We have to go through the scheduler just to get a live person and they can't help. They did send one "refund" check in June finally but to the wrong address so we never received. When I called them and they confirmed to me they sent check to wrong address and also said that my correct address is on paperwork so check should never had been sent there. They also told me that this employee who did wrong address no longer works there. We are still trying to get our money back as of today 7/30/24. We were told yesterday that they see the requested refund check is still "pending" and have no way to give us an ETA. They took our money after sending two incorrect invoices and not charging to insurance at all, put a credit on my account, never called to ask why we sent this money or what I want done with the credit etc. Now, we cant even get our own money back, that's not even a refund, they never should have been kept it. La Vonne and ***************************

• Initial Complaint

  08/31/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Unanswered

  More info

  I made an appointment for the second time with this dentist, and both times they wasted my time. They do absolutely nothing, but have you on your way and tell you to make another appointment. When I made this second appointment, the receptionist told me, she would put me on the list for an earlier opening if it became available (I had a tooth bothering me). That didn't happen, which was fine, but why would I be on a waitlist for an earlier appointment just to be told to make another one, after I do arrive at my appointment on time for you to do nothing?? But of course, they are charging your insurance and in return my insurance bills me. Not sure what they could possibly be charging you for, when they literally do NOTHING. They are crooks and I would highly suggest finding another dentist for any of your needs.

• Initial Complaint

  12/28/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On 12/19/2022 I was at Dental Care Little River for teeth cleaning after receiving a $79 coupon from them. At the time of the appointment I told the receptionist that I need cleaning only. On 12/19/2022 while in their office a dental hygenist took my teeth x-rays and dentist ************************* looked at my teeth and X-rays. ************** told me that my teeth looks fine and left the examination room. The hygenist told me to make an appointment for 'deep cleaning' that cost $1008. The hygenist told me that she will clean my teeth three months after I do the $1008 deep cleaning. The hygenist did not clean my teeth. They charged me $60 for X-rays and examination. I have no use with their x-rays and I have to take x-rays again and get unnecessary radiation if I go to another dentist for cleaning. Since they didn't clean my teeth I like them to refund me $60. Dental Care at Little River refused to clean my teeth as they promised in the coupon and at the time of appointment. They are luring customers by providing coupon and force patients to do unnecessary and expensive procedures.

  Business response

  01/05/2023

  We are sorry this patient feels this way. As a new patient we have no history of this patient and as the coupon states $79 for comprehensive exam, x-rays and cleaning. The office breaks it down $30 exam, $30 x-rays, $19 for prophy (cleaning). Doctors cannot do exams without x-rays. We do not do just cleanings on New patients since if there were a problem the doctor has an obligation to address it. This patient was found to have periodontal disease, which a cleaning would not remove the infection. Periodontal disease is treated with periodontal scaling which is a deeper cleaning to remove the infection and most times can be started same day. This patient was given a treatment plan for periodontal therapy to remove the infection in his gums. He chose not to go forward with that treatment.
  This patient was not charged for a cleaning due to the disease the hygienist did not do one. He was charged for the x-rays and exam which he received which totaled the special fee of $60. It would have been $79 if he was able to get the cleaning. He is welcome to have his x-rays sent to another office or keep for his records anytime.
  Below is posted on our website under "New Patients" to help patients understand what they can expect and ************ of ********** Here's what to expect at your dental first visit
  All New patient first visit will take approximately 90 minutes.
  When you arrive, you will be greeted by a Business Assistant who will check you in, notify the team of your arrival, verify insurance if applicable, and guide you through any necessary new patient paperwork. You can save time by completing the new patient forms online before you arrive. A link to the new patient forms is also available on our website.
  Once completed, a member of our team will ****** you from the waiting room to a treatment room where they will review your dental history, medical history, and any dental health concerns or issues. We will also take your blood pressure to ensure you are in good health. This is a great time to let us know if you are anxious about your appointment. Your comfort is a priority, and we will work to make your appointment as smooth and comfortable as possible. The hygienist will then take digital x-rays for the doctor to review. Radiation from digital dental x-rays is very low, especially in comparison to traditional x-rays.
  Your Hygiene Visit
  During your visit, dental hygienist will discuss your dental history and answer any questions you may have regarding oral hygiene habits, signs of gum disease, or brushing and flossing techniques. You can discuss any concerns, sensitivity, or issues you are experiencing at this time.
  An overview of your mouth and gums will be followed by an oral cancer screening, then a thorough cleaning and polishing of your teeth. Your hygienist may clean your teeth manually with traditional tools or use an advanced water powered instrument based on what is best for your specific needs. Fluoride treatments are recommended by the *** for adults as well as children, and your dental hygienist may recommend treatment.
  Finally, your hygienists will review tips for caring for your teeth and preventing gum disease. You will leave with a toothbrush, floss and toothpaste to keep on track with your home health routine.
  At your first visit, if your hygienist detects (gum disease) periodontal disease, your doctor will come in to diagnose if the periodontal disease is present and the best treatment for you. Periodontal disease is treated with Periodontal scaling which is a deeper cleaning to remove the infection and most times can be started same day. You will be given a treatment plan at that time to show you the best treatment your doctor and hygienist recommend for you. Once the periodontal disease is treated you will return 3 times a year for periodontal maintenance (more involved than regular cleaning to ensure the infection doesn't return).
  Your Comprehensive Exam
  As a new patient, you will see the dentist for a comprehensive exam. During this exam the dentist will discuss your health history, any concerns you may have. During your exam, your dentist will review your dental x-rays and complete an oral cancer screening which includes an examination of your jaw, neck, tongue and inside of your mouth. This screening is important and recommended one per year.
  This initial visit is important so your dental team can identify any issues like gum disease or cavities and any other concerns you have about your smile. Based on your exam, your dentist will develop a personalized treatment plan and discuss options with you.
  What's next?
  Once you review your treatment plan with the dentist, a patient coordinator will meet with you to schedule any follow-up appointments, review payment options, and answer questions about insurance coverage of your recommended services.
  For each service you will receive a comprehensive breakdown of cost and insurance coverage. Financing options such as CareCredit, ******************* Plan for those without insurance are available. We can assist you in applying in the office. Our goal is to help you get the treatment you need quickly and comfortably.
  Don't forget to schedule your next hygiene appointment and exam before you leave. It's a great way to make sure you stay on track with your dental health. When you provide us a cell phone and email address, you will receive text and email reminders of your upcoming appointments.
  
  

  Customer response

  01/10/2023

  I am not satisfied with the response provided by Dental Care at Little River. I strongly believe that the teeth cleaning coupon they mailed to me was simply a bait to lure me into their dental office. Once on the dental chair they tried to manipulate me to make an appointment for a $1008 deep cleaning procedure. The regular cleaning they offered through their coupon was not done. Even if I require a deep cleaning (I don't need one) they should have honored their coupon and given me a regular teeth cleaning. While making the appointment I specifically told them that I need the regular cleaning and they agreed. However, once in the office they refused to clean my teeth. I simply wasted my day.

  Business response

  01/19/2023

  We are sorry that the patient is not satisfied. As stated previously, the patient was charged appropriately for the services that were rendered at that time. It is the doctor's obligation to provide ethical services based on patient needs. Upon further review of the patient's chart, the patient was referred to the periodontist, whom is a specialist that handles severe cases of periodontal disease. The patient was not eligible for a prophylaxis cleaning at this office due to the severity of her condition. The pricing that the patient is referring to in the initial complaint was not for *******, but rather for her husband who had a different diagnosis. If the patient would like further clarification on the decision that was made, they can reach out to us and we will be glad to further discuss.

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩