Allcare Dental Clinics Close Suddenly

Patients of Allcare Dental Clinics, which operates offices in 15 states, were jolted this week when the company suddenly closed all its locations, citing cash-flow problems.

The company has not offered any further public comment on the closings. The Wall Street Journal reports repeated attempts to contact company executives were unsuccessful.

WTVG-TV in Toledo, Ohio, reported that it got through to the office manager of the Allcare clinic in Toledo, who offered this statement:

"At this time any patients who were scheduled for any treatment will not be contacted by anyone from Allcare per upper management. The Toledo Staff will (sic) like to offer our condolences to the patients we care much for. We want them to know that this was something that was unexpected and out of our hands."

For many patients using the clinics, it's just not a matter of finding another dentist. Many have invested money in tests and x-rays, and will need access to those files when they find a new dental provider. Others have pre-paid for dental services they will now not receive.

New Hampshire appies pressure

New Hampshire Attorney General Michael A. Delaney pressed All Care Dental to reopen its two clinics in his state Thursday so patients could retrieve their records. However, some patients complained their records were not at the locations when they arrived.

In neighboring Massachusetts, Attorney General Martha Coakley said her office is reviewing the sudden closings. She said affected Massachusetts patients with concerns regarding billing disputes or for pre-paid treatment that was not administered should call her Consumer Hotline at (617) 727-8400. 

"Please be aware that the AG's Office and Board Of Registration In Dentistry are working diligently to get patients access to their medical records," Coakley said.

Multi-state task force

Meanwhile, Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette said he is looking into forming a multi-state task force to assist Michigan consumers affected by the sudden closure of the dental chain.

 "Our first priority is to ensure Michigan Allcare Dental patients who were left high and dry either receive refunds or the dental care they purchased," said Schuette.  "I encourage affected patients to file a complaint with our Consumer Protection Division for assistance."

Schuette said a task force is needed to mediate consumer complaints with Allcare Dental and third-party financing companies regarding dental services for which consumers pre-paid but did not receive. He said efforts must be made to preserve and protect dental records in accordance with healthcare privacy laws, as well as efforts to ensure timely patient access to records in Allcare Dental clinics.

He also said he would like the task force to review the company's business practices to determine whether any state laws were violated.