Western Dental & Orthodontics Reviews

She refused to give me any more numbing medication even though I was in tears and didn't want to stop. After the procedure, I was very angry and in so much pain. She did not care that I was in pain and didn't give me in antibiotics or anything for my pain. I would never ever in my entire life go back to this place again. They do not care about their patients, well at least this woman didn't.

3 days later Western Dental withdrew $115.00 from my bank account. I have been on the phone with Western Dental's incompetent employees ever since trying to get my refund. I called the local office and they told me to call corporate, corporate told me to call customer service Refunds. No one answers the phone, you can only leave a message and hope that Western Dental staff will call back but they don't. I was told by Western Dental in a Texas office to contact Patient Relations and speak with a complaint staffer named Jessica who was absolutely no help at all. As a matter of fact she didn't want to help me at all and told me to go back to the local office in Hawthorne. I have contact a channel 2 investigative reporter to look into all the similar complaints about how horrible Western Dental is. Just a word of advice and warning DO NOT GO TO ANY WESTERN DENTAL OFFICES, they are the worst!!!

I pay the balance and sign another EFT authorization. Now these guys charge me twice a month for $77 and $99. I did not notice right away so here I go again to the office to fix it. So far the payments are ok now. Now today in the mail I got a collections notice for $176 past due. I called right away to the Western Dental billing to see what is going on. Earlier this year I had gone for a general dental checkup but due to the wait in the lobby and then waiting in the back for a dentist I had decided to reschedule. A week after that I get a call from collection due to not paying. How can I be billed when no services were rendered? I remember getting an estimate. I had to call back to the billing department and make a claim but I guess these idiots never actually processed it after I was told it would be ok. Nothing but problems. Stay away from here. Now I have to fix the mess this office has made.

Dr. ** spent five minutes yelling at me. I was wrong, he was right. That to take the sides down would reduce the surface area of the dentures. Finally he did reduce them slightly. The bottom ones still gouge into the back of my mouth and the lower areas, under my tongue and the front of my gums. Dr. ** began the session by yelling at me after I said they don't fit, without listening to the problems. The other comment I remember during his rant is that my gums would grow into the new dentures. I found no research to back that. Rather my gums will continue to shrink, especially with loose fitting dentures. Because of my disorder there is not much else I remember of what he said. The nurse just stood there looking at the floor and did nothing.

I have chronic post traumatic stress disorder. Being in a dentist office causes me severe anxiety and distress. No one wanted to know that. Dr ** would not listen. I did yell back, by that time I was in tears and embarrassed, humiliated. I left. I will not return. I need the dentures adjusted to fit my mouth. I have tried to eat, wear them, but I cannot. I know I have to adjust to a new pair, I get that, just as I had to adjust to the first ones. The dentist I saw 20+ years ago took great care in educating me in this process. I did my homework, I know a hard lining can be put in that will help adjust them to my mouth. Even a soft lining can be used for a short time. Dr. ** refused.

The first dentist I saw there passed me to Dr. ** because he did not want to deal with a difficult patient. Had I been listened to, rather than ignored, I would not have been distressed and "difficult." I was told not to expect them to fit like my old ones. That I could not expect to have these new ones fit like them. I get that. But I do expect to have them adjusted to fit my mouth. I do not do well with being yelled at, no more than I do when I am hungry and have to take time out of work, for which I do not get paid, to be told that I cannot be helped. I apologized for my outburst and did my best to make it right.

I was told not to go to Western Dental, that they have a poor reputation for this type of treatment for the patients, that their services are poor. I did more homework after the fact, I found no complimentary reviews that convinced me that I made the right choice. I want my dentures adjusted to fit my mouth. Denti-cal paid for them, but I pay my taxes, so I am not a charity. I believe those of us on government services deserve the best treatment available. Yet I am finding that to be a misled belief.

Went to the Vacaville, CA office, gave them both cards, was told "We'll use this one first, then this one". Was taken in for xrays and exam. The assistant went out of the exam area and returned with a proposal of $10k+. I said thanks, but no. She left and returned with an update to $6k+. Had they applied any discounts from the cards I gave, these would have been factored in already, so they either didn't apply them at first, or padded the estimate anyway. She handed me the only paperwork I got from them, one page with my FICO at the top and two payment plans for services that were not itemized. She said to hurry up before the end of the month when they change their financing schemes.

I said I'm ill prepared to agree to such a deal right now, but thanks. She said, as she deleted line by line a bunch of stuff on her screen, that today's visit was my free exam and xrays anyway so I wouldn't be charged. All I could see on there were several entries in one column that read "400-something", maybe some code. She went pretty fast. I asked at the desk on the way out, and they said all done.

This week I took from the mail a notice apparently from their collections people for 'an attempt to collect a debt' of $321.30, of which I'd paid $0.00. Nice trick, scammers. I entered into NO agreement for the services, received NO service that I was told was not free, NO detail of charges or work to be done, and NO prior bill. This agency is supposedly correspondent with both discount/coverage plans for which I presented eligibility.

Calls to the their central number only get me "That department is closed right now" or a voicemail. This is abuse of process, fraud and deceit. In light of WD's hideous record of fraud, malfeasance and lies, I am preparing to file suit for damages, including impact of having to pay this bogus fee and deleterious effect upon my immediate plans for travel for work pursuit imposed by an expense that I both said I did not agree to and was told was free.

I can file IFP at my level of finances, and I'm considering naming those individuals who were part of this process as well - they were part of the scam and they have incomes and assets that may help to redress what threatens to become a protracted loss - it's already consumed several hours' worth of time that should have been better spent before the flight for which I've saved, bought and was on my way to a better job environment. I am further, today, filing complaints with any pertinent State and Federal agencies.

Now I'll have plenty of time to sit here and do nothing productive but seek proper redress for this crime against my financial security and good name, as now I have to stay here to receive any further mailings regarding their next scam or risk having my credit shot while I'm in the dark for months to come. It looks like a quick $321.30 to them; now paid, it hits me well hard right now. What do they care? I'll make them care, for a change.

I couldn't wait as I live an hour away from the office and had to pick up my son from school. I made appointment for the next day at 10:30 am. I was given 1 vial of numbing medication for 3 different teeth. I was told that if I felt any pain to raise left hand. Well a little bit of drilling into the first tooth I could feel it and raised my hand. I was told that she (dentist) was almost done drilling. Then she had to scrape and drill a bit more I raised my hand again. She said that she was done. Started drilling on my next tooth which hurt as well and raised my hand. She said "you are feeling it because the numbing med I gave you is not as strong and the regular stuff we use." Why wouldn't they give more if they know it doesn't work as good? (I have a reaction to **.) She refused to give me more so I had to bear it. Really don't understand why I had to suffer when they get paid for the items they use.

I now have rough fillings. They are not smooth like all the other ones from several other dentists I have used. Showed up to appointment early. It was at 10:30 I got there at 10:00. At 10:55 I asked how much longer it was going to be. I wasn't having any work done I just needed my stay plate. I was told I was next. Around 11:05 I was called back. Guess what my stay plate that only takes an hour to fix was NOT done. So I waited until 11:25. When it was brought out it looked funny. So I gave it a try. It didn't fit in my mouth I couldn't get it to click into place. So the girl who made it adjusted the wires that hold it in place. It still wouldn't fit. So I got mad and also said that they could have cleaned that holes out not just seal the food in it. I was told I would have to wait for a dentist. Every chair in the back was occupied. They only have 2 dentists that I am aware of at this office.

I waited until 11:55 am (1.5 hours after appointment time) and I wasn't there for any work. So I took my stay plate up to the front. Told them I wanted my money back that this was a joke. I have had a stay plate for 7 years and have never had this problem. I was told that I would have to wait for the manager to call me about the money. Another girl from the front said that the dentist wanted me to wait. I did enough waiting I want my money back. So now I am waiting to hear from the manager.

After sitting in the waiting room fro 38 minutes to be seen, my daughter went back and saw Dr. ** who told her that everything was fine and that the pain is normal and would last for a week or more. Upon my daughter telling me this, I immediately asked to speak with the Doctor myself, the Doctor's assistant when asked about the pain medication informed me that she was sent home on Saturday with pain medication and antibiotics, to which I informed her that no she was not, just the antibiotics.

We are far from junkies and my daughter is in a lot of pain, can't eat, so what am I supposed to do?? Over the counter ** does nothing for her, she has never even taken pain medication before, so telling me that this is normal??? This is far from normal, I have had several teeth extracted in my lifetime and have ALWAYS been sent home with some sort of pain medication. Do yourselves a favor and don't use Western Dental. They could care less about their patients.

However upon reading the contract that night I found it murky and open ended in which extras not mentioned in the contract could be added. I found the identification as to the type of implants were simply called bone. The very denture itself was billed at only 130.00 which made no sense for an all-on-four denture. Further there were no guarantees expressed or even implied as to the work to be done. The only point expressed in the contract other than the money I owed was that called through the truth in lending practice.

So six days after signing the contract, I cancelled it formally in the dental office. I was told that I would need to wait to receive the 1,500.00 deposit money according to their processing. Well after many calls and waiting, I received only 500.00 and this after 5 and one-half months of waiting. After disputing the charges with corporate and the dental office I was told that I had another 700.00 coming but I would need to wait again. I have so far been treated with disdain and without the professionalism one would expect with a company so well known.

I still don't expect a resolution any time soon But I advise that anyone before signing with Western Dental or any contract, please take it home and read it. I was not even offered a chair to sit down in to read mine in the dental office I was in and like a fool I hurried up and signed it. My own experience showed me that Western Dental will foot drag as long as possible so if anyone does sign and change their mind, like I did, prepare for a very, very, long wait as I am still waiting.

When I called to dispute the charges, I was told Western Dental didn't charge me late fees and amount owed was the remaining Tricare Dental didn't cover. Good thing I believe in keeping my bills. I found the bill sent to me that noted a $25 late fee that had been accessed to the account. The customer service representative backtracked on his previous statement that Western Dental had not assessed late fees. He then offered me a 'discount' of $179 off of the disputed charge. I paid the $333 to be rid of the company. Had I not kept the bills, Western Dental would have probably continued to bill me late charges and noted a negative remark on my credit report. I am waiting for the Class Action lawsuit.

They royally ** me over badly. When I tried to seek treatment from Brident Dental that was 11 minutes away from my residential, they told me that I had to get audit, close my account with Western Dental (via paying off my braces - $1,800 worth) and start a whole new contract with them (with treatment ranging up to $3,000+). They told me that they done away with merging accounts 1.5 month ago without notifying me. I asked if I was the exception to the rule since I'm a old patient. NO! I talked to everybody from the old office to their corporate office. They don't give a ** about their patients, but their money! A newly veteran from US Navy, this company was the first thing that screwed me.

I decided to pay them off once I liquidated my TSP funds and go with Invisalign with Groupon for $1,500 total price treatment. I'll be saving way more money than if I stayed with them. And you know what, I liked them to the point I would've have stayed. Thank God! I hope this company go bankrupt! Preying on people who don't have insurance. Do yourself a favor and don't go to this company. Western Dental/Brident Dental are **!

Ditch my insurance, extend my CareCredit to $10,000 and the bill to WD will only be $13,000 for a total of $23,000. The condo I live in now I paid $50,000 for. OK, I've been to three different dentist this year and paid $900 for a root canal and $900 for a crown. In all of the x-rays I've had no other dentist told me that I needed a tooth extraction until today! My complaint is that when I was leaving the office, I was informed that my insurance does not pay for whole mouth x-ray with pictures, $94.000. Thanks for coming in. WD are crooks. They take the respect out of the trade of robbing people by adding insult to injury... going after people's money when they know some people can't pay! DO NOT GO TO WD!

I was asking if I could have implants, so they suggested I get another x-ray and appointment with another specialist to give me advice. Another appointment, they added the cost to my contract. After three specialist and x-rays, (Yes, they do not have a resident dentist in that area. Instead, they have a different doctor each time you visit) who had different opinions each time, they were charging me for each visit and each x-ray. Of course, different specialists have different opposing opinions, so even though nothing tangible is happening to my person, my bill is getting huge.

Finally, they wanted me to get a tooth extraction. Well before the extraction, they fitted me to a tray in my mount -- to get a better fit on the dentures, they say. Well, during the tooth extraction, the doctor said I needed two bone grafts, to better fit the dentures, he said. That added another $800.00 to my bill, and since I am under anesthesia, and I am not a medical person, I reluctantly agreed.

Each time the doctor makes suggestion, they had me sign more amendments to the cost. They had me come one week later to see how my gums were healing. Another bill for a three second look see from their specialist. They said this is necessary because they can address infections or such. Then another fitting on the gums, but this one is one of five other fittings, so five other appointments before I even see the dentures. Then they brought another tray, just to make sure that there is a perfect fit for the dentures. Another very uncomfortable tray fitting. Finally, the dentures came, but these are just temporary ones. The real ones would, as they said, be perfect. I should hope so, because I already wasted seven trips with all the fittings, each one I did not know were being added to my final bill.

The permanent ones came. Oh-oh, they are very painful in my mouth. Besides, I could not close my mouth because there is a gap to my mouth. Obviously, they must have made a mistake. I told them I could not talk, close my mouth, or let alone bite into anything with them. The dentist told me to keep them in my mouth and suffer the pain, because these are new ones, I can adjust in two weeks.

Three weeks later, I still have the stabbing pain in my gums each time I wear them. The doctor says this is but natural for new dentures. But, "doctor, how come I could not talk without gagging or could eat anything with them". He said they just needed a little adjustment. So I had a series of appointments with, not a dentist, but dental technician to chisel the imperfections.

After the fifth attempt to fit them into my mouth without pain and to at least be able to perfectly close my mouth so I can function as a normal human being, they said they cannot do anything to it. I told them that maybe another denture is appropriate because clearly, this does not fit my gums or even my mouth. With them inside my mouth, I can only talk with a slur, and since I go to school, I do not want anybody taking me to the hospital thinking I am having a stroke. I speak like I just had a stroke every time the dentures are in my mouth, I said to them. They said that unless I am willing to pay for a new set, they cannot help me because that is too much money. That I do not need to go them anymore because they can not help me.

Now I am stuck with an $8,500.00 bill, for an unsatisfactory experience and then after two years of paying them, I cannot even afford to go pay for a real competent dentist in my area. After paying them for two years, I still owe them more than three thousand dollars. They arrange with me an automatic bill pay, which I agreed as long as they won't bother me again. Who would have thought that not only are they staffed with incompetent dental people, but the office bill collectors are as well. I got a bill from them that states that they are automatically getting paid from my checking account.

A few days later, I kept getting calls from them all throughout the day, collecting money again. I told them I do not want to be bothered and besides, I got crappy service from them and absolutely no use for their product, which, by the way, they are not willing to take back because they said, "We cannot re-use the product ourselves and it would be too expensive for us to replace it for you. Just go somewhere else to help you with your own problem."

Well, right now, I am out of money and cannot afford to go to a real dentist because of the humongous bill they kept sending me. I do not believe they even took out the denture bill, which is absolutely no use to me. They are telling me to pay up on the automatic machine they use to harass me with or suffer bad credit score. I may have to sue them to get justice for this hellish nightmare for trusting them with my business.

I have been fighting them for 9 months. In order to sue them, I have to have disposable funds, which as a disabled senior I don't have, so I'm forced to take them to small claims, and how do I fight their lies? The CA dental review board stated they would only get involved if the offending dentist made a habit of pulling the wrong tooth. Can you believe that! Western Dental should get their license to practice revoked or put on suspension for the way they handle things. I intend to do as much as I can to get justice for their dishonesty.

So #1 billed my insurance, #2 billed my Care Credit, #3 sent me the exact same bill. They are flat out criminals. While I was there a little man comes and tells me I need fillings and the silver will be in the 60 dollar range and the white will be in the 70 dollar range I get to the counter the receptionists says they will be from 90 dollars to 120 dollars. I call the Corporate Office. I got transferred to 4 different people and none of them could help me and to file a grievance which I will and report to the BBB and maybe go to small claims court. Lost money, time and sanity. This is the worst criminal activity I have seen followed by the worst customer service I have ever seen in a company that calls themselves a business.

Anyways in June a lady actually sat down and reviewed my account because my insurance covered 484 dollars for my crown and Western Dental charged me 623 because they thought my insurance didn't cover it. I got a printout of my receipt and owed 493.80 from what the lady fixed. I was overcharged 500 dollars. In July I made my monthly payment and it's saying I owe 900 dollars. I asked the girl that isn't right. She said keep my receipts and "wait until you make another payment." I called the corporate office but all they tell me is it's the office who has to fix it and when I call the workers don't know if the manager's in. But when the corporate office calls they say she won't be in today. So I still have to get my account fixed, which I thought since the lady made adjustments it was good, guess not. Some of the receptionist are unprofessional and ignorant.

After this experience I will not go back for my general, and I am hoping I can finish with braces over there because I wish I would have done research and went to a private dental office because I would have gotten way better service. If they don't fix it I might just take them to small claims court or something because my insurance paid a portion which they did not inform me and were still charging me the full amount. I'll file a complaint with my insurance saying they're committing fraud.

He has being treating me like this every visit for the past 2 years but I didn't care about he being rude, unfair, full of himself because he don't think that he should treat his client with proper respect, because he is a doctor and know what he is doing, and I'm not. I didn't care because I am not going there to be friends with him, I just want him to do the job I was paying him to do. I never liked him or was ever comfortable with him. So when I was 18 months into the treatment I pointed out to his assistant and ask him to tell Dr. ** some things that was bothering me and hurting and sometimes bad and that I would like him to do something about it. He didn't like that I asked and that I was complaining so on my next visit I insist on that he would fixed. He not only didn't do anything but also said to me that the time that he established for my treatment was over so there was nothing else that he could do for me. It is what it is.

I said, "But what about this space right in the middle in the front of my teeth?" He gave many excuses blaming on me and the shape of my teeth. I said, "You have to close it Dr. **. This space was never there before the braces." His response was, "I don't want to" and that in three weeks he was going to remove my braces. I freak out and began to cry. I just couldn't believe, my teeth has a big space right in the front of my lower teeth that was never there before the braces and the left side of my mouth my bite close nice, but the right side doesn't so when I am eating I chew most on the left side. So I insisted with him again asking him to please do something about this before removing the braces, so he gave me more time about 4 months more, but didn't do anything. All he did was changing the rubber bands.

I am so angry that I went to get a second opinion elsewhere in two different places and both Doctors said the same thing - that there's work that needs to be done and that the braces shouldn't be removed just yet and this space in the front can definitely be fixed. So now I will have to let him remove my braces in 25 days, today is 7/5, and go to one of this good professional that gave the second opinion and start braces again. I am very angry at Western Medical and Dr. ** and I am very sorry I ever went there, they don't know what they are doing. I talked to everyone that works there including the manager who always tells me she will talk to the doctor or help me getting another doctor, but she never does.

I was left in the chair for over half an hour. When the dental asst came back, she informed me that they don't perform root canals on molars. So I became confused and irritated. I went to the front desk to confirm what I'd just been told. The asst said, "That particular procedure needs to be done by an endodontist. We have no one at any of our locations who can perform that. I can refer you to an outside practice." I was pissed. I had wasted my time thinking I'd finally get relief for my pain only to be turned away.

I spent the next week frantically searching for an affordable endodontist. It made no sense how a large dental practice like Western Dental did not perform a common procedure, so I decided to call again to double check. I called the location in Sacramento on Florin Rd this time, and I was again rerouted to corporate. I was told by two different representatives that Western Dental does, in fact, perform root canals on molars. I told them about being referred out and the representative was confused and said that made no sense. She put me on hold and called the Elk Grove location to double check. She came back and confirmed that they did and apologized for the discrepancy. So I made an appointment AGAIN for my root canal back at the Elk Grove location.

Later that night, I had a question about insurance coverage, so I called the corporate office. They didn't know the answer so they transferred me to the Elk Grove office. The girl who got on the phone was rude right off the bat. I tried asking my question and was told "I see you have Liberty Dental and we don't accept that. That's why you were referred out." WHAT??? First off, that's not why I was told I'd been referred out. Secondly, I had JUST BEEN seen at that location a week prior and NO ONE said anything about not accepting my insurance. Suddenly a week later, they don't accept it? "Well, the manager approved us seeing you last week, but sorry, we don't accept it. The location on Florin Rd in Sacramento does." I just hung up. Had I not called with my question, I would've shown up at my appt and turned away because of this new revelation. My insurance info had always been on my file so why NOW is it a problem?

I am just pissed and confused at how unprofessional they are. All the information I was given was wrong. There are too many discrepancies between corporate and specific locations. The location in Elk Grove in particular is HORRIBLE. First, I was referred out because they didn't do root canals on molars which was a LIE. Then it turned into me being referred out because of my insurance. Well why was I referred OUT to a completely different (and expensive) dental practice instead the next closest Western Dental that does accept my insurance. I'm STILL confused. So do they or don't they do root canals on molars? Do they or don't they accept my insurance? Why was I referred out? I don't even trust going back to them. This entire company needs a reboot. Unbelievable.

The doctor had no bedside manner nor the nurse. And she could see I was shook up and shaking. She couldn't get the tooth out. I broke down in tears and she asked another dentist to look. He was kind. They recommended an oral surgeon. It has been six days and I am still hurting. I finally left there. It was 3:30. I would never recommend them. Also the price they quoted for payment gave me was astronomical. If you are poor and you can't pay save and go somewhere else. It was awful and I can't imagine what it would be like for a child.

The woman who eventually did my check was barely polite and made it clear she was disgusted with the state of my teeth (no insurance for a long time, plus a serious phobia about the dentist in general) - definitely needed to work on her "bedside manner". After all of this, I was informed that they didn't have an oral surgeon on site, and so I would now have to wait a week before he would be in the office. The price quoted for a tooth extraction - the ONLY thing they did, was around $1000. I came back for the oral surgeon, who did a great job - but then they just packed my mouth and sent me out the door.

The real problems began with the billing and payment. They NEVER got my mailing address correct - despite my calling over and over again, putting the correct address on my return billing/invoice with payment, etc. Sometimes I got a paper bill, sometimes not, despite my asking them to always send me a paper bill (which I use for filing purposes). One day past the due date, my phone was bombarded with numerous calls from their collection department, I mean like 5 calls in one hour. Eventually, they started calling my boyfriend's phone because I had listed him as my emergency contact.

Now, a year later, after I have almost completely paid the bill - I have been out of work for 6 months, I have zero income and less than $500 in the bank and will be homeless in less than 30 days - I asked them to either write off the balance, or put my account on hold to protect my credit rating (which I have spent the last 5 years trying to clear up) until I was able to resume making payments. They refused both options and just told me to "call them whenever I could make payment again" - but no guarantees that my credit wouldn't be affected. The rep actually asked me if I didn't have a friend or family member who would pay it for me!

I have been making regular payments, and all I am asking is that they work with me until I am able to pay the remainder of the bill (which is grossly over-billed to begin with). Administrative practices are a joke, the finance department is really a collection agency, and the dental work is sub par. RUN AWAY - take your chances with a real dentist - you won't be sorry!

And now, it's been five months since I've been able to be seen at an office because the process of transferring has been so unorganized. I have called so many times to initiate this transfer, even gone into the office I want to start going to, and they turn me away and say I need to do all of these things that seem like administrative work they need to work out with my original office. I imagine I could have had my braces removed by now, but Western Dental is slow, uncooperative and lied when they said starting a transfer would be doable. I would rather drive the three hours to my original office every six weeks then try to fix this mess I've started from moving.

I complained, but the following month they pulled another unauthorized payment out of my account even though the account was closed! After calling again and getting upset, they put a hold on my account and said they would do an audit to determine if I was due a refund. I managed to get several of the unauthorized debits reversed through my bank, thank God, but not all because they were over the time limit.

In January 2016, I was informed that yes, I was due a $137 refund (they had actually sent me a statement stating a different amount - this is how bad their accounts department is) and a check was mailed out on Jan 4, 2016. Needless to say, a month later it has not arrived. Another phone call, I had to demand that the check be voided and reissued. I have filed a complaint with the L.A. County consumer affairs department. Action needs to be taken against this place.

She started working on 1 root canal, wasn't done, left me waiting there for 1 & half with this metal plate in my mouth and I was drooling. Finally I got up, went out the room, asked someone to help. All they did gave me!! The little vacuum to suck up drooling from my mouth. I finally couldn't take it anymore. I got very emotional, sad, frustrated. Remember I'm pregnant. I was tired, hungry. I started crying. I keep asking "When is dentist coming." They keep telling me "She will be with you." Dentist came. I told her I need to leave. She wasn't even concerned. She only put paste on my root canal. I have never thought a dentist office like this one would of treated me this way!!! Was awful experience. I would not recommend. Poor customer service & dental care.

Went in the back to see the dentist. The chairs are set up with no privacy practically in the lobby back area. Dentist told us he had a hairline fracture causing the infection and needed to get a porcelain-fused crown and bridge done. The biller came and explained the same procedure and the estimate was $3,668 for the services. I did my own research and discovered that 2 ADA codes Western Dental estimated me for (dental billing codes) were not actual codes with the ADA by my dental savings provider.

I phoned Western Dental. Waited for 1 hour before speaking to some uneducated, rude lady who only transferred me to the Rancho Santa Fe office in San Marcos. I was on hold for another 40 minutes. Spoke with the biller, Espy. That's her name. I asked for the ADA billing codes (patient's legal right to obtain). She gave me a convoluted answer as to why I can't locate it because it is an upgrade. Found out they tried to overcharge me and make me feel pressured to use their financial option because if I used my dental savings plan I supposedly would have paid double for the crowns/bridges.

We were scheduled for the next day to get the work done. I canceled my appointment with Western Dental the day of our second appointment with the biller, Espy, and she threatened me saying that the doctor will not be available for the next couple weeks since I canceled for my husband's appointment, so I said that's fine. I found another dentist who gave the right diagnosis, not a hairline fracture on the tooth! Rather it is a gum abscess. Work done with the second opinion dentist totaled $1,013 (X-rays, cleaning, draining of infection, crown and partial crown) compared to Western Dental quote of $3,668. I really thought organizations and associations are holding dental practices accountable. They might as well throw out the ADA Code of Ethics.

As I read the next 2 lines a question was asked if I had received and read the complete info. sheet in its entirety. When I told the dental asst. that I couldn't initial that, she tells it's in the plastic bag they had for me. As I tried several time the question asked have I completely read it and I'm not signing it off until I do. At this point I'm now standing up, she is approx. 3 ft. facing me, and she begins to whole heartedly laugh in my face, telling me I'm crazy for wanting to waste her time reading the forms before signing them. I'm now in the process of filing a grievance against that office, the dentist himself, and that dental asst. at 1701 Watt ave Sacramento, Ca.

Months go by and I'm not happy with my smile. My gum line appears black and you can tell I have a crown and it looks cheap. I went to my primary dentist and they agreed the crown needed to be redone. I wrote to Patient relations explaining my story and how I would like a refund so I can pay my dentist to do it right or they need to fix the tooth for free. The grievance board said without proof the answer is no. Because San Bernardino claims they did a great job and that there were no discrepancies.

They asked that I see one of their dentists to prove whether or not the tooth needed to be redone. I went to a dentist at the Pasadena Los Robles location who stated my post is showing and that the crown was placed incorrectly. She suggested I get braces first to correct the alignment of my teeth so the new crown she would create will fit much better. I write back to the grievance board about what the dentist said and they wrote back February 2015 stating "ok head back to San Bernardino to get your tooth redone." What sense does it make sending me back to the office that doesn't know what they're doing? Since I decided to take their dentists advice and get braces, and I was tired of dealing with this headache, (since no one I spoke to on the phone was helpful) I waited until August 2015 to request the Pasadena dentist to fix my crown.

I call patient relations August 2015, when my teeth are almost straight enough, to request the office change, and start the process of getting the crowned fixed. While I am explaining my story and concerns to the rep she gets an attitude with me and says "I can't do anything for you. You will need to write back to the grievance board and see what they say." I ask can't she do something or notate something to expedite this process and she gets an attitude with me and threatens to hang up. I say "fine, if that's your prolonged process then fine."

A month goes by I call back to make sure they received my letter because I haven't heard anything. The rep I spoke to said yes they received my letter and the grievance board approved the location change. I asked "do I need to wait to get a letter in the mail that states it's ok to go to the Pasadena location so there is no confusion?" And she says "no just head to the office and have them call patient relations if they have any questions."

**(NOTE:The rest of these events all happened on Monday November 9, 2015 from 2 pm to 5 pm)** I make an appointment for Monday November 9, 2015 at 2 pm and leave early from work to attend my appointment. I show up to the office and long story short patient relations tells the Pasadena Los Robles office manager Ana not to help me. I explain to Ana the woman I spoke to the other day said the change is supposed to be noted somewhere in my grievance. Ana said "sorry Jenessa in patient relations said she doesn't know what you're talking about and we can't help you here and you need to go back to San Bernardino". I stay as calm as possible even though I'm highly upset, but it's not Ana's fault it's the patient relations teams fault for not doing their due diligence and for giving Ana the wrong information.

I know this because after calling the patient relations team 6 times and being placed on long 20 minute holds and hung up on, by a few rude reps and then transferred to two wrong departments I finally got someone (Dasia **) who was patient enough (yet still very snappy, rude, and unprofessional) to look at notes on another screen and she confirmed that it says I can go to the Pasadena office. Daisa said I should have received a letter, I told her I don't have a letter that says that. Then she says "hold on, I'm going to call the Pasadena location." Dasia tells Ana I'm a liar and that I should've received this letter and been able to present it to the Pasadena location.

It's mid NOVEMBER and I still haven't received anything from the grievance board about the location change so why would Dasia ** tell Ana that? In addition to that how is that helpful? When Dasia was finished not helping me she just dropped the call to Ana. She placed me on a long hold to "check something out" never comes back and explains anything to me and sticks me with Ana, who is just as confused as I am because I thought I was still talking to Dasia **. Ana knowing I received bad customer service was helpful and provided me with Dasia ** name as well as Jenessa's name.

After realizing I can't get any help from these poorly trained individuals who clearly are bitter, jaded by actual confrontational customers and hate their jobs, I decided I want a supervisor to call me and explain to me Western Dentals proper phone etiquette. Because now my grievance is no longer with the San Bernardino location it is with the patient relations department. I've worked at a call center and I've worked as a receptionist and if I handled my clients the way they "assisted" me, I would've been fired. Asking to speak to a supervisor was a joke. I thought they would actually reach out to help me or come to the phone and hear me out. HA!

I tried calling a few times and just asking for a supervisor and being vague about why I'm calling, because at this point I feel like the patient relations team is telling everyone not to help me, and I've already explained myself numerous times before and no one seemed to understand what I was saying (mainly because they were talking while I was talking, not LISTENING, and asking me to remain calm while rudely threatening to hang up in my face).

The associate (Holly and then Jessica) both stated all supervisors are in a meeting and can't help me and to call back some other time. They both claimed not to know when the meeting was over and said I wasn't allowed to wait to speak to a supervisor. I asked "can't you request for a supervisor to call me back?" They both eventually say fine. They both took my information and they both couldn't tell me when I should expect to receive a call back from a supervisor and they stated (after asking isn't there a turn around policy they have to comply to) "the supervisors can call back anytime, give them a few days."

A few days!? I had these two women make a note for a supervisor to call me. I also spoke with a gentleman who assisted me that was in the finance/billing department and claimed he was going to assist with my complaint. He took down all my info and apologized and claimed to have notated my disgust with how the patient relations team was run. Why I was transferred to his department I don't know, but if he was sincere in helping me there should be a complaint on record submitted by him.

After hours of trying to deal with this mess and unnecessary stress I decided to calm down and wait for a supervisor to call me. It is after 12 pm on November 18, 2015 and I still haven't heard from anyone. My goal with my grievance was to get my tooth repaired and have a smile I'm not embarrassed to show off. Now I am so sick of dealing with this sham of a company, I want my money back and I want their company to know how poorly trained their "customer service" and "patient relations" team is trained. Please give me back my money so I can finally deal with professionals. I called these 3 numbers: 800-992-3366; 800-992-3366 ext. 13675; and 714-571-3675.

Be very careful coming here with incompetent workers and scheduling systems. The workers who schedule appointments DO NOT have insurance information, therefore, they literally schedule ANYONE who calls in and leave it till the last minute for the patient to find out the MONTH IN ADVANCE appointment cannot be kept even when the client/patient informs the call center of their insurance!! This happened twice and the second time, I was told that it is with 100% guarantee that the office I made my second and last appointment with accepts my insurance, that was till they called the day before. When they called, they were rude and honestly, because of that alone I'd rather go elsewhere even if they accept the insurance I have. I wouldn't put it past them that just as their customer service lacks professionalism, their dentists probably do as well.

I am telling you, this by far has to be one of THE worst experiences I have ever had with a company and I even proclaimed to them about considering contacting the dentistry board or something to report them. However, this is a start to put it out there that if you are a new patient, be aware that this may indeed happen to you and you will waste time with ignorant workers who can't seem to understand English and then have to wait a while to be seen elsewhere because other businesses of whom you should have or could have contacted are booked.

Not to mention... getting a set plan has been a huge and cumbersome ordeal. Because they never let me see the same dentist, so everytime I come in it's like starting over all over again because one dentist will say the other dentist was wrong and that I should do something else and I'll go to do that something else the next time, and another dentist is telling me it's not the right option. I try to explain what's going on to try and resolve these issues and I'm met with uncaring staff and a horrible attitude that don't care about their patients. It's no wonder Western Dental doesn't participate in Consumer Affairs, they'd probably have to get revamped or shut down.

My appointment choice is my decision. I went there because I have a history of a tartar problem, and wanted it cleaned. All they cleaned was the front of my teeth, not the inside where all of the actual tartar is. Also, the dental assistant told me that my gums would not grow back, from receding just a little bit. I have spent months using a Waterpik, rinsing with salt water and mouthwash and wondering why I still have receding gums, this being months ago. I went to a new dentist today, and was told that the pain I have been having is from really bad tartar. I told him that I had it cleaned a few months ago, only to hear "it doesn't look like they cleaned it at all". My mouth feels better already.

That was 6 years ago and still have them. They break every couple of months and have to super glue them back together. I am screwed I don't have insurance to get a new bridge or dentures. Don't trust them they really don't care how you look or what they have to do. I am so embarrassed with these ridiculous front teeth. Nothing I can do about it either.

After an uncomfortable set of x-rays, I waited in a chair to be seen for about a half hour, when a doctor finally came and examined me. We agreed to a treatment plan and I made an appointment to come back. When I came back my blood pressure was high, and they refused to treat me because of having to use the drugs, so I made an appointment with the doctor. After several months of trying to get my blood pressure under control (and paying on a contract with Western Dental the entire time, always on time) I called and explained what was going on and they agreed to break my contract and refund my money.

They advised it would take two weeks to complete and I went on my way. Two weeks later, the refund was not on my credit card so I called them. The lady who answered said she would have her manager call me back. I waited two days, she never called. I called again and the lady said that the manager told her that she had taken care of the contract thing because "corporate didn't break it when I asked," and the refund should be there in a few days. A few days later I called back, and corporate said the manager didn't ask for a refund, only a contract break (??!!).

I asked for the refund and they also processed a complaint for me at that time. Someone was supposed to call me back last Friday, but of course, they did not. I just spent 15 minutes on hold again, talked to two separate people after one transfer and again put on hold, and was told that she would take my number and have the manager call me back because "she is the only one who can take a look at this" and will be there at 10:30. I'll let you know if they do anything for me today. This is what happens when you use "corporate medicine." Please be warned just in case you were thinking of using this company.

I was informed by the 'alleged' dentist, that, due to aging bone loss, I needed an in depth cleaning. I asked if my Delta Dental Insurance would cover the cost. I was told it would not so I declined. I was was then asked if I would like to have a less costly, second best procedure. It was called Sulcular Irrigation. Irrigation sounded to me like some in depth procedure would be involved. The dental assistant was with the dentist throughout my visit in the dental arena. However, I discovered she was much more than an a dental assistant, but turned out to be an efficient accountant as well. I say this because she had at her fingertips a contract for me to sign to finance the Sulcular Irrigation procedure. The contract consisted of nine pages. Allow me to now describe the procedure.

I was shocked and appalled when the dentist spent literally four seconds spraying some 'magic fluid' on my gums. This was the Sulcular Irrigation? The accountant/assistant also told me that Delta Dental Insurance would pay $198 of the cost. I discovered that that $198 was not any piece of the Sulcular Irrigation, but was led to believe, it was. The $198 cost was for the X-rays and cleaning. I was charged $320 for this four second procedure. Due to the fact that the so-called irrigation was, in my estimation, not properly done, the amount charged was exuberant.

My research discovered that Sulcular Irrigation is used to cleanse the hard to reach sulcus (area under the gums). It is supposed to be applied with a pulsating device in order to ensure the antibacterial spray reaches beneath the gum's surface. My procedure was not done with any type of pulsating device. It amounted to a four second surface spray which was immediately followed by a cleaning. Should a cleaning be done immediately after the spray? It sounds doubtful and suspicious to me. My logic tells me the cleaning, which was done with a pulsating device, would minimize or eliminate the antibacterial spray.

I was surprised to have the cleaning done by the dentist. Why was a dental hygienist not the one to clean my teeth? I ask this question because cleaning is their specialty and not the specialty of the dentist. I found the cleaning to be insufficient and ineffective. My experience has proven that a good cleaning takes at least 30 minutes. My so-called cleaning took less than five minutes, which is not sufficient time to provide a thorough cleaning.

I know that hind sight is 20/20, but discovered after my visit that there are hundreds, perhaps thousands of Western Dental patients who have had similar experiences. I found them all posted on the web. I was just another victim of Western Dental. During my visit I was misled in terms of what would be done to me, and how my dental insurance would pay for a piece of the procedure. I know that I was nurtured into a sense of having needed dental work done.

The dentist and assistant was smooth talking seemingly trained to suggest unneeded procedures should be done. Because I am a trusting soul, I unfortunately bought what they were selling. I have never experienced this type of fraud before. I virtually saw dollar signs in both the dentist's and assistant's eyes. This was more prevalent after I left the office. When I left, my head was spinning. I could not believe the experience I just had. The initial thoughts I had as I left were SCAM and MALPRACTICE!

When the dentist arrived we were taken back and he tried numb my husband's mouth but the dentist was so shaky that he ended up squirting the Novocaine into his mouth leaving him swallow it and walked away leaving him in the room for 30 minutes before returning to extract the tooth. As this dentist was working on my husband he would get up in middle of his extraction and run over to work on another patient then return to my husband. This happened several times before his tooth was fully extracted. It was around 3pm before the appointment ended for a single one tooth extraction.

On 8-26-15 my husband was scheduled for a 12pm appointment to have a few fillings done and we sat in the waiting room for an hour and a half waiting be seen. Then when they call him back they put him in a room for another 30 minutes and come in asking him how much time he has before he needs to leave? When he asked why they were very rude and asked him again how much time he had? He finally told them he had all day and wanted know why they were asking and they told him he needed another extraction and 7 fillings and wanted know what he wanted them to do today. He told them that they could do all the work today and they told him that they were only going to pull his tooth today instead of doing the fillings he was scheduled for.

Again they came in and numbed him and left him in the room for almost an hour while the dentist walked around texting on his phone and tapping on the counters as he walked by. Leaving us totally confused as to why they were asking if they already knew what they were going to do. When the dentist was done with his phone he came in and asked if my husband was ready and before he could answer the dentist pushed his head back and told him to open his mouth and that he was going to feel some pressure as he began do the extraction. Again very rude.

When the tooth was finally out my husband asked for his tooth and they told him that he could not have it because it was infected and that it was a biohazard. As far as I know if a tooth is infected you need to be put on antibiotics till the infection is gone before a tooth can be pulled. If this is true then why was this tooth pulled and a prescription for antibiotics given to him after the tooth was pulled even though they gave him his infected tooth from the first appointment.

Also my husband has high blood pressure and unlike the first time, this time they didn't even check his blood pressure to ensure that it would be safe for them to pull the tooth even though he told them that he was taking blood pressure medication. Then when he was done they told him he needed a follow up appointment for 1 week and the receptionist scheduled him for 1 month. If there is anyone out there that could help us be more knowledgeable in this situation and help us correct this establishment PLEASE HELP US.

The dentist wasn't very genuine and when I got done I was there for 4hrs and when he put my teeth in I looked like I was wearing a mouth guard. They do not fit. I told him they hurt. Was told they will fit after swelling goes down but was told to wear them for 24hrs after procedure which I couldn't. I bleed till 4am the next morning I went back in and told him they hurt, they do not fit and I looked like someone from Planet of the Apes.

He forcefully put them in not concerned that I looked ridiculous. I said, "No take them out". He then put something like Fixodent on my dentures put them back in my mouth and said leave them in. Never made me a follow up appointment. I was told by his helper just call if I think I need them adjusted. I said, "I need them adjusted now". But he just said, "Give it time they will fit". Not only do they not fit they looked to be made poorly. My top denture has a tear in it and bottoms don't fit my gums. I'm so upset. They didn't seem concerned about how horrible I looked walking out of there.

On May 12th of 2015, Western Dental sent me a bill for $2,069.52 for services that I have already paid for and they are threatening to put this on my credit. They provided an "estimated patient share" report (that shows payments that they falsely claim were never made) to which I have receipts showing that a cash payment was made with a declining balance after each one. I spoke to just about every dept for help. I faxed over my zero balance receipts and never got a call back from anyone. I continue to get threatening collection calls daily as well as bills with added late fees.

As a last resort, I spoke with the Western Dental Grievance Dept Associate named Jose who was extremely rude and would not listen to me explain my dates and balances to him. Instead he would continue to talk over me when I asked him to verify if his balances would match my receipts. According to him, each time I made a payment, my balance actually increased by hundreds of dollars instead of decreasing (like my receipts reflect). When we asked how his could possibly make sense, he hung up on me.

During the course of my daughter visits, Western Dental NEVER allowed her to receive services or be seen unless the account was current and paid up to date, including late fees. Not only were her braces removed and a retainer issued. But in Feb of 2015, we needed to replace a lost retainer with a new one and that was paid in full and we have a zero balance receipt for that as well.

When I went to the local office after receiving this bill and asked to see my accounting file and get copies of all receipts, the clerk began to give me them until her manager realized what was happening and told her to stop. At that point, he asked me to come into his office and said he received an email from Western Dental Corporate to be expecting me and refused to provide any further information, receipts or explain any fees and told me I need to deal with the Corporate Office.

In closing, I have received zero assistance from anyone or any department (including the Grievance Dept) at Western Dental in this matter. The local office directs me to corporate, corporate directs me back to the local office. This issue is causing me daily undue stress and making me sick to my stomach that a company that I have paid so much money to over the years, would attempt to steal from me, make fraudulent claims and threaten to report this onto my credit. SOMEBODY, PLEASE HELP...

The dentist claimed I needed fillings based on X-rays. What he didn't know is that since I'd so recently switched from another WD office, I still had very recent X-rays. Those X-rays didn't reflect the need for as many fillings. So - who's lying/misreading X-rays? The Western Dental Office in North Hollywood or the one in Santa Clarita? Hm. I refused service because I was suspicious. I wanted him to check on another tooth which was sensitive. He said there was nothing wrong with it. So I left. The receptionist called me while I was on my way home and said the dentist wanted to take X-rays of the tooth in question, he felt he'd been mistaken in not doing so to begin with, etc.. I returned to the office where an assistant took an X-ray.

The dentist comes in, pokes around the X-ray a bit and says, "Yeah, yeah it looks like you do have a cavity there. You need a filling, would you like to get that taken care of today?" Just like that, in the same breath diagnosing and asking if I'd like to get it taken care of right away. And it was so abundantly clear that he was being dishonest. What troubles me about Western Dental is that I suspect (and have proof) that they absolutely lie to would-be patients about the care needed. Many of these patients, like myself, are low-income and have coverage through Medi-Cal. Medi-Cal has a contract with them, so they benefit by telling patients (who may not need work done) that work is necessary. It is disheartening that they are so bent on making money that they prey on people who are already economically depressed, exposing them to unnecessary procedures.

I also think (comparing the care I've received at Western Dental vs. other offices) that their dentists are ill-trained and unmannerly. Without meaning to sound insulting, I'd be surprised if any of their dentists graduated at the top of their classes from the best dentistry schools around. Someone should seriously pursue shutting Western Dental down or imposing pressure on the chain to clean up their act. I know I'm not the only one who feels this way. Google "Western Dental Complaints". How do they keep getting away with treating people so shoddily? At the end of the day, it's consumers who suffer physical pain/discomfort and/or the financial burden of their irresponsibility. How is this okay? If anyone at their corporate office has a moral compass, having read this they will do something immediately.

I went home and talked with my husband and decided to go to another dentist for a second opinion. At this point I decided to stay with the second dentist and he gave me a partial for my top and bottom teeth. Now Western Dental is making harassing phone calls 2-3 times a day and also trying to put this on my credit report as something I owe. I never went back to Western Dental except to get a copy of my X-rays, which were already paid for by my dental insurance.

I have done a grievance process 2x and still no results. I wouldn't recommend them to anyone. Stay away!!!!! LOOK AT ALL THE REVIEWS ON YELP. LOOK AT ALL THE SITES. PEOPLE ARE WARNING YOU ABOUT HOW HORRIBLE THIS PLACE IS. I would have rather saved my money and gone to someone that would be a proper job. The customer service is terrible also.

The only thing ** needed was a big red nose and some over-sized shoes. He was inappropriately LOUD... in my ear. He proceeded to yank my mouth repeatedly, and when he stuck the straight suction tube in my mouth, even with the anesthesia, I felt sharp jabs on my gums and tongue. I wanted to stick that tube up **'s little **! Then they would leave, not saying a single word about what comes next, how long I will be waiting. I then sat there, again, several times, for 10 minutes or more staring at the wall, with saliva flowing out of my mouth, with no human in sight. The reason I knew the saliva was flowing, was when it reached my chest, I could feel it (numbed mouth), and I then proceeded to take the napkin tied around my neck, and wipe my neck, jaw, mouth, and chest.

Oh, here comes the little clown again. "Open your mouth", in goes the block, back to drilling, I'm laying there with my eyes shut, and I vaguely hear "hold the mirror... hold the mirror... hold the mirror... I said HOLD THE MIRROR!" I opened my eyes, and realized they were yelling at me??? I realized the first three "hold the mirrors" was the dentist voice, the last "HOLD THE MIRROR" came from the little clown... He never said my name, or "sir". He just yelled at me, all the time my eyes were closed. Unbelievable. Never once said my name, just HOLD THE MIRROR! WTF?? ** was nice, but I only saw her at the very beginning, before any work was done, long enough to sign the payment agreement. After about the third hour, I seriously debated getting up and walking out. I only hoped that if I got up and left, I pray I don't pass the little clown on the way out... not sure what I might do.

Anyway, it's hard to do in the middle of "the procedure". I HATED this visit. The worst dentist or doctor's visit I've ever had in my 56 years, anywhere. By the way, there was one other worker, I think her name was **, who finished me up at the end, who was nice to me, and at least acted like she cared about how I was doing. She needs to get away from that bunch. For the final 20 minutes, she installed the temporary crown, and I was oh so grateful not to see those other two, the dispassionate DDS... and the little clown. As for the dentist and as for "** the Clown", I was treated with resentment and as if I was on an aggravating carousel of open mouths.

I am also going to file a complaint with the CA Dental Board (http://www.dca.ca.gov), and I'm going to blog about this visit in great detail on every dentist review site and pissed off consumer site I can find (I found quite a few already). Nobody should have to deal with "** the Clown" or pay money for these kinds of services and then be treated like an annoyance. I never said anything to this bunch to cause them to act that way. It's clearly their culture. But, I'm going to speak out now... LOUDLY (take that ** the Clown). To show you how much this upset me, I'll pay them for the full crown, even though IU left with the temp... I won't be back. I am also going to look for another dentist ASAP! Western Dental, Cathedral City... run for your life!

Updated on 10/05/2015: I wrote a complaint about the Western Dental office in Downtown Berkeley on May 13, 2015 about a fallen filling after a couple of days and my intention to take my X-rays to a different dental service to avoid possible permanent damage to my teeth and mouth. I agreed over the phone with a manager to pay the $20. He assured me that all I had to do was to make an appointment to pay and they will give me the X-rays at once. I did so, and was told that the X-rays would be ready for me at my arrival. The person at the desk took the money and told me that the X-rays were not ready. I would have to rearrange my schedule again to fit their incompetence.

When I came back about a week later with my receipt the receptionist told me the order has not been processed and that I had to come back another time. As I insisted on having my (twice) paid X-rays, the receptionist asked me with ostentatious rudeness what was the name of the person I have paid the money to. Of course, I did not know the name. She smiled and insisted that I had to come another day.

I asked to speak to the manager of that office. I waited for about a half hour. I explained the situation to the manager and demanded to have my X-rays. The manager made it sound like she was bending some unspoken rules to comply to my "unusual" request. I walked away with my X-rays that day feeling terribly mistreated, played with, laughed at, and most of all uncertain about the timing to save a couple of tooth and the general health of my mouth under attack by an auto-immune syndrome. I agree with the thousands of mistreated unsuspected victims of Western Dental practices who want this business to be SHUT DOWN!

I call my insurance... They got paid for the exam and xrays... which they are charging me for that too... charging me for fluoride... which I didn't even get or need but Western Dental is lying about that... irrigation fees of $80 per quad... which I only had 1 treatment on the LL where my loose tooth is and having pain issues... Western Dental charging for a cleaning. I didn't have a cleaning... only a polish. I had an appointment in March and told the doctor I needed more antibiotics because I still had an infection and told me no... I've had my infection for over a year... the periodontist just sent me home.

So they got paid $800 for the surgery... $118 for the exam & xrays... which they are charging me for. The periodontist told me come in for treatments and there will be no charge... another lie by them... they billed for my March appointment and weren't supposed to... I will never go back there. They also forgot to mention after surgery that I needed 3 cleanings a year. The Santa Ana, CA location is bad. My first appointment in January I had to cancel because I had the flu real bad... the office manager insisted I come in anyways... I said I'm so sick I can't... she wouldn't take no for an answer. My husband had to call and tell them I was sick and had to cancel.

They are incompetent, their office staff are rude, and in my opinion, they are crooks. They drive you CRAZY with telephone calls AFTER you have cut all ties with them. I have written their corporate office requesting a $200.00 refund. I'm SURE they will respond (sarcasm). I believe these people should not be allowed to continue to take advantage of the general public. I contacted the CA dental board but was told this is a civil matter. Really? What does it take to have Western Dental held accountable for their actions (or lack thereof). What IS the purpose of the CA Dental Board? Why, with all the complaints about Western Dental, are they still allowed to run roughshod over people and take their money for services NOT rendered?

I wore braces for nearly 3 years, which was grueling, and I hated going to the appointments. But they were nice enough. The dental assistants were always talking about their pets and stuff, which is ok with me. But sometimes I got the feeling they were having schedule problems, and I had some long waits. It seemed each visit I had a different orthodontist (all much younger than me), so I assumed they could not have much experience. All in all, I got through it, and my teeth look better, although I still have to remember to wear the retainers (at least at night) or the bottom teeth start getting out of line. So from age 52-55 I suffered but I think it was worth it now. It could have been worse if I got impatient with the office layout and chaos. It is intimidating at first. But overall I think I saved $2000-$3000 since the total amount I paid was only about $4300.

Initially I was quoted $85 for the fluoride, but in my dental benefits handbook, I pointed out that my co-pay was $12. Well I was charged for 4 quads of ant for antibiotic irrigation for $100, full mouth x-ray for $10, adult prophy for $10, and the fluoride for total $132 share of cost. I was very dissatisfied with the cleaning and the method used. I visited a different dental office as a follow-up and I was told I do not need crowns replaced at this time, and there was no reason for the antibiotic irrigation.

Now time for a crown. After they had done the previous incompetent work, there was insufficient tooth mass left. The grinding for the crown injured the root - the tooth is dying. This work was done in Dec 2013. In Feb 2015, received a collection notice from Western Dental informing me I owed them $1300 claiming that my insurance had denied payment because I had not paid my part. But it turns out, they billed in 2014 for services performed in 2013. I am now facing a consult with an oral surgeon to determine if the tooth can be saved.

having an appointment. I could continued to sit in the waiting room where there's at least a TV I can watch as I'm waiting. The wait in this office is unbelievable. My son's appointment lasted 4 hours...3 hrs of it was just waiting. And now that I'm reading other reviews and complaints about charges, I need look into what my son's $25,0000 charges are for!!

Should I continue?! For months I had complained my front teeth cap (1 pc for 2 teeth) is loose...it needs re-cementing. I was told they can't re-cement the cap because my previous Dr. is the one who did the work. I cannot go back to the previous Dr. because I'm assigned to WD. and he doesn't take my Dental Plan. I have going back and forth with this problem with Western Dental. Now it's to the point that my cap is no longer staying in place on its own, Temporarily re-cementing doesn't work so my partial is what's holding it in place. Imagine the embarrassment I am facing right now being this cap is in the front! I am literally in tears typing this! I go back to WD demanding they re-cement my tooth.

Their reply -- My teeth are no longer savable. They cannot re-cement my cap. They need to pull my teeth out and add new teeth to my partial to replace the space! I was so pissed hearing this. I broke out into tears and told them, if they would just fixed my teeth in the first place...now my front side teeth need to be pulled?! All they wanted was for this to happen, to squeeze more money out of my insurance and out of my pocket!! Last but not least, the finance charges are ridiculous. I was late paying a pmnt...the late fees and late interest fees are even more unbelievable! I can't anymore deal with WD any longer. I have more to complain, but I'm done with them.

I went back to the Cathedral City, CA office & spoke with ** who claimed to be the General Manager. I told her that I was not allowed to read the document before I was forced to sign it. I had prepared a written Notice of Installment Plan Withdrawal & Cancellation with date and signature. ** said that the letter was not necessary, she would cancel the coerced Installment Agreement within her computer system. I sat across the desk from her & watched her do so. On March 3, 2015 the stalking phone calls started. Today, March 7, 2015 I received a bill for my first "installment' payment in the amount of $92.00.

Western Dental is a group of non-English speaking manipulative con-artists. The "dental room" is a massive room filled with dental chairs. It resembles a slaughter house. There are signs at every dental chair stating: No photography or videotaping allowed. Imagine that? Western Dental must have something to hide. Matter of fact, I know they do. Installment Contract corruption is a big start. If Western Dental is all you have, run like your hair is on fire.

Three doctor treated me in different appointments, two were very unskillful and unprofessional, one was good. Overall they did not do the good job and I have to get myself treated again other place. I used to reach in time but every time I had to sit there for couple of hours before they begin. Hope it helps.

We have contacted them several times to get the appointment scheduled and the office has stated different excuses every time we call. First it was that they needed the information back from the specialist and didn't have it so they didn't schedule. Then on another occasion they said we had never called and there was no notes in the system. This has been going on for four attempts to get the appointment scheduled and today was the final attempt even after we gave the contact numbers of the specialist to them so they can do their job - they still failed to come through.

I am dropping Western Dental as a provider for my family and going elsewhere. Some other office can benefit from my insurance for the dental care my family needs. My son needs braces. He is young and my fiance can get his crown elsewhere. We just don't have time to be playing games with unorganized staff. Oh, and they just become the rudest when it is pointed out to them that they don't have their act together. They just don't care about their patients. This review is guided directly to the Western Dental office located in Phoenix, AZ at 3425 W. Thunderbird Rd. Suite 1. DON'T GO THERE!!!

The flip side, to be fair and balanced, is that the manager **, at the Clinic on Western and Venice, is a classy, ethical young lady who distinguishes between right and wrong, listens to issues, and then addresses them. In my opinion, she should be running the entire company. She's a great asset and a fair person. Additionally, my Dentist there, is highly competent and qualified and has treated me respectfully and has tweaked my dentures for a real quality fit. I believe his name is pronounced Dr. **.

So, there is the real bad, and the real good. Go to Western Dental on Western and Venice, south of Koreatown. Notwithstanding some clerical staff who need to learn some manners, courtesy, & social skills, this might be one of their few good locations, with good dentists', and an excellent manager. Evidently, many other locations are a roll of the dice and a nightmare which just keeps getting worse and worse with each visit. There you have it.

Original Review: Feb. 9, 2015

Twice this month I entered in an attempt to pay my bill, (2nd time was 25 min. ago) and twice I was told by someone on a computer that "someone" would be with me shortly. This despite the fact that an employee was lounging around doing nothing, and the 2 ladies at the front desk were only busy with their computers. Twice I walked out. Today, I gave the employee lounging around a card on which I wrote: "Call me when you have time for me to pay my bill." I wrote my name & phone number down also, and then walked out for the 2nd time.

When I first went to Western Dental, I was verbally told that the quoted price would include everything, with no other cost whatsoever. Then, the first time I took my dentures in to be re-adjusted or re-aligned, they attempted to charge me $800 extra. I refused, showing the manager at the time my contract which made no mention of the charge, and reminded him that I was told verbally that the quoted costs would include ALL re-alignments. Despite receiving a written and signed letter from him stating I would not be charged, the main office in Orange County repeatedly sent me invoices showing that I owed $800 more than I did.

I called Orange County 5 times, attempting to explain and resolve the issue, but each time I spoke to a disrespectful, adversarial, and argumentative person. They steadfastly refused to acknowledge what I attempted to convey. The current manager addressed it, made a copy of my letter, and took the bogus charge off the computer. Zero communication between the clinic and main office. Attempts to call are met with long holds and waiting time. I'm down to my last 2 payments, but am having a problem handing someone who is not too busy my $$.

Whenever one calls, they are literally interrogating you about it, as a collection, "Anything you say will be used to collect the account." Therefore, any inquiries to billing is treated as a collection, and their so-called "right to mess up one's credit". They had reported me for something I never got done – orthodontics - to the credit bureau! Had to have the credit bureau prove to them of their incompetence. Sorry practices - in more than one way.

I went to them to get dentures. When they did the "wax" temp version to see if I liked it, it didn't fit right. I told them it was too bulgy in the front, but they insisted it was right. I tried to tell them again it was not right, and again they insisted it was right. At some point, I would think that they thought I had an issue with the wax on the inside (not the case, I know that will be there on the inside, and I am ok with that part). Wanting to avoid conflict with a third attempt to tell them it was wrong, I accepted the sample, regardless of how I felt I had to force my lips closed because of how big and forward the front teeth were. Wanting to avoid a conflict with arguments, I decided to agree with them, despite my own opinion.

Another problem, they had a bad habit of walking away from me while I am trying to talk to them. I went home, spoke to some friends, and they encouraged me to put my foot down, speak my mind, not let them argue, and for me to insist the dentures get adjusted, or replaced, and if needs be, that Western Dental should eat the cost. So when I was scheduled to have the rest of my teeth removed and replaced with dentures, I told them, this is not right. They told me that they cannot adjust it. They told me they made them to match my current teeth (that was a mistake, because the teeth they matched it with are some old crowns, that were not only purposely made too big, but had been shoved forward after I had some teeth removed). I tried to explain to them about my crowns, and why they are not something to match to, but the lady walks away.

Next I know, my driver comes to my dental chair, starts going on about what they were trying to do. I was not paying attention because I was waiting for him to tell me something having to do with my check getting written correctly (since I could not be in the waiting room to handle it, long story). I say to him, "what does this have to do with anything," and he huffs, and walks out. Next I know, the dentist people told me that if we can't keep our voices down, they would ask us to leave. I told them, "Who invited him to come back here?" and she did not know (later I find out that he was asked to come back there, because the lady had no idea what I was talking about).

I tried to insist that they adjust it, and they insisted they cannot change it. I told them if they cannot change it then they need to make me new ones. They told me they cannot make new ones because if they did it would come out the same. They have to make it that way. I told them it is not right. At some point, they accused me of refusing my dentures. I never did.

Overwhelmed with frustration, feeling falsely accused (a trauma reminder), dealing with a driver I did not like, dealing with my payee messing up my copay check for a second time (and trying to make sure they can get paid, which was already late), and dealing with a physical distraction that is not related to dental was too much for me to handle. Overwhelmed by all the negative stimulus, I slipped into a fight-or-flight, by curving up in a ball in their reception area, and I was unable to move myself.

They had my driver/caregiver come get me and I went home, without my dentures. Next I know, they had called my payee/mother (legal representative) but she could not understand them, so she handed the phone to my driver (who also cares for my mother) to talk to them. I never heard that call. My driver told me that they said they are banning me from all Western Dentals. When I asked why, he said it was over the "Incident" and that they used that word, "incident" and that word refers to my autistic fit. They should not even be talking to my driver. He is not my legal representative. They had talked to him when I was in their office, I told them not to speak to him about what to do with my dental care, but they did anyways, several times. (The driver is fired now for other issues).

I had called their corporate and asked, "How can I get my dentures?" and they told me that they are sending me a letter of Termination of Care. I asked again how to get my dentures, and they told me they had already answered (which felt pretty demeaning to be talked down to like that, not the first time they have treated me and lectured me for communication things). I asked, "What was the answer?" and they told me they are sending a letter of termination of care... I do not know how that is an answer!

As it is right now, I still have my upper teeth that need to be removed, again suffered a burst abscess in one of the teeth (which is the second time it's happened, and sometimes is life-threatening). I've gone to emergency room several times because of this. Today I am dealing with tingling in my face which I can feel maybe tied to my rotting teeth that needed to be taken care of years ago (I did not get it taken care of because my previous dentist gave up on me because of my screaming when the ** wasn't working).

I need special treatment because of my conditions, and with Obama Care, Western Dental was the only place we could find that would take my insurance. Now, I have no dentist, and suffer daily from rotten teeth. I have no idea where my dentures are. They are paid for, they were ready to be put in when I was there. I never got them into my possession, and I tried, several times, to obtain them, but failed. I cannot even go to another dentist to have them put them in, because I don't even have them in my possession.

I don't think my insurance will pay for another pair, I have no idea how I am going to get dentures at this point. And for them to go to my driver, repeatedly, to ask about what to do for my care, when he is not a legal representative (and I do not trust his choices) is just more forms of something messed up. They also lectured me on my behavior, and lectured me for repeating myself, which just adds to my frustration. Add to this, my cousin and my grandma have had issues with them too. I can't sue them, because I signed a paper saying I wouldn't sue, a required signing thing they need before they would initiate dental care.

I am desperate for a dentist. My teeth are so sick, so much pain, I have to take ** to counter it. I am okay and cool and look forward to the actual dental surgery part. Even when I was screaming from the previous dentist, I said for him to ignore my screaming because I couldn't help it, and continue the work I desperately need.

I do not know of any dentist who will take my insurance, and is successful in communicating with Asperger Syndrome, and set up to handle my immunity to **. As you can see by this post, I type a lot, I speak many words in real life, but most of my struggles involves timing, volume and other non-verbal aspects of communication. Most people aren't accustomed to dealing with me. I consider myself a nice person, just misunderstood. Western Dental was my last hope, and I'm now banned from all their facilities. I have no idea how I can get my teeth taken out now, so they continue to rot in my mouth, and I suffer.

I might be able to phrase this post better, but I don't want to spend several hours editing my text amidst my dental pain to satisfy everyone else's desires for brief statements. The right idea comes across, if only you have patience to read. I'll keep the text here as it is, because I feel like editing kinda hides how I actually feel like communicating. I don't think about what I say beforehand, it just comes out. but I always speak honestly, no matter what.

My aunt is helping me communicate further with these people, to get my dentures, since I can't seem to talk to neutraltypicals without issues. I feel let down by Western Dental, verbally mistreated, and very misunderstood. And they are withholding MY property, my dentures. I have a bad feeling they threw them away, believing their false accusation that I refused them. Only time will tell at this point, we wait for a reply from my aunt's letter.

Next visit no more extreme polite and friendly. And that would have even been all right...but their billing from day 1 has been a nightmare from hell. I told them from the start I get paid on the 10th. I will use my banks e-bill feature but that my payment would not be available until the 15th. The girl that signed me up said "No problem, we will make your due date 15." Well they didn't. So for the first 4 months every month even though I paid on the 14th or 15th they would hassle my daughter saying her payments were late. They also charged me late fee after late fee. So I paid a month ahead. I assumed that would alleviate the problem. I made 2 payments one month and paid all their damn late fees. The 800# told me this would solve it.

Well it didn’t. They refused to waive any of their late fees, and continued to charge me. So I finally had to just pay all of the late fees, and make another 2 payments and they said my new due date would be 15th. Problem solved right? Wrong. The past 2 months my payments posted on the 15th but once again they are harassing my daughter and charging me 2 more late fees. Please for the love of God do not go here...and if you do don't finance anything....

Once I got my braces on I was informed that I would need to have them applied for 2 years. So the two years passed and I got my braces removed but I was not satisfied with the end results. They then had a new orthodontics in the building taking over my case. One of my teeth was still uneven and longer than the rest so the orthodontics grinded down my uneven tooth to even it out. He also told me he needed to remove my 4 wisdom teeth to make more room (which is the reason I got my two canine teeth removed). I was told I would only need to use my retainers for a year and only remove them when I would have a meal. After that I would only need to use my retainers at night.

More than a year has passed and they have not contacted me to check up on my recovery. I still need to wear my retainers all day because after 15 min of having them removed I could feel pressure on my teeth and the orthodontist did not properly grind my tooth - in fact it is worse. "I want my money back so I can go to another dentist that knows what he's doing." The reason I went with Western Dental cause I didn't have no dental insurance, but it was a mistake to go with them!!!

Another dentist came in. This one threw my denture in, put in my partial. Said, “I want to see you in a week. Here's your appointment and prescription.” Never once checked to see if the denture or partial fit. I finally get home after my day from hell. I go to drop off my prescription since I knew I needed to be on antibiotics. I notice it's for amoxicillin. Ok, my records clearly state I have an allergic reaction to any and all types of penicillin so now I can't get the script filled since it will kill me. Now the dentist office isn't open and I have to wait 2 days to get it changed. I call and they say it's no big deal, just take it. I go to the pharmacy and they have to demand a new script and explain I could die taking this antibiotic they are telling me to take. Now in the mean time here I am with a denture that DOES NOT fit. It tips at the molars, it's too big under my lip (which gives me the look of a part mouth), it has hard plastic ridges which drill into my gums. I call and ask them for help. I'm told to just take it out and come back on my appointment. Ok, I work and I'm suppose to spend my day without upper teeth, I don't think so.

These centers show such great commercials showing how much they care, this is not the truth. They herd you in and out like cattle going to slaughter, they do not spend time making sure the patient is taking care of nor are they helpful in making sure things fit properly before you aren't tossed out the door. Not to mention they don't read your medical chart to ensure you aren't sent home with a medication that can kill you.

I think this place needs to have someone take a very close look into their practice. The last thing I want people to know is the offices are filthy. They also allow workers to come in with the flu and it's ok to have these people breathing in your face while you’re having dental work done. I will be contacting an attorney if I cannot get these people to fix the mess they left me with. Please think twice before going to western dental.

So finally I get called back. I do the X-Rays which seemed to be okay until I sat in the chair and waited for another 20 minutes and I finally see a Dentist and she takes more pictures with this thing that takes the photos. She also told me while she was doing that she isn't good at doing these pictures with this small little device to show me my teeth. Then she had this assistant on the computer who she was giving codes to on certain teeth and by the end of it I was freaked out. She told me I had to do a deep cleaning before she did any work and she pretty much told me it'd be over 1,000 for everything. I started crying because I couldn't believe it and I just got up and walked away. I couldn't deal with it. WOULD NEVER RECOMMEND THIS PLACE TO ANYONE!

Dec. 26 Update -- I've already posted my complaint. What I want to know is why this corporation is still allowed to conduct business in California. The comments on your site are all bad. The comments on Yelp are even worse. So why do we consumers have deal with companies like this? It's just not right. Tomorrow I am going to WD because I have discovered they owe me money now. They better not give me a hard time. I'm a loud mouthed princess from NYC. I better get treated with some respect instead of their usual treatment which under normal circumstances would be reserved for the gunk you scrape from the bottom shoe. I am not going back down. I'm not going to let them take advantage of me. No way! This is not ok. Somebody has to do something to shut Western Dental down for good.

I was talking in a low voice, audible for her to hear so that my simple request be granted. I was then asked to speak with the dentist. Surprisingly, Dr. ** (dentist) came out with like an outburst because consulting with her was like a nuisance to her. I thought all along that Western Dental Clinics have the slogan to care for their patients first, that they have listening ears and their concern is about the welfare of the patients. I do hear their point that Medical wouldn't approve of it (based on what they know but never tried it) but my point was let them try it first. I pleaded since the patient is also a recipient of government benefits that only proves that she is not financially well off. The sad part here was that she spoke with me in a thunderous voice, so arrogantly, that almost all the people in the clinic stopped and became nosy of what was happening. The poor woman was placed in an embarrassing predicament since all eyes were on her.

I sought again the same favor and these words came out of the Dr. ** mouth, "It is a waste of my time to fill out a form!" Then, I responded, "Is it really a bother to fill up a one page form?" She made a face and turned around leaving us behind. I was stunned with the dentist's reaction and to aggravate the situation, one of the staff asked what happened, and I overheard her saying, "I don't know." They pulled me just to talk to her! We never did anything wrong but just beg for pity and consideration. We were treated rudely because we are Medical recipients? The receptionist told me that we have to meet with the managing dentist, and I did agree to meet with her two weeks from now. I wouldn't be so confident to plead for them to at least try if I have not known other patients with the same case and were approved by Medical.

If the dentist has a heart to help the patient, it would be done, but if the dentist does not follow the motto, "We listen, we care," then I may say so that this is not the slogan that was adopted by Western Dental Clinic which are sporadically scattered in California. Likewise, Ultimate Patient Experience the experience to be turned down to be humiliated to be ignored, are these the experiences that a patient would undergo as they enter Western Dental clinic? Are these slogans just hearsays propaganda because the arrogant Dr. ** just demonstrated the irony of these nice sayings? Should a person be subjected to humiliation because the patient was just asking for help to minimize any payment she needs to pay? So if ever you are looking for Western Dental clinics, beware entering the Western Dental located at Bellflower. They will never move an inch to help any patient. There are other locations that I believe which abide the adage that uplifts the name of Western Dental.

After an initial evaluation, I was told that I was an ideal candidate for an implant as I'd already had a successful experience with one right next to the tooth currently needing replacement and that the density and thickness of my jaw bone was more than adequate to make a successful implant very likely without a bone graft but that this determination would be made by the dentist after extraction. I was also informed at this point that I would need over $5,000 worth of urgent dental work completed in addition to the implant. This surprised me as I had recently been examined by my regular (non western dental) dentist of 10 years who did not indicate that my teeth needed any work urgent or otherwise - other than an implant if that was my choice. I indicated that I'd consider proceeding with this other work when I was finished with the implant procedure and when I'd had time to think it over. What happened next was bizarre.

While sedated sitting in the dentist's chair after the extraction procedure, an administrative employee rushed at me from behind, thrust a bunch of papers into my lap and said that I had to sign these documents immediately or continuing with planned work that day would cease immediately. This seemed a little odd but I complied as I was concerned as to whether I might be left with incomplete procedures (e.g. needed sutures not done) if I didn't. A few minutes later, another dentist appeared and said that he'd arrived to do a bone graft that I needed since I'd be having an implant (the implication was that all dental implants required a bone graft without evaluating for necessity). He proceeded to do the bone graft. I returned for followup exams and X-rays and was informed at that appointment that all procedures for the implant had been very successful. When I came for my next appointment, I was informed that Western Dental would not provide me with an implant until I'd completed an additional invasive procedure that Western Dental could not name or identify and did not offer.

I was advised to seek this unspecified procedure elsewhere and informed that Western Dental could not help me finding a dentist to complete this mystery procedure. I'd now paid $600 for a procedure that Western Dental knew was unnecessary at the time that they claimed it was needed since they'd already made a decision not to provide implant services (I wonder if they provide implants at all and just advertise them as a benefit to gain more customers). In addition, I'd paid way over market *uninsured* rate (I was supposed to be getting a reduced rate because of the premiums my employer was paying each month) for crown prep & temporary crown that I had not asked for - it was done that I'd signed a contract to this effect (the document brought to me when I was under sedation). I decided not to return to Western Dental until I was assured that my permanent crown (that I'd already paid for) was ready and at the Dental Center - because I was afraid that I would go for this crown placement and a different procedure would be completed for which I'd then be billed.

Despite making a request for this assurance both to Western Dental corporate office and the local Oakland dental center for more than 6 months, nobody was willing to give me that assurance. Instead, I have been inundated with harassing and threatening phone calls such that I ceased to ever answer my phone and still, to this day, don't do so. Some calls claimed to be from "Western Dental" Corporate Office" demanding urgent return of messages, others claimed to be from collection agencies seeking the payment of unpaid bills (I've paid Western Dental hundreds of dollars over whatever services I've received from them) so the debt is owed TO me, not FROM me. Other calls claimed to represent Western Dental who wanted to "protect my valuable credit rating from damage". I receive regular bills for services never rendered. I've since had to have the crown prep completely re-done and a permanent crown installed at my full, uninsured expense at my regular dentist. I've had a titanium implant successfully placed in my jaw bone without any supposed or unnamed "additional procedures" being required by the surgeon who told me that nothing was needed before she could proceed with the implant procedure.

So I left and came back another day, I didn't want to deal with her! Again she is there and I bluntly tell her ONLY THE CLEANING and the cleaning is $131. Dentist was scraping something on my teeth for no more than 5 minutes and I wait 20 minutes for an assistant who comes all hung over and drops whatever she's holding twice. OKAY now fast forward to September, I'm getting charged $71 a month for that cleaning and have $330 to go to pay off. Stupid lady said it was $131 straight. What a **.

She checks her credit one month ago and finds out that in fact, western dental reported her to all three credit bureaus for non-payment and late. She then disputes it and western dental reported again to the 3 credit bureaus, this time with a '0' balance. The problem is, because they erroneously reported her last yr. and 3 weeks ago, those 2 dings are still on her credit for 7 yrs. Due to the fact that it was their screw up from the beginning, those 2 false dings should be removed because as is, it looks like she owed the money and paid it off, which was not the case. We have constantly called their corporate office to seek answers and resolution but to no avail. Every time we called, they would either hang up on us or send us to a 'supervisor' whose voice boxes were always full. We keep getting rude people and the run around.

I, myself, went into the Claremont, Ca. office just to see if I received the same treatment. Sure enough I did. I paid the $89 for the first time visit and was escorted to the back. The whole time there were two ladies from finance following me around, including during my treatment, discussing my credit and payment options for a bridge or implant that they 'strongly' recommended I have after I have a tooth removed. They also told me my credit came back '0'. Their exact words were, "It doesn't mean your credit is good or bad, it just comes up as a 0". Hmmm, Very suspicious. Needless to say, I declined further treatment and made sure they closed any possible records that would make me responsible for any future payments.

Legal advice did not help. Basically there is not enough money for attorney to go after and take the case on a contingency basis. Sure he could probably have those dings removed altogether, but it would cost me $4,000 that I don't have. As a result, my daughter's credit has suffered greatly. I am also seeking the help of consumer advocates you see on the news channels. They just can't get away with this!

I go back again, for the same sensitivity. My appointment is at 12:30. I am in the waiting room for a half hour. I am taken to the back where an assistant asks if I'm here for a filling. Sigh. I repeat what I told the person I set the appointment with. I wait and wait. Dr. ** wanders in asking if I'm still in pain. I tell her that I am. She goes on about how I may need a root canal. This is awkward because I absolutely had done everything in my power not to have to communicate with her again. I shake my head "no", indicating that I am not with it. She gets emotional and walks away. Emotion has no place at the dentist's office. I just want to get my teeth fixed. Geez.

Dr. ** comes back with a really helpful assistant (wish I could remember her name). Dr. ** contradicts herself until I turn to the assistant, who is able to explain a few things. I overhear Dr. ** whining to another person (who I presume is Dr. **) about how she "tried to explain" to me. Unprofessional. And kind of silly. You know these rooms aren't soundproof, right? Sigh.

The assistant takes me for x-rays. I wait about another hour and ** - who told me she deals with the financial side of things - comes with a referral to another office. I am feeling really disappointed by my visit and tell her as much. Dr. ** never bothered to say "hello" or meet the patient she had a scheduled appointment with. Unacceptable. I don't appreciate being sent off to another office. If Western Dental created the problem, they should be prepared to offer solutions and own up to it, with grace and forthrightness. I absolutely will NOT go back to this place. I hope the dentists there think about how they would want to be treated and how they'd like their loved ones to be treated and adjust their behavior accordingly. And I still have this insane sensitivity. Unacceptable.

Two days later I thought everything be fine. I guess not. I check on my tooth healing progress, found out they left the root in the same area where they have it pulled a nice sharp broken tooth they left in - when I feel my left upper gum line I feel the root poking out from my mouth and moving when lightly touching it or feeling it. That's how I know they left the broken root in. They prescribe me with all kind of medication for it including pain killers. The upper left side hurts but my other right is fine. It's just the left side hurts the most. Once I get this fix, I'll never go back there again. They are the worst place I ever been to.

So I come back in a week and pay and I go to dental chair and the head dentist tells me they're doing extractions and implants. Now I'm not even thinking about the infections, for 1 he's a educated man. That intimidates me, the assistant hands me a bunch of papers to sign. My glasses are out in lobby, thank God my mom insisted on driving me. It takes 1.5 hours one way. Head dentist is rushing me cause he says surgeon is only here 1 day every other week. There's other patients the surgeon needs to see. Well nice guy I am, I worry about the patients after me so I just sign.

Surgeon introduces himself. Very nice, younger, so he starts Novocaine injection, lots. About halfway though those, I say where's the nitrous gas I paid for. You did, let's check. So I get the gas and extractions are done. I'm awake, eyes closed. I tell him remove gas for a bit. Asst. finish sucking blood, surgeon comes back tells asst. get me your guys implant stock. She comes back, says there's only 4, we need 8. I'm thinking, at the time did not know there's a bunch different kind... Well I hope there's 8, and that they're the right ones, but doubt it...

Back to the nightmare. Surgeon did lower 4 implants, felt no pain. Started on upper, did 2, no pain, last two hurt. With that, done. Time to sew me up, finished lower, no pain. Starts upper first 1, no pain. Second one, sewing hurts. Third one, really hurting. I stopped him, asked 'Did I piss you off?' 'No', he said jokingly, asst. did. Gave me more Novocaine, finished sewing, he is gone. Now it's taken 5 hrs. Asst. takes me to x-ray, now I'm starting to hurt. She takes 2 x-rays and hand me a paper they should have given me the last time I was there. Hands me prescriptions and says go get them filled asap. No Tylenol, no nothing.

My mom was there for 5.5 hrs. She would have gladly got my pain pills. Had I knew they were going to do all that work at one time, would have brought my own. We are pulling out of parking lot and I'm in so much pain, I want to put my fist thru windshield. By the time I got my pain pills, 1 hr 15 min later, I was a wreck.. I go back 2 weeks later, the oral surgeon was supposed to be there to examine and remove stitches, he wasn't. And the head dentist no longer works there cause when I went back, I was mad and I told the new head dentist and office manager that that was wrong to do what they did to me. She said I don't think the oral surgeon would have done the work if it wasn't okay. He must have told the original head dentist it was okay.

The decision was already made by the dentist that gone. The surgeon hadn't even gotten there until I finished signing papers under duress. So after that I told them I want price reduction and I want permanent dentures. The ones that cost $6000. The corp. office agreed. They did not ask for the $5000 cash. But now after reading all this other stuff, I'm really afraid to have them do anything. One last thing, in our contract it said I would have temp. dentures immediately after implants. Wrong.

I have to walk my daughter down the isle Oct. 11, 2014. I don't want them doing anything else because I was in so much pain. The trust with Western Dental is gone, they knew they were in the wrong or they would not have agreed to my demands. I am in construction and have hurt myself really bad 2 times and a whole lot of little ones in 35 years and can handle pain, but not that bad. With all this bad stuff they're doing, why doesn't the law do something? Are you guys waiting until they maim or do worse?

This is so ridiculous but I am claiming damages for the cost of the braces, which includes pain and suffering, harassment from their debt collection department; the money I paid for months I received treatment (3 months) and (3 months paid of non-service) and the cost to remove all the metal so another orthodontic can only begin treatment. The contract was breached at the 3rd month but I continued payment for 3 more months hoping they would come around. Now at this point I don't want to be in contract with them.

I was called back at 3:55 and waited in the chair for the dentist another 20 minutes and when he finally came I'm really irritated now. Now this is the same dentist we talked about my next appt service. The dentist asked me what are you here for, and did you talk to the finance lady. I said, what am I here for oh lord. I asked him do you need to talk to one every time you come. Then they have the finance lady come back for nothing again. Then they moved me from one chair to another. Ridiculous - this week I had two appt. I called in to let them know I would be 10 minutes late and a lady named ** answered and said hold on. I stayed on the phone for twenty minutes before I hung the phone up. She never got back on the phone. I had to call back. I had an appt. on July 24/14. They made the appt for 6:00 pm. When they made the appt. I asked the lady don't you close at 7:00. She said yes. I said the dentist said he needed two hours with me - are you sure. She said yes, the time is o.k.

I get to my appt at 5:55, go to the desk and sign in. The lady gets my name and she said one moment, gets up go to the back, comes back about 5 minutes later and said to me. I'm sorry but the Dr. can't see you because our lab tech was gone for the day. Now you mean to tell me a 6:00p.m. appt. and not one person in that office could not make a call to me and cancel the appt. I asked to speak with a manager. She comes out about 5 minutes later with a card in her hand and say I’m sorry we can reschedule you for July 28/14. She already had it plan to give me appt. Without asking me what was good for me. Every time I have appt with WD I have to take antibiotics 1 hour before any dental service. WD is aware of this. So all the antibiotics that was taken my last 3 appt. was wasted .They charge all this money for service and their service is garbage. I'm through with WD. Take my advice and please save yourself the headache and find another dentist.

Thanks to the customer service person who then stayed with me on the phone to make sure I was taken care of. They made ever effort to make sure I would no longer get any calls harassing phone calls/letters regarding my bill. Now that's the way customer service is suppose to work throughout the whole company, from top down, and not just a few. Too bad other companies/customer service agents don't understand what service is, especially collections.

Original Review: July 10, 2014

On or about Nov 2013, I went to Western Dental in Reno, NV to have my teeth extracted and replaced with dentures. The service I received was provided was unsatisfactory. After my dentures were made they were very painful and didn't fit right. I had to return numerous times to have the dentures fit corrected which was never corrected. I still was unable to wear my dentures because of pain.

Dec 2013, I moved to Marysville, CA. I looked for a Western Dental in my area and found an office in Yuba City, CA. I made an appointment with the Yuba City office. I told them that my dentures were so painful I was unable to wear them. The Yuba City office had me to come in and fill out a new patient application before they could schedule my appointment. At that time I was informed that I would be responsible for any services rendered. I told them that the Reno office did the work and I shouldn't be charged because the work wasn't done correctly. I was told by one of the managers that they would have to contact the Reno office.

Once they contacted the Western Dental office in Reno, they would told me that I was their patient and to go ahead and take care of me. After examining the dentures, I was told by the doctor that the reason I couldn't wear them is because the fit wasn't incorrect and in addition, the dentures were too large. Jan 2014, I was told by the Western Dental Yuba City office that I would be taken care of and that they would bill the Reno office.

Fast-forward to June 23, 2014. I receive a call from Western Dental Collections notifying me that I had a balance of $2065.00. Right away I explained what I was told by the Yuba City office and was told that it didn't matter, that I was still responsible for the bill. I further explained that the military had already paid my bill to the Reno office. I couldn't get anywhere with the collection person I was talking with named Valery. On or around June 24, 2014, I called Western Dental Corporate Office, and explained my situation and was told that they would handle the issue and was sorry that I was contacted.

On July 10, 2014, I called Western Dental in Yuba City to see when I could get my dentures readjusted because they were causing me pain. I was put on hold. When the receptionist returned she told me I still had an outstanding balance with the Yuba City office and that Reno had not contact them to make any payment. I was told then that she would make an appointment for me two weeks out but her manager told her if the Reno office still had an outstanding balance, they (Yuba City Western Dental) would not be able to see me. I told the receptionist that I would call their Cooperate office and call them back to make an appointment, thinking this issue would be settled.

On July 10, 2014, I called the Western Dental Cooperate Office and ended back with the same collection person Valery at the Yuba City office. At that time I am feeling that I am not only getting ripped off but getting the runaround too. Reno's Western Dental has been paid for poor services and then I was given misinformation by the Yuba City office that the Reno office would take care of the bill. It appears that Western Dental doesn't honor their warranty although they are the same company.

Furthermore, I was told that when I moved back to California, I didn't notify the Reno office that I was moving and that's why I am being charged as a new patient, according to Valery. I explained to the Valery that I wasn't given that information and when the Yuba City office contacted them, they knew then that I had moved before any service was provided. I do not understand nor appreciate Western Dental's policy of not honoring their work no matter what office I go to, they are still the same company. Any help with this matter would be truly appreciated.

The first day she was not there I went back the next day and she told me the audit had been submitted and I should be hearing from someone in about 2 weeks. This is what I was hearing when I called. I asked for a paper print out of my bill with charges and every payment made. After 30 minutes, she came out with a paper. I over paid over $1,700. My payments were set for 14 months and I was told "whoops, someone calculated it wrong". If I had not inquired about this I think they would have never admitted an overcharge. Now I am being told it will be about 2 more weeks before I get my money back. I am really angry. I have taken time off work to deal with this and there has been so much run around. Is there anything I can do about this? I don't feel I should have to wait 2 weeks for my refund. I think they need to refund immediately and do some kind of compensation for my troubles.

I received another call a couple months later and explained the same thing - this person actually took down my mailing address this time. I still have not received anything in the mail as of today 6/9/14, but have been sent to collections instead. I have tried calling and e-mailing Western Dental to still get the final bill as requested....... Apparently nobody knows how to do this and it is apparently my fault that it went to collections because they didn't get any money. I don't know why it is so difficult for a final bill to be produced?

The original amount they called me about was for a full ortho contract for two kids, even though they had braces put on in May and we moved in Aug - they still wanted me to pay the full balance. I am only paying for treatment actually received and they can't seem to be able to bill for that time and that's where the problem is. I would not recommend them to anyone after the billing issues I have had. I have insurance and they have received a nice payment from my insurance but apparently that is still not enough.

In the meantime my mother became gravely ill and we were dealing with medical issues and surgery. While she was getting her health back, her toothache happened again. I took her back to the office on a Saturday in March. The front office staff treated her terrible. The dental technician kept repeating to her that she was there for a cleaning. I kept telling her we were there for a toothache and I wanted the Dentist to see her. They took an x-ray. The Dentist came in the room, only spent about five minutes looking in her mouth, barely spoke to us. Then stood up and said it was a bad root canal, and why didn't I take her to the periodontist? I said to him first, we never got a referral to the periodontist, and second that she was gravely ill, but we are here and need to get started.

They got very rude and said they have to put through yet another authorization. I told them I never got the first authorization. I asked to speak with the office manager, he never came to see me. The receptionist came in and asked why didn't we go to the periodontist. I had to explain all over again. She said she would have to put another authorization in. I asked if they will be calling, she said no they don't get involved with the referral, that my mom would hear from her insurance company. We left the office and the next Monday I called her insurance to change dentists. When I took my mother into the new dentist, she told my mother and me what the issues are with her teeth. I started looking into the bill Western Dental gave her to see if there was anything they already billed for which this whole time, my mother has been paying monthly payments to them.

I called my mother's insurance company and they kindly went over what the descriptions were and what Western Dental should be charging her. My mother's insurance company also said they have never received a claim from Western Dental. I have finally gotten a call from the office manager **, who said the dentist that last saw her was fired and said that he will have to review her chart. Now I have been calling for over five weeks to talk to someone about her bill. I have called The Western Dental clinic to get hung up on, or to never receive a call back. I have called the Western Dental Corporation that I filed the grievance with them, and they tell me that my mom is a cash pay patient.

This matter is still not resolved. It's been weeks of calling her insurance company, who say they don't have any record of Western Dental seeing my mother, Western Dental Corporation stating they haven't received anything from her insurance, The Western Dental customer service stating they will email the collections department to put a hold on her bill, the Western Dental collections department stating they have no information about a grievance, or an email to hold the billing, and the office manager, that keeps stating he is reviewing her chart, and the office staff ** and ** that keep telling me the her billing is out of their hands.

I feel Western Dental has taken her for her money and they are making it impossible to rectify any wrong doing on their part. My husband and I have been with my mother every time she was in the dentist office, and we know what they have done or should I say not done with her, although the chart and billing say different. The people that work at Western Dental can make any notes they want in charts and any billing they want to charge for. I think they are swindling money out of people and no one does anything about it.

By god's grace I was able to come up with the money. I signed contract saying I would pay 35.00 month for term but I paid them off in 4 months breaking down four large payments. When I received my teeth, my uppers, I was amazed with they fit like I never imagined yet my lowers are way too big and the front is too thick making it look like I have chew in my lip. When I went for adjustment the dr sent me away unable to wear my lower denture and I tried. I went in for another adjustment and he then made them even more un-wearable. When I came the third time, stated how I felt, he rudely said to me well then maybe I should have saved my money up to get implants then. My heart was crushed hearing this and being treated like this by the man who prior to doing this had assured me he would fix me right up and I will walk away with a smile if I decide to go ahead and have a upper and lower made.

One year later and I still have no lowers. Last week the 800 office tried to send me back to same place I have been treated wrong and no results. I said, "I won't go back. Can you transfer my file to the location near my house?" They said they would and the other office will contact me. I've yet heard anything. They also sent me away with blue stuff they molded to my mouth all over my neck and cheek. I said something to dr about how I went to gas and store with his gel all over face. He says things like that happen, "what can you do real professional ha."

I began this because my biggest fear was dying with the mouth I had. I'M in poor health and haven't had a smile since two weeks after turning 18 in which I skidded upside down with my face injuring my mouth..anybody want to get together and create our own western dental experience video and blast it out on youtube.

I received a bill and I called to let them know I didn't get my teeth cleaned. Which is what I was there for NOT AN XRAY. Western Dental has turned $100 into $350 by turning into a collection agency and all the Credit reports. I called corporate 4/23/2014 and They will not listen to me or work with me on this miscommunication. It is a law that one has to charge someone for services rendered. The service I requested was not rendered; therefore, I did not get my teeth cleaned. If it was their policy that you need to get X-ray before teeth are cleaned, someone should have explained.

I called billing on 4/11/14 and the refund has not been asked for. The billing transferred me to the Lancaster office and now I'm told it will take 30 days before they can get to my refund. Which I know it does not take that long to process a refund because for them to get my payment it did not take 30 days. I would like my refund the same way I gave the money to the company. I don't understand why I'm getting such a hard time on getting my money back. If this is how your patients get treated by your office staff then I will look for a new place to take my children. I would like my money and please let me know when I am getting it.

I contacted corporate again and was told the same; my account is in good standing and paid in full. They told me someone forgot to uncheck a box on my account profile indicating my account was in good standing. I called to schedule a third appointment and verified that everything was good to go and could finally get this done. When I arrived, they told me it would be an additional $3500 to complete the work. Needless to say I was shocked and quite upset. They have a bunch of hidden charges and don't inform you of them until you are at their office and in the chair. They are unprofessional and unethical. I would, under no circumstances, ever recommend Western Dental. Avoid them and find a competent and honest company to have your work done.

So I went down to the office that I received the care and one of the workers who verified that I did not owe them anything gave me a copy of my bill. I went back to the office and put it on an excel spread sheet. It turns out they were charging me late fees when my bill had a negative balance to a tune of $395 dollars. So I had over paid them $395 dollars. How they get away with it is that they put these amounts in a reference balance. They then did an audit adjustment 2 years later in the amount of my over payment instead of issuing me a check. When I was looking at it I was like how are they charging me a late fee when I have a negative balance? And what is this auditor adjustment for 2 years after my service? They were like, "Well maybe your insurance didn't pay or maybe we forgot to bill you." I was like, "And it took you 2 years to figure it out?"

But the truth is I over paid for services and they created an auditor adjustment to keep the money. Here is the kicker how they get away with it. They do not bill you for these charges, they are a credit adjustment that reflects on your bill, but you have not been billed for but show up on your account receivable total. They will not clear your bill for you. When you can get a live body on the phone they give you the run around and of course are very concerned. But can not help remove anything from your credit report or just reflect accurate information. I called an attorney and they said whereas it is unethical to send people to phone numbers that no one ever answers and to apply charges to your account that are not true-unless they bill you and take your money that have acted unethical but have not broken the law.

So they are unethical and a nightmare to deal. The sad thing is I did receive good care from them. Their billing and account management is a nightmare. Here is the best part of my complaint-the one time that someone answered my phone call after 10 days of getting the run around was from a 1800# from the bottom of a complaint website. Go figure.

I made an appointment at Western Dental to begin work. However, when we came in for the appointment, I was informed by the dentist, I would not be allowed to accompany my son to the treatment room. I said my son is a minor and I go where he goes or he doesn't have any work done at Western Dental, Murrieta, California. The dentist was adamant and we walked out.

I made an appointment at another dentist down the street from Western Dental to have a complete checkup done on my son. That dentist informed me that my son had "ZERO" cavities. I am so glad Western Dental denied me access to the back with my son. There are a few possibilities here, but from my point of view, I believe Western Dental was creating work to get money.

I asked if they could work with me and change the due date so I could handle the payment. They said all kinds of stuff to not allow me to change the date. Now as far as the payment every month if you are late one day, the FEE is $35. Ridiculously HIGH of a fee for being late one day. For anyone, that is way too much for a Late Fee and no way around that either, they don't CARE! Other places have Grace Periods and less amount of a Late Fee... These people act like they are a business that will go BANKRUPT. DIDN'T help HERE EITHER!!! Really you better not get so Happy because when your child needs BRACES really BAD and you feel WESTERN DENTAL ORTHODONTIC is the place for HELP... think TWICE before you sign the CONTRACT.

After my child finishes the treatment (that's if I don't leave her in the middle of the Treatment financially) I will never RECOMMEND NOBODY TO THIS OFFICE. They will find misleading information after you have signed the contract..... AFTER!!!!!! Then you will feel regret each time you have an appointment with them. I feel no business ethics when I step into that office. The staff does not Feel we the patients have nooooooo CHOICE BUT TO SUFFER if you don't make the payment.

The following week, we checked in and waited in the lobby for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. We were called in for the dental surgery to be performed. We waited in the dental room for about 1 hour before the hard to understand dentist came in with the patient coordinator. He asked about any health issues. I told him about the heart murmur which I had checked off on the form a week ago. Well, I guess they don't look at the forms because they did not know nothing about it. The dentist then said she will not perform the surgery without my daughter's doctor's consent. The patient coordinator said he will take care of it and he rescheduled the appointment for one week later.

During that week, I would call the patient care coordinator for updates. He never returned any calls. One day before the appointment, the receptionist told me to call the doctor myself and handle it. I did call the doctor's office and they never returned my call, but that's another complaint another day with them. On the day of the dental appointment, I called before the appointment time to confirm that everything was ready to go. The receptionist then put me on the phone with the actual dentist who was going to perform the surgery. She told me that the reason she gave me the consent form was so I can get it signed myself. I told her that she or anyone never gave me any form to take care of. The patient care coordinator said he was going to take care of it. She then said she can't do anything without that form.

Now, I understand the reason for that form. But, this Lancaster office needs to get their stuff in order and read the forms they have us fill out especially when it deals with a child. They also need to stop taking in so many clients if it's too much to handle. They obviously don't care about people's time. Either that or it's just the way they treat Medi-Cal recipients.

After 1 hour I was called back and X-rays were taken and was told that the dentist would be in shortly... I apparently fell asleep, and it was TWO hours later that I awoke and a bit confused as to how they could allow me to have wasted over three hours of my time already, so I got up and walked out and stood in the doorway and asked what was going on! And they said it will be just another minute and the doctor will go over my X-rays with me.Five minutes went by and a woman came in and looked at the X-rays on her screen and said they are all rotten and walked out...That was it! Nothing about the extraction procedure that I was there for! And the assistant told me to go to the front desk and they would reschedule me.

When I paid my $100.00, they had me sign a few papers that were barely legible because the printer was out of ink and led me to believe that this was my insurance and contract for payment for the future extraction to be performed after again prescribing another two-week dose of antibiotics. So two weeks went by and I schedule for the next day off work, and at 8pm that night I receive a call from Western Dental indicating that my appointment at 10am the next morning had been cancelled due to emergency reasons and was to be rescheduled the following two weeks later, and I indicated that I had already been taking antibiotics now for over 4 weeks and that I was concerned about the amount of time on them and she stated that if I didn't have any pain then I could stop taking the antibiotics. I didn't agree with her cancelling my appointment so late notice and informed her of my lost day of work due to it being scheduled prior, so now I have lost 2 days of work due to Western Dental.

Anyway! I wait the two weeks and go in 20 minutes early and sign in electronically, where the machine asked you the first three letters of my last name, I enter them and it automatically comes up with my details and confirms my sign in, and appointment. I wait as I see there are several people in the waiting room and for over an hour and a half I see them all leave and new people coming in and being seen and leaving, so I go to the counter and speak with a Dennis, and state my appointment time was over an hour and a half ago and he asked what is my last name, he says my first name and I reply yes and he states that he doesn't have me on the sign in and sorry! That was it! It was obvious that the doctor wasn't there again and no procedure was going to take place, so I returned home, again an unscheduled day off...

Two weeks later Dennis calls and wishes to make another appointment for me which in return I tell him that they cancelled my prior appointments and that I had no longer any need for their services although they had received the initial $100.00 as a Deposit, and wished to schedule for other work that I may need. I told Dennis I was receiving statements for work that hadn't been performed and he stated he would check into it and get right back to me, but no call was ever received. I continue daily to receive phone calls from them and they continue to ignore my statement that no work has ever been provided by them, and I have sent registered mail to them that I am in dispute of the claim and their attempt to tarnish my credit and court actions against me with requests for them to provide me with a copy of what services I am being billed for with continued late charges, which they refuse to acknowledge or respond in writing.

We waited over an hour before I was taken back to an open exam room. X-rays had been taken prior to this appointment, and I just needed the tooth treated. We waited for a half an hour before the dentist decided to make an appearance. I had given the front desk personal the paperwork my OB-GYN had written me. The dentist was agitated and stuck the paperwork from my OB-GYN in my face and demanded to know why he would approve the drugs mentioned on these documents and accused me of forgery and being a drug addict. He pushes the X-rays on the screen and tells me there is nothing wrong with that tooth. My son started to cry as did I. Other patients are hearing his accusations, and it was embarrassing and humiliating. He told me to leave or he would report me to child welfare services and the police. He then said women like me have no right to be a mother.

I left hysterical and became violently vomited in the parking lot, and I could not stop crying. I am not sure how I managed to make it home. My neighbor had to come over and calm me down. I was so upset. I never saw the document my doctor signed, and it is a unfounded horrible accusation! Even though that tooth hurt, I did not see another dentist until my son was three months old. The tooth was seriously infected six month later, and had I had to have some major dental work done. At first the dentist was angry I had not gotten it taken care of sooner until I told her what happened to me.

A couple years later, we went to the Western Dental in Costa Mesa, CA because that was the closest place we could find that accepted my husband's dental insurance. The wait was long, but the customer service was much better. The problem with this Western Dental is after a root canal the dentist refused to prescribe pain medication, and OTC pain medicine was not working. Luckily for me I had a nice primary care doctor who did prescribe me something for the pain. The dentist was decent to my children, and I was somewhat satisfied with my dental care.

Eventually, I moved to LA County and had crappy dental insurance, and went to Western Dental in Bellflower, CA. I hated this place with a passion. The customer service is horrible, the wait time is always long, the faculty is never clean and the place is awful! I had a root canal and was not given any pain medication. Even when I called and begged for it because my mouth felt it was on fire, the indifferent dentist could care less about my comfort or distress. I went to another dentist that my parents paid for and they messed up the root canal, and it was severely infected. I tried to charge me for the root canal even though I had credit, and had it confirmed by two of the office personal and the dentist. It just disappeared without a trace! I refused to pay them any money for their botched up job!

Western Dental is horrible and the staff is uncaring and rude. Most of the offices are open so there is no privacy offered at all. The wait time can be up to 3-4 hours, and the dentists are untrained and verbally abusive to their patients and underlings. Most of the offices are not cleaned well and are dirty and ghetto. The dental work is shoddy, half assed, and hurried. Most of the dentists are not gentle while performing dental work on adults or children. Most dental offices offer pain medication when complex or painful dental work is performed, but Western Dental refuses to and could care less if you are in horrible pain. All this agency cares about is money. Stay away from this place!

They are only seeing patients every six weeks and they have knocked off brackets and not replaced them. I have expressed how important it was that we got in and they said it was not an emergency. I had to take her to another dentist who is now charging me $1,335 dollars to change all of her hardware and fix what Western Dental would not. The new dentist had advised me that she has to be out of her braces in 4 months as her braces have been on too long and her roots are in danger. No one at the office or call center is helpful. I lost a family lawsuit also due to them violating my HIPPA rights.

After a few weeks I went back in and the impression still didn't fit with repeated jamming it in there. I was in pain. Then she informs me that I am going to have to have my bones shaved to be able to wear a denture (Alveoplasty). Here I am sitting there toothless on top, and no other recourse but to have this procedure done. Here comes the payment plan lady again. I was told that I would have to pay $230.00 before it could be done, and another $230.00 the first of the next month, then my payments would go to $125.00 a month after that. I had the Alveoplasty done which wasn't pleasant, and after the healing I went back in for another impression.

Two weeks later I go in to try it on and it fits pretty good so I pick the color of teeth to go in it. Two weeks later I go in to try it on again and the wrong color teeth are in it. They were so white that I could have landed planes at the airport with my smile. They didn't match my bottom partial at all. The dentist even said that it was the wrong color and told the Assistant to be sure and tell (?) to make sure he looks at the tooth color number. By this time I so am livid from all of the setbacks and having to go without teeth that I'm about ready to scream!!

I am given an appointment for another two weeks (it's always 2 weeks). I go back in two weeks and everything seems okay. I grab my teeth and run!!! When I get home and take my denture out, there is white cement looking stuff all over the gums and one of the front teeth. It doesn't come off. The dentist had mixed up some adhesive paste and put it on the denture to hold them in place until I get my reline. I haven't dealt with this cement problem yet but will next month when I go back in for my reline.

The first few billings were right at the $125.00 a month. At the end of last month I get a bill saying that I am 30 days late with my payment. BE SURE AND SAVE EVERY RECEIPT WITH THESE PEOPLE!! I DID!! I called them up, and right after you give them your account number they say, "would you like to make a payment right now" before you can ever explain why you are calling? NO, I wouldn't, because I am not behind!! I tell the guy why I am calling and he keeps saying that I missed a payment for $230.00 for the Alveoplasty. I'm sitting on the phone with him looking at both the $230.00 receipts. He's making me mad so I hang up and call and talk to another person a few minutes later. I tell the girl why I am calling, and she starts the $230.00 subject also. I said, look, I am sitting here looking at the receipts for both of them and I give her the dates. She said, “oh, you are current with your payments, and I will let the billing department know.” COOL!!

Yesterday I get another statement in the mail from them and it is messed up also. Now it is saying that I am 44 days late plus they added a $25.00 late fee. I will be back on that phone Monday morning going through this again. All in all, the thing that I want to point out is, read reviews regarding any business that you are planning on dealing with. I wish that I had read all of the horror stories regarding Western Dental before I ever set foot in their office. They will drag out your treatment plan, shoddy dental work, and a billing department that doesn't know how to do simple math!!

Long story short, the lady was so persistent that I gave in, because I just wanted the pain of the right tooth to go away. I ended up getting 2 root canals & got my 3 wisdom teeth removed, even though it never gave me pain. I feel like they weren't going to let me out, before they made a sale & I had to go pick up my kids. So I went back to get my 2 root canals & wisdom teeth removed & it's been a couple years now & I always get abscesses & I'm developing one right now again. I just don't know what to do. I'm a scared single mom. I have 2 daughters who need me & it's scary because each flare up gets worse & worse & at the moment I have no antibiotics. I feel my cheek going numb. For the same amount of time too, my hearing goes in & out. I don't know exactly what happened. All I know is the minute I touched my teeth with my tongue, I felt something on my left side (the side I never had pain on). It felt like something loose. Maybe the filling next to where my root canal was done or maybe because he was so aggressive when I had my wisdom teeth removed.

I not only had to pay extra for one wisdom tooth, because of the way my gums were hugging it, but he was so aggressive or it can be the actual root canal that felt loose. I felt something. 6 months later. I called for a cleaning, because that's one thing my insurance did cover & I was going to tell the dentist that I feel something loose. Well they once again sent the financial person to me & this time, I was thinking, why are they going to ask for my money if my cleaning is free. The girl said I can't get my cleaning, that I had scheduled done, until I do a deep cleaning and she was asking for nearly $400 for a deep cleaning & bargaining again. I asked if I can just get my cleaning & I was going to have a friend's dentist look at it for free or low of cost; it was her family member. They said no & I never even brought up that feeling of a loose filling, because they made me feel so used.

I have 2 daughters by 1 man & don't get child support & he started a new family. All I do is try to take care of my health for my kids. I would've been better off living with the pain of my tooth, because every abscess just gets worse. I even went to another Western Dental this year. I told them my situation. The end result was that I need a whole new root canal & cap, which was going to be a couple thousand. They said I had an infection underneath the cap. That much I knew, but I told him this time... I feel something still. Besides the infection inside. Something was touched during the procedure or done wrong, because I can feel something. Maybe a loose filling. I believe I had fillings done with them too. I spent so much of my kid's savings on my tooth, only to make my life worst.

Now its my kid's 1st day of school tomorrow & I can feel a flare up & I know I will be swollen in the morning. I just don't get how it's okay, for WD to make a single mom's life worse & they just care about money. I felt like I was bargaining with my teeth & now it feels like my life. I'm up while my kids are asleep, and I fear that they're going to find me dead from having my whole mouth swollen, along with my throat, to make me stop breathing. I don't know what else to do. I had to quit my job because my life revolves around my teeth. I'm so numb right now and in pain. I know besides the root canal they gave me that I didn't need infection... There's something else. An open filling. Something is moving & God forbid I pass away.

I want to share this, especially with my kids, because we do a lot less things together because of my pain. We used to have so much fun & all I can think about is my hearing & losing it, because WD just wants money. I can't believe a company like this exists. I put my faith in God, but it's upsetting for my kid's 1st day of school. I will look like a chipmunk. I guess staying alive is all that matters, because I feel like death right now. I have no meds to take. I'm in pain. It's getting numb as it gets swollen and I have no real help. No family, but my kids.

Shortly thereafter, the crown fell off. I went back to have it re-cemented. Shortly thereafter, it fell off again. I went back to have it re-cemented. Shortly thereafter, it fell off again, but this time 6 months had passed and they could not re-cement the crown without a whole new check-up including X-rays, a visit from the financial dept., etc, etc. Again, it was re-cemented and fell off, and again re-cemented and fell off, but the last time it came off the entire tooth; the post and crown fell off. Surprisingly, it was my fault as the dentist told me "Crowns are like sneakers; you would not buy a pair of sneakers and expect them to last longer than a few months." Crown and post were re-cemented and put back in and I was charged a few hundred dollars.

Less than eight weeks later, the whole thing fell out. I went to my regular dentist and I discovered shortly after figuring that Western Dental is only in business because they service medical patients and he takes an X-ray. I still have a root and an infection... I have to pay to have the entire thing redone. But the best part is after my dentist pulls apart substandard Western Dental work, I have to wait 10-14 days to let the infection clear up. Western Dental is an absurd organization; they have NO business touching anyone's teeth. Their dentists are absolutely 100% incompetent.

I looked into low-cost or free legal aid in my area; surprisingly, most places have this service available. I spoke to the receptionist and explained my situation in brief, and she gave me the name of an attorney who specialized in what I needed, promising that I would be called by the lady within a couple of days. I got a call back that very afternoon!

Fortunately, I had kept all my records, copies of bills, the letters that WD had been sending, and I'd even started a handwritten phone log detailing dates, times, and phone numbers used by WD to try and reach me (Before it was over, I was getting calls from five different numbers). By this point, I also had the oral surgeon's records on me, and his notes showing that I'd been lied to by WD, as well as proof that they never removed any of my teeth. I made copies of everything and sent it all to the lawyer.

It took a month or so, but finally I received a call and a packet in the mail. Both explained the same thing: After reviewing my case, the lawyer wrote a letter to WD stating that I clearly owed nothing and that any further contact would be punishable as harassment. She also detailed the procedures I would need to go through if they chose to fight me on this and take it to court. Thankfully, it didn't go that far for me. I haven't heard from them since they received that letter.

For anyone else who has had trouble with them, look for a local low-cost legal service! It's so worth it! I didn't pay anything for the letter that this nice lawyer lady wrote on my behalf, and I've had peace of mind ever since. And don't let this corrupt organization bully you into paying anything you know you don't owe them. If you owe them nothing, that's exactly what they deserve to get!

When the year 2012 ended, I changed to the new insurance and I made an appointment again for braces. I spoke with a consultant named Christina. She looked at my insurance and said it was accepted so I filled out the paperwork. She told me the price was $4860 but with insurance, I would be paying about $2860. Since I went in on a Saturday, they couldn't run my insurance because the insurance company is closed on weekends and Monday was President's Day. Christina told me she would mail me the new amount on Tuesday (but I never received it).

They started putting on my brackets for the top 6 teeth. Then they told me they couldn't finish putting on my wires until I had a teeth cleaning. Later that night, one of the brackets fell off. I made an appointment for a teeth cleaning and I asked them if they take my insurance and they said yes. So I went in, gave them my insurance card and got a teeth X-ray and when they started checking my teeth, the lady said I had 11 cavities. I told her to check again because I have only had one cavity in my life but she insisted that it was all in between my teeth. They told me the total was going to be $4365 but with insurance, it's $1089.

I got 3 teeth done and left because I had a feeling I didn't have anything wrong. So I got a second opinion at another dentist and they told me I had no cavities. I was really mad at that point. So I called Western Dental back and told them that I was canceling my contract and to send me the bill for the 3 teeth I got done and nothing more. They said my price is $170 but when I received my bill it was $180. I paid $110 and when I got my next bill, to my surprise, it was the full $1089. I called back to complain and see what the problem was and now they say I need to go in to fill out some new paperwork to cancel it.

I called my insurance company and they told me that Western Dental doesn't accept the insurance I had and now I might be paying more than what I expected. I haven't seen Western Dental for three months and they are still billing the insurance company for fraudulent charges.

Additionally, my husband had gone in because he was having pain and they told him he had cavities. Being extremely afraid of dental procedures, they gave him nitrous oxide. He was on it for over an hour while they kept coming in and telling him, "I'll be right with you." After they filled 2 cavities and knowing he had been on laughing gas for quite some time, they let him walk out of the office unattended. When I went to pick him up (nobody even called to say he was done), I was told by one of the assistants that the last time he saw him, he was standing on the street corner trying to cross a busy 4-way intersection. He pointed out the window to show me where he saw him last. I cannot believe these people would allow someone in that condition to walk out of the office like that.

I called corporate and the credit manager yelled and screamed at me! Ultimately hanging up in my face! I went to my local branch and arranged payments so that I could catch up. I quickly caught up, but Western Dental corporate has continued to charge me monthly late fees of $35.00, accruing over $400 of late charges. When I spoke to the credit department (again, very rude customer service reps), I was told that there was nothing they could do about it. The payments would continue because Western Dental's system automatically adds the fees to my account monthly. Also, the credit department assured me that they were an in-house credit department and that this would not show up on my credit.

All lies. I now have a $4,000 default from Western Dental on my credit, which has hurt my scores substantially. My local branch told me to write a grievance against their corporate office because there's a glitch in the system when it comes to automatic payments. Despite their efforts, they could not stop corporate from adding these fees. Instead of owing a total of $500.00, I now owe over $900.00 because of unfair fees and horrible treatment by Western Dental corporate staff, who were unwilling to be helpful or fair in this matter.

I want the fees accumulated taken off of my account. It was Western Dental's mistake for stopping payments. I didn't stop the payments; they did. They also took unauthorized amounts of money out of my account that I didn't agree to. They made a mess. Now I have to suffer a default on my credit, along with late fees that continue to accrue. I want the default removed from my credit and the late fees removed. I will never recommend Western Dental ever!

When I returned a week later, the office manager said to me, “We couldn't do the work on your partial because you took it with you, and there’s nothing we can do for you at this point.” Long story short, I went in for emergency appointment the next day and was told it was the infection that was causing me so much pain. I suffered for over 10 days in horrible pain because they didn't give me a prescription for antibiotics. Unreal. Now, I am out a $1,200 partial plus the money they collected from me to do the work.

The receptionist was described as a black female, about 5’ 5” tall, very thin. I did not get her name. She said we would have to get written consent from the doctor. Being a Saturday, it would be very hard to do that. I asked if she could accept a verbal authorization to have her seen. She said no. We contacted the on-call Dr at Sutter Gould/OBGYN, who was Dr. **. We drove over to the urgent care office of Sutter on Hammer Lane to either get some kind of authorization from the ER doctor or have Dr. ** fax over an authorization to be seen at the March Lane office.

Dr. ** was able to write up an authorization with instructions for them to see her, as she's also stating it was very important she gets in to see someone because it could be deadly to the baby without care. We left Sutter to take the authorization back over to the March Lane office to now be told that appointments for exams take priority over the emergency and it could take 3 hours or more to be seen, even after we originally arrived after 8am before anyone was in there. I then requested to ask to talk to the office manager, Peter **. He had no compassion either and also said we would have to wait, that appointment exams take priority. He suggested we try one of the other offices to see if she could be seen sooner. He made a call to the Hammer Lane/West Lane office and said the wait time there was about an hour. We drove over to that office to be told the same thing, that appointments for exams take priority over the emergency and we would have to wait.

This is unacceptable. I cannot believe a simple exam, appointment or not, would take priority over an emergency, especially when pregnancy is involved that could be very dangerous. If something is to happen to the baby because of this, there will be a lawsuit. The procedures of your offices need a definite change and your employees need to be informed that emergencies take priority over a simple appointment. These places need a change in policies and procedures or be shut down.

To make a very long story short, I have contacted their call center three separate times with affirmation that my name would be removed from their list. This past time, I sad, "No. Your assurance isn't good enough. Take me out of your system." I was told they would not do that and there was no one in the call center who could help me. The rep refused to give me his supervisor's last name. At this time, I have been advised by my family's attorney to contact the US Attorney's office, file a report with the BBB and to file suit for harassment and invasion of privacy per the Consumer Protection Act. If the company doesn't respond to my email within 30 days that I sent today notifying them of everything that has transpired, including names and dates, that's exactly what I'm going to do. It'll be worth it.

The one thing on the conversation is, "bring cash to the office." The whole point of this is, because I had insurance, they did not want to bother because they wanted me to pay cash. This is the worst service I have gotten in all of my life. I will be forwarding my complaint to higher ups, because it seemed like a money hungry business than accepting my insurance. I will never give this company the time of day. I will make sure that it is known on Twitter and Facebook what they have done to me, rejecting my service because I was not a cash-paying customer.

I picked them up and the spot where they fixed them is really scratchy and lumpy. I called back and they said to come in. When I got there, they told me it has been 6 months and the swelling has probably gone down enough to be able to put a permanent liner in them. But this would cost me another $280.00. I still owe close to $800.00 on them and I don't feel I should be investing more money for these when they are cracked to begin with! I made the appointment but then I went home and thought about it, and I cancelled it. I called the corporate office and sent an email, but I haven't heard a word from them. Go figure. I feel they should make my bottom plate over again and not make me pay for something that was poorly made to begin with! I also went there because that is what insurance I have, but I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone!