Anonymous
map-marker Indianapolis, Indiana

Ms. Floyd

teeth pulled because dentist said he might hit a nerve filling cavity between teeth, duh how would he know if teeth were numb? billed me for work I will never have done. Gave me thing I never asked for. Never told me that due to having to have a temporary partial that my insurance would only cover a denture every 5 years , so I was charged for a permanent I never received. Dentist was very rude and unprofessional. Was made to sign for a bill of at least 5000 dollars., of which I was suppose to pay at least 50 a month on. After teeth being damaged in the cleaning and not taken care of I refuse to pay anything more.
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Loss:
$5000
Anonymous
map-marker Bradenton, Florida

Lack of emergency care

made emergency appointment 3 days in advance for extraction, i was in a lot of pain.i sat for 2 hrs. took xray, said tooth needed to be extracted but it was to late cause they were going home and would have to wait till sat.(3 days more). gave me Motrin for the pain no antibiotics. told me to go to hospital ER and they would pull it, what BS .they only want you if your going to have thousands in work and have insurance. they should be in Wash.DC.. all show no go for real people in need.
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fluffykitty R
map-marker Lincoln, Nebraska

Aspen Dental

I told them at Aspen Dental I wanted the broken tooth taken out, and I assumed they knew it until after I came home with a pulled tooth. I checked it, and no, it was not the broken one! They said they had to take the one that was pulled out as it was infected. But it did not bother me at all. I am very disappointed in their service and the charge was way to high, and they wanted me to get a deep cleaning for my teeth which would cost me $500 one side! They wanted me to pay upfront $1000! I do not have an insurance or anything...I have to pay everything in cash.
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Loss:
$227
Anonymous
map-marker Sarasota, Florida

$2,540.00 for two fillings at scam artists Aspen Dental

What a bunch of rotten bastards! They charge an old lady $2,540 for 2 fillings? Poor hit by high costs at dental chain Aspen Dental faces complaints of overcharging, performing unneeded care Below: x Jump to discuss 161 total comments .discuss x Next story in Health care Brain device linked to 9 deaths, FDA warns related 184.Advertise | AdChoices.By David Heath The Center for Public Integrity updated 7/1/2012 2:41:00 PM ET 2012-07-01T18:41:00 Print Font: +-Surviving on a meager $1,300 a month, 87-year-old Theresa Ferritto fretted about the cost when her dentist told her she needed two teeth pulled. Don't miss these Health stories $2,540 for 2 fillings? Poor hit by high fees at chain Surviving on a meager $1,300 a month, 87-year-old Theresa Ferritto fretted about the cost when her dentist told her she needed two teeth pulled. So she decided to try out a dental chain that promoted steep discounts in its advertisements. Psst: asparagus *** Are you in the club? Thrilled and relieved, sick patients cheer court ruling Will NBA player's fear of flying keep him from soaring? Tasty lionfish? Beware nasty toxins ..She figured an oral surgeon would be too expensive. So she decided to try out a dental chain that promoted steep discounts in its advertisements. She went to an Aspen Dental office just outside Cleveland. Ferritto said Aspen Dental wouldn't just pull the teeth but insisted on a complete exam. She was bewildered when they finally handed her a treatment planfour pages long. Total price: $7,835. Ferritto could not afford it, but Aspen Dental signed her up for a special credit card, with monthly payments of $186 for five years. She blames herself for signing the papers. "I made a big mistake going there," she says. "I should have known better." After a day of cleanings and two fillings, Ferritto asked her son for help. He called Aspen Dental to complain but said he got nowhere. So they turned to the state Attorney General. Aspen Dental took all charges off her credit card for treatments she hadn't yet received. But said the $2,540 she was charged for two fillings and cleanings was appropriate. Advertise | AdChoicesAdvertise | AdChoices Advertise | AdChoices .Aspen Dental charged Ferritto $350 for an antibiotic put next to teeth the dentist was going to pull, a charge other dentists say makes no sense. There were four separate charges for an antibacterial rinse similar to Listerine for $129. There was even a $149 charge for an electric toothbrush that Ferritto didn't even know she had, until she recently retrieved an Aspen Dental bag from her garage and found it inside. Imagine how many groceries that would buy, she sighed. When asked if Ferritto was taken advantage of, Aspen Dental chief executive Robert Fontana said, "I hope that the team was clear about what she needed and that that she completely understood what she was getting into. And hopefully, you know, she made the choices that she thought was right for her." Aspen Dental is a chain of nearly 350 offices in 22 states managed by a company owned by a private-equity firm. It is part of a fast-growing industry of corporate dental practices, many of which specialize in serving people who cannot afford to go to the dentist, a group many dentists ignore. By marketing to people who haven't seen a dentist in years, Aspen Dental often gives new patients treatment plans costing thousands of dollars. The Center for Public Integrity (CPI) and FRONTLINE spent months examining Aspen Dental and found that the same business model that makes Aspen Dental accessible to people short on cash can also lock people into debt and has led to complaints of patients being overcharged or given unnecessary treatments. Dentists paid bonuses Former employees say Aspen Dental trained them in high-pressure sales. Corporate management scrutinizes the production of dentists and staff daily. And an Aspen Dental recruiting video says that dentists get paid bonuses as key production targets are met. "You've got people who are not dentists, that are in management … they are breathing down the doctor's back," said Jenny Hayes, who worked as an office manager for Aspen Dental in the Chicago-area last year. "There are goals and if you are not hitting your goals, then you lose your job." Aspen Dental denies that its dentists have stronger financial incentives than other dentists or that its bonuses affect treatments. Fontana, founder and chief executive officer of Aspen Dental, based in East Syracuse, NY, said dentists won't do unnecessary treatments because "it's just not in their DNA." "I'm not even sure what corporate dentistry means, because we have no influence on the dentistry," Fontana said. He said Aspen Dental frees dentists to focus solely on patients, because the company handles back-office duties such as marketing, accounting and billing. In fact, dentists own and control all of the practices, says Fontana. All but four states forbid anyone who's not a dentist from owning a practice on the assumption that dentists are trained and motivated to put patients ahead of profits. Company being investigated But Sen. Charles Grassley, a Republican from Iowa, questions whether dentists at corporate-dental chains are free from corporate pressures to maximize profits. Grassley wouldn't speak about Aspen Dental specifically, but he's had investigators looking into the company and other private-equity-owned chains for months. "Because when private equity firms get involved," Grassley explained, "You got to understand that their motivation is to make money. And they are not dentists. And dentists ought to make the determination … of what is good for the teeth … Not some private equity manager in Wall Street." Advertise | AdChoicesAdvertise | AdChoices Advertise | AdChoices .Aspen Dental says it serves people who otherwise
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3 comments
Guest

can someone help me,they did the same to me,they put me in debt of 2.66.90 and then their charges

Guest

$2,540.00????????? Come on??!!

They don't even charge half of that on Central Park South in NYC.

This fee was for more dentistry than two fillings. Something was lost in this game of telephone.

Guest

I'd go to an auto mechanic for my dental needs before these scammers, who were exposed on a recent PBS program appropriately titled "Dollars and Dentists".

Nothing has changed in the dishonest field of dentistry since Readers Digest addressed the topic of dishonest dentists in a 1997 article.

I caught two Florida dentists altering my records to conceal slipshod work. One got away but the other crook was fined and reprimanded, despite hiring a high priced mouthpiece (Lawyer).

My experiences with a variety of dentists (fee for service, prepaid dental and these clinic settings) indicate a mere 20 percent of dentists are both ethical and competent.

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Anonymous
map-marker Camas, Washington

Aspen dental, Is a money sucking corp. Not A true dental office, dont go there!!

I visited Aspen dental, it adverstised free dental exam! It took the Dentist 2mins, Dr. Booie in Vancouver WA, To tell me I had gum disease and it would cost me 3,000 dollars to fix this! I had no pain, no bleeding gums, no reddness. I told the finace person I did not want my gums treated only my cavity filled, they told me no way it had to be done before any dental work could be done! I knew I did not have this gum disease they said I had, so I made an appt with a different dental office, and guess what it costed me 129.00 to get my teeth clean and no gum disease!!! It is a racket do not go they will over charge u and make u pay for things u dont even need!!!!! I guess now u need a second opinion to have your mouth looked at....
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Loss:
$5000
Michelle D Yea
map-marker Seekonk, Massachusetts

Messed up my filling called back within in 48 and dentist fired

my first horrific experience was at the North Attleboro Office, i called to ask what time my appt was and the lady screamed at me told me she could not tell me over the phone.so i drove there to find out what time that day my appt was. when i got there i received the worst attitude along with if you don't like it find another dentist, i asked for my records she said sign here i did then she told me that's not your sig only to look in my record and see that it was. i called aspen made complaint talked to Michelle in Customer care. She set me up an appointment for my filling at the Aspen in Seekonk Mass, I had to work so i cancelled my appointment. I finally made my appointment on Friday March 1st 2013. I waited an hour and a half before He came in. he numbed me up began to drill i felt it he stopped numbed me some more i then questioned how long he had been a dentist he said since 2006 and began to drill again, and again he had to stop and numb some more 3 hours later i was finished he gave me a script for Tylenol 4 and i left. i was sore for a few days and then had the worst pain i had ever felt from a filling. I called back to go back in and not only to find out that the dentist that did my filling had been fired but they would and could not see me for two days. i called another aspen same thing. so i guess i'm going to sit in agonizing pain now.. I am a veteran with TriCare In insurance so bet your you no what they are not going to pay twice so now i'm out money and in pain.Please help me
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Loss:
$150
Anonymous

Bad fitting dentures

Went to Aspen to have Dentures, have full upper and lower partial. The tech and DDS that did the forms used very thin inset so they were all lopsided and crocked, thick and distorted. When I showed them they said they could fix them with adjustments, I have not been able to eat solids for three months now. The adjustments they did to the lower partials caused them to snap in half, they are trying to make new ones but is taking forever to get them replaced. The top denture still is distorted, has different amount of teeth on both sides, one side turns out so they pop the other side when bitting down. Go figure that two of the three DDS's have quit since I have started my treatments and even on the same day together. The really good DDS left there has to deal with all their screw ups and fix its. To bad they are working him to death, I wonder how long before he quits from over work and frustration. He should get a medal, very inteligent man, can't figure out why he is still there, but glad he is, maybe he will help me get my dentures right. I would like to be able to eat food again, instead of mush.
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Loss:
$5300
2 comments
Guest

Went to aspen dental because they have a discount program.which I now realize was a scam.i wanted to save my 4 front teeth on top.i didn't think I could handle a denture.the impressions alone made me gag.i told them my fears and insisted I needed to save those 4 teeth.i had a really bad feeling about getting them pulled.they assured me it'd be ok. It would cost to much to fix my 4 teeth.id be way better of pulling them all and getting an upper denture.i was reluctant but was told to trust them it was for the best.so I agreed and even then new it was a bad decision.the processd was horrible.i felt everything.i don't know what they used for numbing.but the pain was unbearable.after making it trough this they put in my immediate denture.it was huge.the gums were so huge it looked like I got punched in the lip over and over.i actually looked like a freak.the teeth were so small and the gums were huge.the roof of the denture didn't even reach the top of my mouth.sobi gagged when I had them in.i couldn't speak at all and after a minute if even that I spit them out.i can't wear them at all.there so big and don't fit at all.i haven't left my bathroom for 3 days.i went back to aspen dental as soon as they opened Monday,and they said they'd fix it.they shaved some of the gum down.but it made no difference at all.its still huge and I can't keep it in.i haven't stopped crying for days and I can't go out in public.i just want my 4 teeth back

I am screwed.i really think my life is over.i have two jobs.neither I can go back to.someone please help me.im ready to just end this nightmare

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-685722

After 34 years of practicing dentistry, fabricating full dentures that fit well, function right, and look natural is still one of the hardest things I do. It takes 5 or 6 appointments to complete, typically.

The question is why you thought a corporate dental chain owned by investors instead of dentists would do a good job.

There are plenty of dentists who own their own practices who still do dentures, and could do a good job for you.

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Anonymous
map-marker Albany, New York

Aspen Dental in Latham, NY tried to rob me.

Since I have no dental insurance & I was looking for an affordable dentist, so I called Aspen Dentist in Latham, NY on December 13, 2012. The dentist examined my gums & said I needed scaling because of periodontal disease & it would cost me $1000.000. I got a second opinion from a well known Periodontist & he used a probe to see how much room I had between my teeth & gums, which the dentist at Aspen didn't use. The Periodontist said that there is nothing wrong with my gums & thatI didn't need it done. Thank goodness for that second opinion.
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Anonymous
map-marker Lancaster, Ohio

***

went to get a tooth extraction with anesthesia they charged me 2,000 dollars i will never go back there again will not recommend to on one.they also charged me for a tooth brush that was 200 dollars that i did not ask for and they did not tell me about, when i can buy one for a dollar.then when i called to complain they said i was wrong. they estimate your bill then get a loan for you to pay before you even get any work done.I have talked to many people who have got the same treatment for only three hundred dollars. aspen dental are cons.
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Loss:
$500
Anonymous
map-marker Albany, New York

Bad service

I.had purchased a set of dentures to replace.a set that was stolen. they lied to me and told me that they jad pulled all of my natural teeth. they insisted on it. they called.me a liar and.imsisted that my proffessional life jad never happenwd. then they started calling me.an addict and insisted that.i trade in a sobriety date It gets.evenworse. i was staying at a nearby hotel Tand the.found out names of.other guests.and.proceeded tp try and slam me. I used.to work on a.research facility and they insisted that i.didn't
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1 comment
Guest

:? Did you ever take typing classes?

Anonymous
map-marker Salem, Ohio

Tired of Aspen Dental

I went to Aspen 9 months ago to get dentures and have been miserable and in pain every since and still waiting to get my permanent dentures. I paid in cash for all my work up front and once the dentures where in place and I went back the following letting them know that my temporary denture was to big and falls out they told me there is nothing they can do about that so I have to use tons of fixodent and still unable to eat anything but soft foods. They are rude here in Mansfield Ohio. I have already been fitted for my permanent dentures and when I finally went back to get them, they didnt fit either so I am back to square one. They are all so rude when I go in that I really dread going there each time. I have lost 30lbs in nine months and still unable to eat or speak right. Please think and read all the reviews before visiting an Aspen Dental office, I wish I would have. They over charge and do not try to help in anyway make things better for the patient.
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1 comment
Guest

Aspen has had numerous class action lawsuits filed and settled against them. A recent one in Mass.

for about one million.

Anonymous
map-marker Ashburn, Virginia

Aspen Dental, Plattsburgh, NY

I paid $7232.00 up front (no financing or care credit involved) for dental services including cleanings, extractions & fillings. Today I went for another cleaning as was told it was not in my original plan of care and that I would over a little over $260.00 for today's services. Mind you I have been seeing them since February 2012 and still haven't gotten my permanent partial though I have already inquired about it twice. I was told "within 6 months" I would be finished & have the perfect smile. Well its been well over the time quoted and am still wearing a temporary. Beyond disgusted. They are only out to make money. I still have pain every time I brush my teeth. The dentist stated "that is normal, you will have to live with it." Not good customer service.
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Loss:
$7232
jbrendle
map-marker Columbus, Ohio

Aspen Dental Lima

Aspen Dental in Lima OH is a joke. Every time you go in there they have all new people because the others were run out of town. I needed a toothe refilled. The filling Aspen put in fell out after a year. They mad e me an appointment and so I went in. After sitting in the chair for 1 hour, the dentist comes in and says we will not be able to fill this today and I will have to schedule another appointment. So I wasted 1.5 hrs of my day for nothing just so Aspne can GET ANOTHER OFFICE VISIT TO MILK MY INSURANCE CO. Then When I complained the office manager came out and actually started yelling at me. Real Professional Aspen. SCAM SCAM< SCAM
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Anonymous
map-marker Akron, Ohio

Defective denture

I purchased a set of dentures in june of 2012,and on january 8,of 2013 a tooth fell off my upper denture. They want $ 89.00 to re attach it. I've had dentures,for 0ver 50 years,and I never had a tooth even come loose,on one of them. They told me that they was only guarnteed for six months,and they are now just under 7 months old.As far as I am concerned their product is junk,and I would advise NO ONE to go to Aspen dental for dental work. They are a solely, for profit generating, scamming organization,and have several lawsuits pending,according to TV news casts,that i've seen.
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Loss:
$89
1 comment
Guest

Dentures are prosthetics just like prosthetic legs and arms, they are medical appliances. Would you let anyone but a doctor make you a prosthetic leg, teeth are no different.

They are not a piece of furniture and made incorrectly can cause serious harm and health problems. Stick to the professionals people!

Thoren Yhw

BAD DENTURES

They not only make terrible dentures they do not stick by there word or even try to make right there wrong. Had upper denture made. Was talked into getter the better more expensive one. 3 months later at work tooth fell right out of my mouth wasn't even eating just fell out. They gave me there most sincere apoligy set this kind of thing never happens would fix to my liking and guanteed no future problems or would glady make me a new denture. Well 4 months later drinking from a straw lost my front tooth almost swallowed it. Went back as a very unhappy costumer asking for new denture like they had said if I had any more problems they would gladly make. But instead all I got was denial, arguing and apoligys, and yes they fixed the tooth but refused the new denture. Again saying this kind of thing rarely happend. Well 2 times in less then a year is more than rarely if u ask me. A very unhappy costumer I am and Hope to save anyone else this from happening to them. Do not Recommend ASPEN DENTAL!!
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Loss:
$975
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