Santa Fe Smiles

To Whom It May Concern:
This is regarding the letter you received from our patient, *** ***ID# ***
There were four cavities located on the right side of the patient’s mouthThey were
diagnosed through x-rays by the doctorYou can see clearly
the radiopaquency of
the enamel on the teeth and the radiolucency of the decay between the teethFor her
scaling and root planning, we measured her pocket depths that showed us there was
slight boneloss and inflammation of the gums and needed to have the treatment done
to prevent any further disadvantagesThe treatment plan was explained thoroughly to
the patient, all consents were signed by the patient, and the financials were explained
and signedWe also explained to the patient after placing the fillings, if there is any
discomfort or pain to contact our office because it may be a result that the fillings are too
high in occlusionDue to being numb a patient cannot feel their bite, when we check
their bite immediately after we place the fillings they may be biting differently than they
usually do resulting in discomfortAccording to her insurance, which we spoke to, they
do not cover these services %which would leave the patient with the balance that
the insurance does not coverAgain, we estimated the insurance portion and the patient
portion from the information we received from her insurance and explained it to the
patientShe signed all consents that she will pay her portion.
Sincerely,
Santa Fe Smiles
*** ** *** *** ** ***
*** *** *** ***

Review: Went in for a routine cleaning. I have never had a cavity before and take excellent care of my teeth. The dentist insisted I had 4 cavities but was not visible on x rays. I am a new first time mother of a 3 month old, visiting in my home town and trusted the dentist as a Dr. and took her word for it. I did not have time to get a second opinion because I was pcsing (moving) 3000 miles away in a matter of days. She prescribed work that I did not need done and drained my insurance down to the penny. I asked if I really needed this work. She told me that because I'm breast feeding I am endangering my child of the rotten teeth in my mouth and if I did not have this services done I would need a root canal. Instead of a simple routine cleaning, I received debridement, 4 cavities, root and planing on all molars. The work was very poor and I am no longer able to eat on the side the work was done on. I received the bill in the mail after I paid partial and the insurance picked up the rest. They had over billed my insurance and did fraudulent billings to get more money out of me. I just got off the phone with the insurance company and they said "The dentist knew what she was doing when they billed these in the order she did, to take advantage of me." I am very upset at the service I received and have been taken advantage of as a military dependent. They did fraudulent claims and prescribed work that did not need to be done. My teeth will never be the same.Desired Settlement: I paid $300 out of pocket and would like my money back because my teeth will never be the same. I want this company investigated so that fraud will not happen to other military families and insurance policy holders.

Business

Response:

To Whom It May Concern:

This is regarding the letter you received from our patient, [redacted]. ID# [redacted].

There were four cavities located on the right side of the patient’s mouth. They were

diagnosed through x-rays by the doctor. You can see clearly the radiopaquency of

the enamel on the teeth and the radiolucency of the decay between the teeth. For her

scaling and root planning, we measured her pocket depths that showed us there was

slight boneloss and inflammation of the gums and needed to have the treatment done

to prevent any further disadvantages. The treatment plan was explained thoroughly to

the patient, all consents were signed by the patient, and the financials were explained

and signed. We also explained to the patient after placing the fillings, if there is any

discomfort or pain to contact our office because it may be a result that the fillings are too

high in occlusion. Due to being numb a patient cannot feel their bite, when we check

their bite immediately after we place the fillings they may be biting differently than they

usually do resulting in discomfort. According to her insurance, which we spoke to, they

do not cover these services %100 which would leave the patient with the balance that

the insurance does not cover. Again, we estimated the insurance portion and the patient

portion from the information we received from her insurance and explained it to the

patient. She signed all consents that she will pay her portion.

Sincerely,

Santa Fe Smiles