I got scammed by a dentist - what now?

[Doglover8180]

About 2 months ago, I went to a dentist (only cause they were open at night and I didn't want to miss time at work). Long story short, they were shaddy from the beginning - I had reservations but unfortunately I proceeded to let them make me a retainer. I went for a $200 retainer, they convinced me to buy the $500 cause it would last so much longer - I always go cheap so I figured for once I would go pricey and get more last out of it - ended up being $600. It began rusting from the inside (whether this is harmful or not, I don't know) but I am not putting it in my mouth. Brand new retainer, remember. I did ask about a warranty when I bought it and she said yes they do cover things - I didn't ask what lab made the retainer, I did not get anything in writing on the warranty (my fault). For two weeks, I have tried numerous times to reach the doctor's office - leaving message after message - yes I said in the messages something was wrong with the retainer. Their phone is still working, their hours are still posted on their voicemail but no one ever answers. No one ever returns my calls. I call daily. I feel they don't want to back their work - I know getting my money back from them will be virtually impossible (customer service isn't what they care about). I could go up there - I have chosen not to cause I won't get anywhere. I also found out, from calling the insurance company - that they never filed with insurance - yes insurance was highly unlikely to pay anything given my age, but we had agreed they would still file and then reimburse me if they got anything back (mind you, I had to pay for the retainer up front so they already had their money - no incentive to file for them). But they never filed! A friend advised me to get a lawyer and pay $50 to have them write a letter - he felt that would encourage them to pay - I feel I will just be out $650 then. I don't want to take anyone to court, I don't want to pay lawyer fees - I just want as much of my money back as possible. I do not want them making a new retainer - they already messed this one up. I should have walked out the day I went for a consultation - but now I am in this mess. Any helpful advice would be really appreciated. All I want is as much of my money back as possible and go to another doctor.

[gctattoo]

I'd contact the Better Business Bureau. They can tell you exactly what to do. I hope you get your money back!

[amylynne01]

I would physically go to the office and demand a refund and address the insurance issue.

[foodie]

Hi,

I would also complain and file a complaint with the BBB. Also, check out the American Dental Association's (ADA) site below for more info and referrals. Maybe you can file a complaint with them too.

Web site is below--

Home - American Dental Association - ADA.org (ADA's site/info.)

Good luck--

Foodie (Katie)

[joshmamabear]

since this involves a licensed professional, I suggest you first contact the clinic manager, if they have any. If they offer to fix it @ no cost to you, it is up to you if you'll agree, or insist on a full refund. Since they have not returned your calls, it is best to go there in person to talk to the clinic manager or the dentist, himself/herself.

If talking to them does not work, then that is the time to contact the ADA although I'm not sure if this will fall under malpractice. Most state AGO has a consumer protection division, you may also contact them if the BBB won't do anything in cases like this.

I'm sorry you have to go through this and I hope you can resolve this without going through a lawyer.

Good luck!

[434Teresa]

Hi,

I would also complain and file a complaint with the BBB. Also, check out the American Dental Association's (ADA) site below for more info and referrals. Maybe you can file a complaint with them too.

Web site is below--

Home - American Dental Association - ADA.org (ADA's site/info.)

Good luck--

Foodie (Katie)

yep!

If you are calling in the daytime maybe that is why no one is answering the phone for you said they are open at night. Myself I would just go up there. I would want my money back also even if I have to get a lawyer to do so you could always ask for your lawyer fees to be paid back to you in court along with the $600 you paid them.

I would go up there in person first,show them the retainer ask what they will do then ask if there was anyway to get my money back instead if not I would let them fix(make me a new one) if the second one done the samething I would get a lawyer. I cant see you not getting all your money back in court after two of their retainers where bad.

[Jen1]

I'm so sorry this is happening. I would definately go, and just go get your money back. Did you pay via cash/check or a credit card? If it was a cc, you can file a dispute with your credit card company.
Do file with the BBB. It's a shame someone licensed would do this. Tell them if they don't give you a full refund you will file a complaint with the state licensing board for dentists.

[rheavon]

Set aside a time to go. Call before you leave and if someone picks up, explain the situation. If not, proceed to the office and speak with the clinic manager or someone of that nature. If they refuse to help, contact ADA & BBB as well as let others know not to go there on Yelp.

Make your presence known and why.

Also, something to keep in mind is that they might have been closed over the Christmas-New Years break area, or at least short staffed. Now, there wouldn't be much of an excuse not to have someone to talk with.

[CW&M Mom]

I was going to ask the same. how did you pay. Cash, check, credit card. If you paid with a credit card...would be the most helpful.

have you tried going physically to the dentist.

[Agape Love]

Document EVERYTHING for your records, including take a photo of the retainer and delivering a copy also to the dentist. If they continue not answering, try certified mail.

Might want to check your state's Board of Denistry and see if they have any advice, is this dentist any good standing, etc.