The Gentle Dentist

[redacted] came to our office in December for the start of her treatment; a denture, extractions, root canals and locatorsOur in office fee for these procedures without insurance was $4,We are in network with her insurance and her contracted fee was $1,and her dental insurance paid $1,totaling $3,The remainder amount is adjusted We explained to [redacted] that because of the healing time involved with her case, she would need to heal before placing the final lining on her new dentureWe stated to her that her denture would be considered “temporary” until she had the final reline after the initial denture deliveryPatient came back for the final reline in May The patient left our office with the understanding that she should return for any necessary final adjustments During this time, there was never a complaint about the appearance or fit of the denture from her [redacted] did not return to our office until March On this encounter patient presented with a damaged denture that was super glued back and presented with a complaint of “unsightly “dentureThis was a result of the patient’s attempted “home” repairThe patient had stated to us that her denture broke while she was out of town and she super glued it back together herselfThis resulted in a permanently damaged denture and locatorsHence the damage is not from the fabrication but from the repair done by the patient We explained to her at that appointment, because of the way the denture broke and the way she re-glued the denture with permanent glue, it was not repairable or serviceable and she would to have a new denture madeWe stated she should have came back to us right away to fix it correctly instead of fixing it herself incorrectly making it non-restorable

The signature they produced IS A FORGERY! I never signed the receipt in June However, thank you for the copy It is something I can use later.Kind regards, [redacted] ***[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the responseIf no reason is received your complaint will be closed Administratively Resolved] Complaint: [redacted] I am rejecting this response because: Regards, [redacted] ***

I was seen in this office and charged for a procedure I did not receiveI have tried multiple times to speak with someone to resolve the issue and they will not call me backI needed scaling done which is a deep cleaning involving the gums and I had to schedule that procedureBecause of this nothing was done the day of my visit except for an evaluation and x raysThis office is trying to charge me for a regular cleaning and this could not have possibly have happened I was there for such a short time and this is not standard of care when you need deep cleaning doneThis office has refused to release my X-rays to another practice where I have been very pleased to continue my care withI am not sure how to proceed and what my rights are since this practice refuses to discuss this with me

Saw this Dentist (Gentle Dentist) on TV yesterdayI began to get suspicious, when I was booked for an immediate appointment for the following morning (today - usually, it takes two weeks to see a dentist)I told them when the appointment was booked, that I had no dental insurance and was going to pay any reasonable fees out-of-pocket (but, they refused to tell me the fee amounts at that time - further, I found out later that in checking boxes on their patient info screen, that if you as a patient do not show up with at least a hour cancellation, the Gentle Dentist charges you anyway even with NO SERVICES PROVIDED - they booked the appointment for the next morning, so I believe this to be an outright fraudulent business operation)I also mentioned twice (BEFORE booking the appointment) that it is the usual expectation that any preliminary services AT THEIR DISCRETION are FREE to the patient - a usual and customary expectation (or at most $25, to include cleanings, X-rays

I was seen in this office and charged for a procedure I did not receiveI have tried multiple times to speak with someone to resolve the issue and they will not call me backI needed scaling done which is a deep cleaning involving the gums and I had to schedule that procedureBecause of this nothing was done the day of my visit except for an evaluation and x raysThis office is trying to charge me for a regular cleaning and this could not have possibly have happened I was there for such a short time and this is not standard of care when you need deep cleaning doneThis office has refused to release my X-rays to another practice where I have been very pleased to continue my care withI am not sure how to proceed and what my rights are since this practice refuses to discuss this with me

[redacted] came to our office in December 2011 for the start of her treatment; a denture, extractions, root canals and locators. Our in office fee for these procedures without insurance was...

$4,989.00. We are in network with her insurance and her contracted fee was $1,494.80 and her dental insurance paid $1,787.20 totaling $3,282.00. The remainder amount is adjusted.
We explained to [redacted] that because of the healing time involved with her case, she would need to heal before placing the final lining on her new denture. We stated to her that her denture would be considered “temporary” until she had the final reline after the initial denture delivery. Patient came back for the final reline in May 2012. The patient left our office with the understanding that she should return for any necessary final adjustments.  During this time, there was never a complaint about the appearance or fit of the denture from her. 
[redacted] did not return to our office until March 2014. On this encounter patient presented with a damaged denture that was super glued back and presented with a complaint of “unsightly “denture. This was a result of the patient’s attempted “home” repair. The patient had stated to us that her denture broke while she was out of town and she super glued it back together herself. This resulted in a permanently damaged denture and locators. Hence the damage is not from the fabrication but from the repair done by the patient.
We explained to her at that appointment, because of the way the denture broke and the way she re-glued the denture with permanent glue, it was not repairable or serviceable and she would to have a new denture made. We stated she should have came back to us right away to fix it correctly instead of fixing it herself incorrectly making it non-restorable.

The Gentle Dentist
Geetha Srinivasan D.M.D.
16 East First Avenue
Trappe, PA 19426
(610) 489-9005
                                        ...⇄ 11/03/2014
Dear Revdex.com,
Attached you will find two signature forms for [redacted], complaint #[redacted].  We believe these
signature from 7/28/2014 and 12/12/2013 to both be [redacted]s signature,
refuting her claim of forgery.
Thank you,
Dr Geetha S[redacted]

Patient was seen in our office on 2-3-17 as a new patient. Patient presented for diagnostic x-rays, periodontal charting, comprehensive exam, and prophylaxis.  All procedures were documented with clinical notes, intra-oral pictures, and diagnostic x-rays. The appointment lasted approximately 1...

hour that day.The only communication with our office after the initial appointment was on 6-12-17 when the patient called to cancel her appointment for a deep cleaning. At that time she stated that she wanted to go to another provider where she would not have a co pay/out of pocket cost. At that time patient questioned front desk staff on procedures that were charged out claiming that she did not have anything done and that only x-rays and exam were performed. Our front desk staff informed patient of clinical notes documenting procedures that were done on date of service 2-3-17. Patient was informed that a records release form needed to be signed in order to release records. This was the last communication with our office. Our office has not received record request/release form from any other provider or from patient; therefore records have not been released per HIPPA regulations. Patient posted a social media review on 12-14-17 to which we responded to on 12-15-17 letting her know that we were out of the office but would be in contact with her on Monday ( 12-18-17) morning.  We called patient on 12-18-17 and left a message to give us a call back to settle dispute.  As of 12-21-17 we have not heard back from the patient. As per the patients desired outcome/settlement we have tried to contact her in regards to her complaint. In order to release records and settle dispute we must have a records release form signed. She can either come into our office or sign release or she can sign a release at her new provider’s office and they can send us the request.  To respond further to patient’s allegation of lack of communication to her or her current dentist, we have not received any calls or correspondences from patient or any authorized provider. That last communication with that patient was back in June.We will gladly provide records when record release form is received. ...

I sat in the dental chair for over an hour while S[redacted] had a consultation with a vendor.   When she returned she told me that she would have to do some further research before treating my case.
When I went to the receptionist she told me I owed $187. When I told her I would pay on my next visit when S[redacted] had her answers, I would pay.   She told me that it was a deposit for the future procedure.  So I gave her my credit card and told her I would sign or APPROVE it upon commencement of the procedure.   I also asked her to have S[redacted] call me (or her aid) as she walked away from me when I asked her questions while I was there.   NO procedure was performed at this appointment and she never screwed anything because when I went to my current attending dentist he will attest that the crown was STILL loose when I first consulted him.
Because her office refused to return my calls, I canceled any procedure and never signed the credit card receipt.   If S[redacted]'s office has a signed credit card receipt then they forged it.
[redacted]
[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed Administratively Resolved]
 Complaint: 10248748
I am rejecting this response because:
Regards,
[redacted]

The signature they produced IS A FORGERY!  I never signed the receipt in June.  However, thank you for the copy.  It is something I can use later.Kind regards,[redacted][To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed Administratively Resolved]
 Complaint: [redacted]
I am rejecting this response because:
Regards,
[redacted]

The
patient presented in our office for a clinical exam on June 19, 2014. The
patient stated that her implant crowns were loose and needed repair. The
patient did not know the name of the implant system. She stated it...

is either a
** or [redacted] implant. After a clinical exam and access was established. The
screw head pattern was documented, a in office internet search took place to
find out the system. June 19, 2014, it was confirmed that the lower right
implants were ** system implants and both abutments were loose. Our staff
proceeded to contact the implant manufacturer on the system to determine what
was needed to tighten the abutment. During this time the patient was told that
we were working on it and was waiting in the treatment room. The patient was
well aware why she was waiting and wanted to wait.
After speaking with the implant manufacturer
and explaining to the patient, we needed to order special parts that are not
carried in our office to permanently repair the implant. We temporarily
tightened the abutment with the implant driver we carry in the office and
placed a temporary filling placed in the implant access hole.
The
clinical staff explained to the patient that we would need to order the 3i
system driver, abutment, and abutment screw for a final restoration.  The patient had called our office the next
day asking for a clinical coordinator to return her call. She was told she had
called after office hours for Dr.Geetha’s staff, and that we would return her
call first thing on the next working business day. Patient was called once
opening on the next business day. The patient during that time had the credit
card company reverse the charges.
The
fee collected on the June 19, 2014 date of service was for a clinical exam,
confirmation of the implant system and palliative treatment.  As per our financial policy all fees are due
at the time of service.  The amount
collected of $187.00 was the balance due for the services rendered.
As
a courtesy to the patient, The $187.00 would have been deducted from her final
crown payment after completion but, the patient discontinued treatment.
Therefore, the charge of the $187.00 was due.

Review: I have been a patient of this office for over 5 years. My family has had many procedures done during this time, including four sets of braces, numerous filling and crown work. We have paid our bills and made arrangement's as needed for large ticket items. At one point the office did "work ups" letting me know what my portion owing was - however, since 2011 and for the last two braces, fillings and 3 crowns no work ups were given. I had no known expectation of what my true portion would be. Now the office with threatening with collections if the total of $2500+ is not paid off in 90 days or I do not agree to a $420 a month payment.

Additionally, both my husband and I are not happy with the level care we are receiving from the dentist and her EFDA. We feel pressure to accept treatment and to not complain if we are uncomfortable with the procedures or the outcomes of treatments. When we do mention something, we feel that our concerns are not taken seriously.Desired Settlement: I am currently out of work, I can not afford the suggested payment. I can only afford $25 per month as previously stated to the office. Should my financial status change I will revise the amount I can afford.

Business

Response:

[redacted] was a past employee hired in 2011 and recently dismissed from the practice. At that time, as an employee courtesy, we gave a very generous staff discount on her treatment as well as her family’s treatment. In good faith, we trusted her to make payments on her own account and her family’s account.

[redacted] started his orthodontic treatment with us March 2012. The lab bill for the Invisalign was paid by the office at the start of his treatment. We are still pending the payment for the lab fee. [redacted] and [redacted] were very enthusiastic about [redacted] getting Invisalign and stated to us that they were very happy with the progress of the treatment. [redacted] was also very excited to start her own treatment in July 2012 and decided on traditional braces. They have owed these amounts from the start of treatment.

We received several verbal communications from [redacted] stating she had made payments on her accounts. After her dismissal from the practice we realized her "payments" were as little as $1.00 and her account had still not been paid in full. As the receptionist, she understood the financial policies of the office and it was her job to collect and understand payments from patients including her own. Our office policy, which was signed by [redacted], states that all payments must be made within three months. All unpaid balances will be sent to a collection agency after 90 days. She was always made aware of the amount due before starting any treatment.

It is unfortunate that [redacted] are not happy with the standard of care received in the 3 years they have been patients. We were unaware as this was never brought to our attention in any visits. At the removal of [redacted]’s daughter’s braces, they signed paperwork stating they were very happy with the end result of their treatment. We have continued to provide treatment as needed in spite of lack of payment because that is the high standard of care that we practice in our office. As a courtesy to [redacted], we have offered her a six month payment plan to finish paying off treatments which should have been paid off months ago.

Review: I paid a deposit fee for a future service which I canceled. I was reluctant to give my credit card at the time, but I was assured that it would be applied to my future procedure. I gave my credit card with the understanding that the doctor would call me back. She never did. I called several times and was told that she would return my call, but she never did. I canceled any further services from this dental office.

Geetha S[redacted] has told my credit card company that she provided a service and denies that the payment I made was a deposit toward future procedures.Desired Settlement: I want Geetha S[redacted] to stop lying to my credit card company and refund my money.

Business

Response:

The

patient presented in our office for a clinical exam on June 19, 2014. The

patient stated that her implant crowns were loose and needed repair. The

patient did not know the name of the implant system. She stated it is either a

** or [redacted] implant. After a clinical exam and access was established. The

screw head pattern was documented, a in office internet search took place to

find out the system. June 19, 2014, it was confirmed that the lower right

implants were ** system implants and both abutments were loose. Our staff

proceeded to contact the implant manufacturer on the system to determine what

was needed to tighten the abutment. During this time the patient was told that

we were working on it and was waiting in the treatment room. The patient was

well aware why she was waiting and wanted to wait.

After speaking with the implant manufacturer

and explaining to the patient, we needed to order special parts that are not

carried in our office to permanently repair the implant. We temporarily

tightened the abutment with the implant driver we carry in the office and

placed a temporary filling placed in the implant access hole.

The

clinical staff explained to the patient that we would need to order the 3i

system driver, abutment, and abutment screw for a final restoration. The patient had called our office the next

day asking for a clinical coordinator to return her call. She was told she had

called after office hours for Dr.Geetha’s staff, and that we would return her

call first thing on the next working business day. Patient was called once

opening on the next business day. The patient during that time had the credit

card company reverse the charges.

The

fee collected on the June 19, 2014 date of service was for a clinical exam,

confirmation of the implant system and palliative treatment. As per our financial policy all fees are due

at the time of service. The amount

collected of $187.00 was the balance due for the services rendered.

As

a courtesy to the patient, The $187.00 would have been deducted from her final

crown payment after completion but, the patient discontinued treatment.

Therefore, the charge of the $187.00 was due.

Consumer

Response:

I sat in the dental chair for over an hour while S[redacted] had a consultation with a vendor. When she returned she told me that she would have to do some further research before treating my case.

Review: I paid the Gentle Dentist $4, 989.00 to have dental work performed. The dentist gave me what she said was a Partial "(TEMP)" denture. She said the I would receive the "FINAL DENTURE AFTER FULL HEALING, 3-6 MONTHS". This dentist falsely submitted a bill to my insurance company stating the temporary denture was a permanent one. I explained to the insurance company this dentist clearly stated on my TREATMENT PLAN ESTIMATE, this denture was a "TEMP". This temporary denture is hideous and obviously not what a permanent denture should look like, nor what any competent dentist would claim is permanent and have anyone walking around with this in her mouth. This BROKEN TEMPORARY DENTURE IS CLEARLY INFERIOR AND IMPROPER AND CLEARLY FAILS TO MEET THE STANDARDS OF ANY COMPETENT DENTIST.

This denture broke into pieces and when I contacted The Gentle Dentist, she told me this denture was a permanent one. I was shocked into disbelief and horrified she would expect me to have this unsightly thing in my mouth on a permanent basis. Moreover, the dentist refused honor the plan estimate, which I and the insurance company already paid for. The Gentle Dentist submitted a bill to the insurance company stating they provided me with a permanent denture, which is totally false and clearly indicated by the Treatment Plan Estimate and the hideous denture she told me was temporary and wrote on the Estimate.

This dentist intentionally misrepresented and mislead me by clearly stating this unsightly denture was a temporary one and I would received the permanent one in a few months. The work performed by the Gentle Dentist has left me emotionally distraught and I suffer from constant embarrassment as a direct result of the poor and below standard dental work she performed.Desired Settlement: TOTAL REFUND OF MY CASH PAYMENT AND THE PAYMENT THE INSURANCE COMPANY MADE TO THIS DENTIST.

Business

Response:

[redacted] came to our office in December 2011 for the start of her treatment; a denture, extractions, root canals and locators. Our in office fee for these procedures without insurance was $4,989.00. We are in network with her insurance and her contracted fee was $1,494.80 and her dental insurance paid $1,787.20 totaling $3,282.00. The remainder amount is adjusted.

We explained to [redacted] that because of the healing time involved with her case, she would need to heal before placing the final lining on her new denture. We stated to her that her denture would be considered “temporary” until she had the final reline after the initial denture delivery. Patient came back for the final reline in May 2012. The patient left our office with the understanding that she should return for any necessary final adjustments. During this time, there was never a complaint about the appearance or fit of the denture from her.

[redacted] did not return to our office until March 2014. On this encounter patient presented with a damaged denture that was super glued back and presented with a complaint of “unsightly “denture. This was a result of the patient’s attempted “home” repair. The patient had stated to us that her denture broke while she was out of town and she super glued it back together herself. This resulted in a permanently damaged denture and locators. Hence the damage is not from the fabrication but from the repair done by the patient.

We explained to her at that appointment, because of the way the denture broke and the way she re-glued the denture with permanent glue, it was not repairable or serviceable and she would to have a new denture made. We stated she should have came back to us right away to fix it correctly instead of fixing it herself incorrectly making it non-restorable.