Smilecare

DO NOT GO!!! YOU ARE FOREWARNED. LOOK AT THEIR RATINGS. A 1.5 STAR WITH OVER 120 REVIEWS SHOULD TELL YOU SOMETHING.
Always a problem of finding a good dentist, especially when you are constantly bounced around with pediatric insurance through Obamacare. But that is for another day. Our children were assigned to this dentist when our insurance changed so I made an appointment for my son. The dental office was called «Coast Dental» by our insurance, but they are under the corporate umbrella of «Smilecare.» I would be VERY WARY of any dentist under the Smilecare umbrella due to their practices that I will describe bellow. I had quickly written a review at the dental office, but I have now edited it to go more in depth about the issues with SMILECARE.
As our first visit, it is a standard exam, x-​ray and cleaning visit. I am used to having it take about an hour and a half if they do a good job. Our appointment was a 10am. I got there 20 minutes early with my son so I can get all the paperwork filled out. I make sure that they are on the insurance plan and that the visit today is covered as part of the plan. The receptionist called the insurance and confirmed that my son was indeed registered and that the visit was covered. (I also confirmed that with the insurance before making the appointment).
He finally gets taken back at 10:15 for x-​rays. At 10:45 they come out to get me. In 30 minutes they just finished the x-​rays. The doctor came in and spent 2 minutes. Told me that he was in desperate need of braces. He should have started them two years earlier and he would need to have them twice — once now and once five years after that. They happen to do orthodontia in the office (surprise surprise) and sent another person to consult with me. When she arrived, I told her that I always get second opinions with dentists and I was not going to make an orthodontia appointment today. She left. I waited. Finally the hygienist came in to give me the «treatment plan.» Treatment plan? He is just having his teeth cleaned. Well, they had a littany of fees that they were wanting to charge.
An «OSHA Sterilization fee»? What is that, I asked? I hope you sterilize everything. Isn’t that part of doing business? He said that he was just the hygenist and that I would have to talk to the receptionist. Told him that I did not want all these extras, crossed them off, signed the paper and went to the receptionist to find out about the fee they were charging. The receptionist did not know, just said that they charged it. A second person came out and told me that corporate (Smilecare) requires that they charge it. I again asked, what is it for? This sounds like just part of the cost of doing business. I have never had a dentist charge me a separate fee to do business. A third person came out. Again, I asked what the fee was for. Finally she said is was for glove disposal. Glove disposal? Yes, we get charged a lot to have them disposed of. To which I again said that it is a normal cost of doing business, like lights and HVAC. Well we have to charge it she said. (This sounds a lot like going for medical care in a third-​world country where they nickle and dime you for anything they can.) I replied that I really feel like I am getting hosed. Besides, you did not disclose that before you started work. By the time you told me about it, you had already used gloves so there was no chance for me to just get up and leave. Your receptionist told me that the visit was covered by insurance. To which she replied, we put in all the codes and this one the insurance does not cover. I am very frustrated by this time. I told them I was not coming back and that they really need to be upfront before they start adding «ticky tack» fees.
I sat down, wrote a paragraph and the 1 star (believe me it would be negative if I could) review. By this time it was just a little after 11. My son came out. What? Your are done? I left less than 10 minutes ago. Yes he replied. They cleaned your teeth? Yes. Did they put sealant on your teeth like they had stated they were doing? No (Will make sure they don’t bill my insurance for this or it is insurance fraud).
I went looking for the receptionist who was gone so I could pay my «Sterilization Fee» and get out of this third-​world place. I handed her my credit card and told her my frustration is that I am not told about fees before service is being rendered. She took the card, left in a huff saying I should not talk to her like that. Please read the reviews before going. I wish I did and I could have avoided all the frustration. AVOID SMILECARE.
Read this about the OSHA fee scam…

6 years later… HOW…HOW IN THE WORLD IS THIS PLACE NOT SHUT DOWN YET???
I dont understand! Who are they paying off? Just look at these reviews! One after the other after the other — horror stories! Yet, for some strange reason, ”people” still go here? I, am, perplexed.
People please, even if youre the most snaggle-​toothed, rotten-​breathed, crusty-​tongued, mouth monster on the planet… YOU MUST NOT GO TO SMILECARE!
No customers, no income flow, no more business! Simple economics… i think.

***ABSOLUTE WORST EXPERIENCE!!!*** I wish I had read the reviews before going to this office. I was the first morning patient in the office and they had an office meeting they told me I had would have to wait for it to be over to be seen. As if I wasn’t late for work already. They take me back, do x-​rays and send the doctor in. Mind you, I’m a healthy 28 year old and I’ve never had a cavity or any dental work besides regular cleanings. I’ve always had great teeth. The doctor came in and said I need two cosmetic crowns, a deeper cleaning, a night guard and some other stuff. A treatment plan of $ 3219.99! For someone who has never had a cavity and continues to have zero cavities. I called to get a copy of my x-​rays the same day and they said I would have to pay for those. Stay away from this place. The receptionist is rude, the office is outdated and they are like an auto shop.

I just received a letter from a debt collector for an appointment I had 3 years ago and paid in full. I was not going to write a negative Unilocal review 3 years ago, but now I feel compelled.
3 years ago I was new in San Diego and went to get a dental cleaning. While getting my cleaning, I was moved into 4 – 5 different rooms and my appointment lasted around 4 hours. To make matters worse, I ended up paying ~$ 800 out of pocket (after I had been told my insurance would cover). I decided I would not be returning and have found much better care elsewhere. Today, I find Coast Dental/​SmileCare has referred my account to a debt collection agency for another appreciable sum.
I have called SmileCare and have been assured I will be called back within the hour.
Update: Susie with SmileCare has informed me that the Corporate Office should have corrected my account to a $ 0 balance, however, this did not happen. What is most unsettling is she has records that someone spoke to me in December (specific date is given) about this matter. I did not speak to anyone. Nothing has been sent be mail either. I would certainly remember being contacted about a bill from an appointment 3 years ago, particularly of this large amount.
Susie states she will be helping me put this matter to rest when I call back tomorrow. She has been very helpful. However, I would not recommend SmileCare.

They are con artists. Worst dental practice. They are only out to squeeze money from your insurance via your time, and your teeth.

Dr. Woods and the staff at SmileCare really took care of me. I got one of the best teeth cleanings ever by Leon and was taken care of by one of the best dental assistants ever, Ana. Dr. Woods was very personable and took the time to explain the dental work I absolutely needed to get done. I feel she’s an expert in her craft. I couldn’t be happier with the result. By nature, dentistry is not fun, but the staff at SmileCare made it relatively painless.

I received a follow-​up phone call inquiring about why I hadn’t scheduled an appointment for my cavity fillings. I responded that I would not be returning as I was very unhappy with their billing and customer service. The woman curtly responded that she would note my account and hung up on me. Again, 1 star (would give 0 if possible) for their non-​existent customer service. This place is just a mill, out for your money. Do not go here.

Stay away. You have been warned. The absolute worst Dental practice in San Diego. There is a reason for their 1.5 rating, when all other practices around town are 4 – 5 stars. You won’t save money here and the staff is minimally trained.

I am really confused as to why this place is rated so low. I took my mother here and the people were very nice and friendly. The dentist seems to be doing nice work and they were able to get my mom in quickly for an emergency. The place is clean and the staff was actually great. Dental work is expensive, but this is not their fault. I think people are rating their insurance companies, not this office, because the dental care is definitely better than the rating here on Unilocal.I will post updates.

10 30 15, I went back there and was met with friendly smiles from the staff. A lot of new people there too. From more than a year ago, my porcelain bridge cracked. It has a 3 year warranty and they are able to do a «redo» with no problem. I was in the process of going to another dentist for my other bridge, but found out that the bridge that was pre approved via Blue Shields offered by new dentist, does not have a warranty, plus it was a metal bridge compared to my Porcelain bridge from SC. I am back with SmileCare Mission Valley and happy.

Smilecare is such a joke. They keep calling me asking if I’d like to come in for a visit. What dentist actually has to soliciate strangers over the phone to get buisness? Stay away, trust me.

Came in as a new patient. First thing I mentioned to front desk as well as doctors was «my only insurance is medical im a full time student can’t pay crazy amount of money» at this point they were pretty polite and responded by saying «we take medical don’t worry» I went in due to my wisdom tooth bothering me and causing my cheek to swell up. After an hour of wait time I had x-​Rays done the dental hygienist was pretty professional. Finally the doctor checks my tooth and says «I will prescribe you some antibiotics for swelling and will get a hold of O. S» they leave have me waiting for 20min to tell me oh if you want something done you will have to pay around $ 3200​.at that point I was frustrated because they had wasted my time. I clearly told them I had medical and very little money. They then give me a receipt and a # to an O. S and say bye. As im walking out im asking my self «what about my antibiotics?»
Doesn’t stop there! they referred me to an O. S that doesn’t take medical!!! Again these people wasted my time. And give you false information. Never again will I go. Avoid this place unless you have no other choice.

I had 3 fillings fall out within 6 months. They did fix them free of charge. My children were charged $ 160 each for a dentist to quickly peek inside their mouth, no cleaning because my children were too afraid. So I switched dentists and find out the night guard smilecare sold me for $ 100 (at a reduced price they said) is actually a very thin whitening tray according to my new dentist. That’s what I found out today and decided to review smilecare. So the past year I’ve been sleeping in pain with a whitening tray. That’s really messed up smilecare, I don’t know how you’re still in business.

What a waste of time coming here. Theres so many things wrong with this place but I’m too tired and energy drained from going off at this office. Long story short waited a couple months to see the oral surgeon for son and he wasn’t even seen. 2 hour wait to not have them do anything. Wrong X-​rays, bad pictures of teeth anyways according to dr. Took the day off from work and son was starving since 7:30am, to not be out of there til 11:30am. Dirty office. Nobody knows anything there. Some real winners including the general doctors, orthodontist and oral surgeon. None of them could help.

This is the worst place I have ever been to. To start the receptionists are complete idiots. They tell you all wrong information and then try to charge you for things you do not need. I am actually glad I came here so that I know never to come back. The oral surgeon does not know what he’s doing either. Save yourself. DO NOT COME HERE.

Now I called this office of misleading so-​called dental professionals and asked them to remove me from all mailers and from their telephone directory, last year.
I was appalled that I received a call from them today that it was time for me to come in for a cleaning. WHAT??? Seriously???
I nicely told the caller I was going to tell her and the rest of the staff there at Smile Care not to ever call me again about coming in for the ratchet services they offer. That I had the worst of experiences with them and wouldn’t recommend them to anyone I know and love.
In case you want to know what happened. Below is a cut and past of my experience:
I want everyone to know that SmileCare in Mission Valley is a hoax! I first went to their office in April. I sat in the dentist’s chair for nearly 8 hours while she ran back and forth between two different rooms doing God knows what. The billing staff told me their system’s billing codes had been input incorrectly and that they had to delete and input the correct codes so that they could appropriately bill for services. (Yeah right). Furthermore, they were in contact with my insurance company to ensure the services that were going to be done would be covered. This explains why such a long wait. The services were covered and cleared. I signed off on what I wanted to have done and explained I’d look at the other services during the next benefit period of my dental coverage.
Unbeknownst to me, the staff and team lied. They hadn’t spoken with my insurance company. The were actually changing their billing to fit the particular plan coverage, to ensure they got the biggest amount reimbursed and the write-​off amount charged off to me. I got my broker involved after calling to speak with the billing manager, whom Susie at the front desk said would be calling me back. Mind you, this started May 2, after receiving a bill. For more than two months my broker and I called. The front desk staff took our messages but the accounts/​billing manage never called back.
Wouldn’t you know it, it’s now October and I receive a collections notice! I’m livid so I call the office again asking for office manager. Susie, who answered the phone, proclaimed she is the office manager. I go on my tangent about this whole situation and was told she would be calling me back to get this resolved. YOU GUESSED IT! She never calls.
The next call I get is from Jesus, the supposed collections manager for the San Diego district — this call came in yesterday. He appeared so genuinely concerned that things weren’t quite what they should be at the Smile Care location in Mission Valley and he needed to know dates and times of calls made to the office so that he could build his case to help get this resolved. I’m feeling hopeful that this nightmare is coming to and end.
Today I get a call that he can’t do anything that although, in his words, the staff lied to me, it is still my responsibility to pay the outstanding amount the insurance didn’t page. He mentioned Dustin, the district manager of operation and he couldn’t do anything at this point. Now I’m beside myself! What frustration and anger… I’m now taking my complaint to the internet to keep others from being victimized by these con artists.
When I pull up the Smile Care location, I see there are others who’ve had very back experiences with these folks.
Well, I’ve placed a call to the patients relations manager at Coast Dental who I’m hoping will be calling me back to get this resolved, first starting with removing me from collections — you can’t send someone to collections when there is an open dispute!
I’ll keep talking until I feel I’ve been vindicated!
DON’T GO TO SMILE CARE!!!

First off this place doesn’t even deserve a star. Anyways, I came in as a new patient, after an hour of waiting, I get called in to take some X– rays, turns out while processing my X-​rays the developer «broke» and didn’t print. So they scheduled me to come back in a week. They were very apologetic and said «they will make it up to me». It was fine at the moment, not a big deal… stuff happens. So I come back, one week later to retake my X-​rays. That’s done, yay… But it doesn’t end there.
After the new X-​rays I got a cleaning, and switched out my old silver crown for a porcelain one. I went back home with a temporary crown in and hours later it fell out. It wasn’t properly placed and my tooth was very sensitive. It was quite annoying trying to be careful not to chew on my right side.
Three weeks later I went in to have the porcelain semented, but before that I had to get even MORE X-​rays! The MA couldn’t get a good shot, so she retook my X-​rays four more times in one hour! I was so annoyed and fed up with the unqualified staff that they have. Not to mention how rude all the front desk girls are. Who gets that many X-​rays when they visit a dentist? I was extremely upset at that point.
I just received an email from them, letting me know that I am due for a cleaning, when I had just gotten one three weeks ago! This place is the worst! Appointments are scheduled very far out, Worst staff ever, broken developers. I got switched to a different dentist, never coming back here again.

ZERO stars!!!
This is the first review I’ve ever written on Unilocal,but I’m currently in the waiting room. I had an appointment scheduled for over an hour ago. This is my second visit here, and the same thing happened before– I gave them one more chance and huge fail. The only reason I’m still here is I have a broken tooth and can’t go to work until it’s fixed. The last visit, also, was not pleasant. The only reason I chose it was it’s very close to my work and a co-​worker recommended it. He must have been raised in a ghetto. Under a rock. In a puddle. I hate him.
I’m paying a babysitter on top of it, so have basically paid $ 30 to sit in a chair so far. So far, who knows how much longer I’ll be waiting. I’ve had LOTS of dental work done in several places. Hate is a very strong word, but… Yup. Smilecare, I hate you.

Honestly wished I read the reviews before letting my mom go here. I highly advise people to stay away from here. They completely rip you off.
First, let me tell you that my mom has dental insurance.
Second, the insurance «expert» there states to my mom she was «in network» but in actuality she was not. Do they let her know this, absolutely not.
Third, my mom proceeds to get the work done even though she had a deep cleaning 6 months prior. They tell my mom she needed another one and that her teeth were infected and she needed antibiotics with the deep cleaning. At the end of her visit they handed her a bill $ 1200 and ask her to pay now or put her on a payment plan. I can only imagine how much interest their payment plan would be. She opted out and paid. They gave her no itemized receipt, only a tiny piece of paper stating she paid the amount. I found that odd. My mom is elderly and is on a fixed budget, but do they care. Absolutely not. My mom was shocked but didn’t know what to do but pay it.
Then I called to speak to the insurance coordinator and never received a call back that day or the next. At this point I wouldn’t want to talk to me either. So, my mom and I went into the office and finally spoke with her only b/​c I asked for a itemized receipt and requested all her dental chart and x-​rays now. She then proceeded to tell me that she is «in network.» I smiled and told her I spoke with the insurance company and NO she is not. She repeated herself again that she was in-​network. Obviously, there was no getting through to her.
FYI: No dental place I have ever seen does not give you an itemized receipt of services rendered and does not give you a bill at that same visit if you are in-​network. They first have to put it through your insurance company and then if it is not covered you receive a bill in the mail. Sooo, this must have meant she knew my mom was out of network and let her proceed with the services without consent. Therefore, making my mom pay at that visit. This place is so shady in the business they conduct.
Also, one more tidbit. This companies Smilecare La Mesa office was also on the news a couple months ago for ripping off an elderly woman also. They made her open a credit card in the office to pay for her services and then she later received a bill of over $ 4000, over the limit of the credit card they provided for her. She then had to pay additional fees for the over the limit. It is very sad this company takes peoples money at any expense to get paid. Some people just don’t have that much. It is just cruel.

Truly horrible office. After seeing the dentist who spent less than 5 minutes with me, they gave me the good news that I have no cavities and just mild gingivitis. Sounds good right? Nope, then in comes their insurance person and the hygienist with a $ 700 «treatment plan» that includes a deep cleaning and antibiotics in my gums (yea, check out the posters from drug companies on their walls for this costly treatment).
At this point I’d been at the office for 2 hours and simply asked that they do the regular cleaning. They said «nope, can’t change the treatment plan without Dr’s consent» and I waited another half hour after they called her on the loudspeaker.
What a joke. Truly trying to up sell patients. How can I trust anything they say when I’m constantly being sold something? My advice, pay out of pocket for a decent cleaning elsewhere.