ComplaintsforAlpha Plus Dental Center

• Initial Complaint

  02/05/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On Jan 26th I inquired if they perform invisalign treatment. when I checked their website invisalign treatment is being widely advertised. I was told to inquire with my insurance company which I did on cost of coverage, confirmed with the alpha plus dental and and got an appointment for Feb 2nd. They advised me to come in for teeth cleaning before appt with doctor for invisalign. I went in on Feb 2nd and met a dental hygienist '*****' who was rude to me and took detailed xrays of my mouth, I was told following the x-rays were taken for invisalign and the cleaning would be done after. As it took too long, I rescheduled my teeth cleaning but I wasnt sure to do it with her due to the rudeness. I requested a call to speak to their manager next day. On Feb 5th I received a call from ******* the manager and requested if cleaning could be done by someone else. I was told they are short staffed. I asked her since detailed xrays of my mouth had been taken, what is the next step for the invisaling treatment. She said she will call me back. She called me to say they dont do invisalign. I asked why did they take detailed xrays of my mouth? According to her they take xrays of anyone that comes in for cleaning this is unheard of. I only allowed that to proceed with invisalign treatment and now they tell me they cannot do invisalign treatment. Apparently they dont have doctors either. Is this business a front for something fradulent? Did they not know that I requested invisalign treatment a week before. I came in for a specific service, they gave me the run around, made me call my insurance and ensure coverage for this treatment, scheduled appt to for invisalign evaluation plus cleaning. I did not request an overall invasive detailed exam and xrays of my mouth which ur in possession of now, my private healthcare data and photos to tell me you do not perform this treatment? Extremely fradulent and shady business practice is being run by this business, please shut them down.

  Business response

  02/29/2024

  To whom it may concern,
  
  I am writing in response to the recent complaint filed with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) regarding our dental practice, policies on x-ray procedures, and subsequent treatment decisions. It is important to clarify our stance on this matter and address the concerns raised.
  
  First and foremost, I would like to emphasize that our clinic operates within the framework of medical best practices and regulatory compliance, including adherence to the **************** Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). As such, decisions regarding medical procedures and treatment plans are made with the utmost consideration for patient safety, privacy, and well-being.
  
  A new patient to any dental practice no matter where one would go, in order to start any clinical dentistry on a patient including elective procedures, a doctor needs to be able to fully diagnose and make sure the patient is free from decay or periodontal disease. X-rays provide vital information that cannot be obtained through other means, other than obtained recently at a different medical facility, allowing our doctors to formulate informed treatment plans tailored to the specific needs of each patient. Without this essential diagnostic tool, our ability to provide effective care would be severely compromised. Thus, a full mouth series of x-rays is an absolute necessity to move forward with any treatment.
  

  This is a very typical sequence of how a patient moves into and through treatment in any given dental practice. It is important to emphasize that the decision to recommend or reject a particular treatment plan or procedure ultimately rests with the attending physician. Our dental team undergoes rigorous training and adheres to established clinical guidelines in making these decisions, prioritizing the well-being and best interests of our patients above all else. Each recommendation is based on a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's medical history, symptoms, and diagnostic test results.
  
  Furthermore, we are committed to maintaining transparency in our interactions with patients and ensuring that they are fully informed about their treatment options and the rationale behind our recommendations. We proactively communicate with patients regarding their treatments, providing them with opportunities to ask questions, seek clarification, and voice any concerns they may have.
  
  While we respect the right of patients to express their opinions and preferences regarding their healthcare,we firmly believe that filing a complaint with the BBB is not an appropriate course of action to address disagreements with medical decisions. We encourage open dialogue and constructive communication between patients and healthcare providers to resolve any issues or concerns amicably and in accordance with established protocols.
  
  In conclusion, I would like to reaffirm our commitment to upholding the highest standards of patient care,professionalism, and ethical conduct. We appreciate the opportunity to address this matter and remain dedicated to serving the healthcare needs of our community with integrity and compassion.
  
  Should you require any further information or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.
  
  Sincerely,
  ********************

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩