As you might be aware, trust is very important when it comes to picking a dentist. You’re trusting a person to have the professionalism and experience needed to resolve dental conditions that require years of training while being attentive to your needs for comfort. On top of all that, you want to ensure that the work is performed as economically as possible while professionally performed. Unfortunately for individuals who chose to work with SmileCare, aka Coast Dental Services, Inc., they were allegedly let down in all of these areas.
In this article, City Dental Centers takes a look at SmileCare, a company now involved in a class action lawsuit for allegedly implementing unfair payment plans and defrauding their clients. We also discuss why fair payment plans and professional treatment are important in dentistry and how they are a standard in our offices.
SmileCare and the Class Action Lawsuit Claims
SmileCare was purchased by Coast Dental Services, Inc. in 2012. It is common for consumers at their 11 Coast Dental Services and 46 SmileCare locations to be enrolled in a treatment plan that requires substantial deposits. Upon completing the plan or cancelling it, many patients were left with a credit balance on their accounts. Allegedly, the companies have been keeping the balance rather than returning it to their consumers.
Hundreds of complaints have been posted regarding the deceitful practices of these companies by California consumers leading to a class action lawsuit against them. Beyond the fraudulent refusal to return credit balances, many consumers are claiming the procedures themselves were botched or improperly performed. Some of the horror stories online include accusations of the company performing procedures that weren’t necessary, doctors lacking in regard for the comfort of patients during treatments, and even lying about their patients’ income to pass enrollment requirements for the treatment plans.
Many are coming forward in regards to this class action lawsuit. While the case is still being fought, a simple Google search of SmileCare returns several filed complaints with the Better Business Bureau, a Facebook page against the company, and many negative reviews. It’s clear to see that some wrong was done to many individuals who have worked with this company.
Why Many Patients Agree to Unfair Payment Plans
Unfortunately, many patients at dental clinics agree to unfair payment plans or seemingly fair payment plans that are offered by sketchy companies. The reason for this is that dental care, particularly for patients with severe dental issues, can be very expensive. Often times, getting both professional treatment and affordable payment plans just seems difficult if not impossible to discover in a single place. Many shady companies are aware of this fact and have made millions if not billions collectively marketing themselves through radio, television, and other media as an affordable way to get a brand new smile with little to no money down. These companies are no different from car salesmen who sell lemons to consumers who ultimately won’t be able to afford the plans anyway. The plan is a ripoff and so is the product.
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The reality is that while professional work can be performed under a fair treatment plan, it has to be realistic. Just because someone is offering what appears to be a good treatment plan doesn’t mean there aren’t hidden pitfalls in the fine print or that the service provided will even be professional enough to be worth doing. Focus on quality first, then look into the policies of the company in terms of their payment plans.
Fortunately for all our clients, City Dental Centers offers fair, affordable payment plans for professional care at any of our four offices in Southern California. For more information, call: 888-553-7775.
City Dental Centers is Here for YOU
City Dental Centers is a standout dental practice that cares for its patients and treats them like family. If you’re a patient at City Dental Centers, you’ll know the difference right away in terms of patient care, professionalism, and comfort in dental proceedings. We offer professional treatment with affordable payment plans to make your dental needs realistic to achieve. When you’re our patient, you’re our family.
Patients come to City Dental Centers for a reason. We set the bar high for what anyone could ever expect of a dental practice and we seek to be the best each and every time you schedule a visit at any of our four conveniently located Southern California locations.
Santa Ana Dental Payment Plans
Convenient Dentist Offices in Southern California
Doctor Sam Shahovesi and the team at City Dental Centers are here to provide our patients with the best dental services and dental surgeries for children and adults of all ages. From toddlers to seniors, City Dental Centers offers six convenient dentist offices in Southern California. We even have a dedicated children’s dentist office, City Dental Kids & Braces, to cater to the special physical and emotional needs of children.
Whether you need checkups, x-rays, braces, bonding, teeth whitening, sealants, oral cancer screenings, root canals, crowns, bridges, implants, or tooth extraction, City Dental Centers is here to make the process as easy and comfortable as possible.
Contact The Nearest Dentist to You
Ready to experience the best dentists in Los Angeles? Choose one of the convenient dental offices we have surrounding LA. We have dental practices in Azusa, Corona, Lake Forest, Montclair, Pico Rivera, and West Covina. You can call our main line at (888) 624-8933 or reach out to an office directly with the information below. We’re so happy you’ve chosen City Dental Centers. We can’t wait to help you along your dental journey and brighten your beautiful smile!
Dentist in Azusa, CA
Location: 483 S. Citrus Ave. Azusa, CA 91702
Phone: (626) 966-3400
Dentist in Corona, CA
Location: 161 McKinley St. STE 102, Corona, CA 92879
Phone: (951) 737-3746
Dentist in Lake Forest, CA
Location: 24602 Raymond Way #210, Lake Forest, CA 92630
Phone: (949) 461-5800
Dentist in Montclair, CA
Location: 5182 Moreno St, Montclair, CA 91763
Phone: (909) 295-3477
Dentist in Pico Rivera, CA
Location: 9400 Whittier Blvd, Pico Rivera, CA 90660
Phone: (562) 949-2526
Dentist in West Covina, CA
Location: 154 Plaza Dr, West Covina, CA 91790
Phone: (626) 962-1722