ComplaintsforNikodem Dental

• Initial Complaint

  08/11/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I had a first visit on 8/3/23 to Nikodem Dental. I was given several x-rays and the main dentist ****** came in and said I needed deep teeth cleaning. When I called to make the appt, I told them I needed just a regular cleaning. They decided for me I needed a deep cleaning instead. I waited for several minutes for a dental hygienist to come clean my teeth but no one showed pup . When someone came in I asked when I would get my teeth cleaned. They said I would have to come back next week. I went to the front desk and told them that I would have to come back and I asked for the cost difference of a deep cleaning and a regular cleaning. She said it was $475 for deep cleaning and she wouldn't give me the price for a regular cleaning. I told her that all I wanted was a ppt for regular cleaning, that I was on a fixed income and couldn't afford a deep cleaning. I also asked if I had to pay another co payment when I came back on 8/10/23 she said no. On 8/10/23 when I went in for the appointment they said they were going to give me a deep cleaning anyway although I told them I didn't want it, and they did. I talked to the manger earlier today and was told if I didn't pay for it they would turn me into a collection agency. I've never had a deep cleaning before, and told them I didn't want one. They gave it to me anyway. When I went 8/3/23 I was expecting a regular cleaning. I feel like they took advantage of me because I'm elderly.

  

  Business response

  08/14/2023

  *** *****, I am **** the office manager and apologize that you feel this way. During your initial exam you were given a diagnosis and treatment plan with the cost and consent of your treatment that was signed and dated...and again before your appointment without any argument. I am very sorry for the misunderstand but our hygienists are obligated to give our patients the best care possible by treating all diagnosis correctly. We are willing to work with you on your balance by allowing you to set up a payment plan if you would like. Please reach out to our office to do so. Thank you.

• Initial Complaint

  01/28/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  December 1, 2022, I called Nikodem Dental and asked if they were in the network with Fed Blue. I was told yes they were accepting new clients and in the network. On December 2, 2022, they emailed me forms to complete. My first appointment was on 12/13/2022, I was told I had to pay in advance before my dentures could be made. I understood and I met my obligation, by paying $689.00 on 12/13/2022. The 2nd appointment was on 12/20/2022. I picked up the dentures on 12/28/2022. On January 4, 2023, I received a check in the amount of $ 397.60. Confused, I called requesting billing department and was told I would receive a callback shortly. I have left so many messages for the office manager, with no response. The last call was on the 23rd. I should have been told it would cost me $2,142.00 instead of $689.00. I am on a fixed income (social security) and should have been given the option to seek a truly in-network dental office.

  

  Business response

  06/20/2023

  In regards to ****** **********'s complaint, I was out of town for a couple of weeks during all of this patients appointments but when I returned I did call the patient back and explain to her that she has a balance on her account because her insurance sent her a check instead of our office. Her insurance has Out of Network coverage and they said they would pay for her dentures, we just did not know that they would be sending her the payment instead of our Hazelwood office. If there are any further questions please reach out. Thank you.

  Customer response

  06/23/2023

  One week prior to contacting Nikodem Dental I had an eye exam, when I picked out my glasses.
   I asked why so high, and was told not in the network.  I learned not to ask If my insurance was accepted.
  
  I asked if Nikodem Dental was in the network and accepting new patients, and was told yes. 
  Common courtesy would have been to say, “I’m sorry Ms. **********, I can’t answer that question, you have to contact your provider.”  I would have found a Dentist in Network.
  
  Instead, they had two weeks to process my information.  I was told that before my dentures can be made, I had to pay my portion of $689.00 upfront.
  
  On 02/15/2023 I paid Nikodem Dental the $397.60 I received from the insurance company.
  The last statement I received from Nikodem Dental on 05/30/2023 still shows $1453.00 due.
  No credit of $397.60 to the account.  I am sure I left 10 messages requesting a call, but none returned.
  (I can pull my cellphone records to prove it)
  
  I feel Nikodem Dental has neglected to do its job by answering questions correctly, processing payments, returning phone calls, and putting money over resolving issues with the customers. 

  Customer response

  06/23/2023

  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  One week prior to contacting Nikodem Dental I had an eye exam, when I picked out my glasses.
   I asked why so high, and was told not in the network.  I learned not to ask If my insurance was accepted.
  
  I asked if Nikodem Dental was in the network and accepting new patients, and was told yes. 
  Common courtesy would have been to say, “I’m sorry Ms. **********, I can’t answer that question, you have to contact your provider.”  I would have found a Dentist in Network.
  
  Instead, they had two weeks to process my information.  I was told that before my dentures can be made, I had to pay my portion of $689.00 upfront.
  
  On 02/15/2023 I paid Nikodem Dental the $397.60 I received from the insurance company.
  The last statement I received from Nikodem Dental on 05/30/2023 still shows $1453.00 due.
  No credit of $397.60 to the account.  I am sure I left 10 messages requesting a call, but none returned.
  (I can pull my cellphone records to prove it)
  
  I feel Nikodem Dental has neglected to do its job by answering questions correctly, processing payments, returning phone calls, and putting money over resolving issues with the customers. 
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** **********

  

  Business response

  06/23/2023

  I am sorry for the confusion. Your balance is not from being out of network, your insurance did pay they just mailed the check to you instead of us. That check was their portion to us. Once paid we can close out the claim and you will not have a large balance on your account. 

  Customer response

  06/26/2023

  Attched is the proof that I received $397.60 from my insurance company and paid $397.60 to Nikodem 02/15/2023.  Also the statement from 05/30/2023 showing the same amount due since 01/2023 of $1453.00.  Once Nikodem research and confirm payment received. If I have a zero balance, it would be helpful to see it in writting.

  Customer response

  07/01/2023

  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because: awaiting review and adjustment of balance
  
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** **********

• Initial Complaint

  12/30/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I had all of the upper teeth removed and most of the bottom removed except nine teeth. I have a root showing where the partial broke. My partial broke in the middle of October. I contacted the Dentist as soon as my partial broke. I went and got molded for permanent for upper and permanent partial for lower, and I was informed that I owed over 2000.00, My wife went through the receipts and found that we only owed 1200.00 we contacted management and the bill was adjusted to 1200.00 as being the balance. I need my lower partial fixed so I can fixed so I can eat. I can not afford to pay the whole 1200.00 all at once. they do not fix the partial at the facility anymore they send them out now, it is there fault that the bottom partial broke and I swallowed half of the partial. I will pay for the upper permanent, I feel I should not have to pay for the bottom partial.

  

  Business response

  01/17/2023

  I attached a signed document showing patient acknowledges and understands the price for his final lower partial. Also a chart note that negates his claim in this dispute, Patient was aware of the price for 6 months before he came in for his final.
  

  Customer response

  02/01/2023

  The issue is still not resolved.  I am now getting ready to file a complaint with the Missouri Dental Board.  I'm filling out the paperwork to send in to them.  

• Initial Complaint

  12/06/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Originally Went for dentures was told she could not get them. Was going to build up her mouth with a guard in which she did get a guard. The dentist has never looked in her mouth until the insurance would not pay and was getting a tooth cleaning months later She paid them $400 first time they asked and then insurance paid $300 and left her a credit of $300 which they won’t give back. They charged her $40 each for temp crown for 16 teeth and she only has 14 teeth which totaled $640 bucks in which she never received any of the temp crowns because the dentist canceled her appointments because the insurance wouldn’t pay. Also, they told her she had gingivitis and charged her a copay $40 for a tooth cleaning, and had her resign all the papers she already signed agreeing to the proposed procedures that never took place and took all the old papers away and didn’t give them back. She wants back the $640 for lab fees for temp crowns she never got she was not refunded. She wants her $40 copay she was charged and shouldn’t of been charged due to no copay for her insurance for tooth cleaning. Finally, she wants refunded the credit $300 because she has no future appointments.

  

  Business response

  12/07/2022

  Ms. *** presented to our office with concerns about her smile and wanted to find a dentist that was willing to help her. Dr. ***** Nikodem was willing to give her multiple options and treatment was presented. Due to the patients bite and clinical findings from the Dr this was a unique case. Dr. ***** walked her through all the steps and the patient agreed to move forward with treatment after reviewing cost. This required a wax set up for full temp crowns to help with patients unique bite. A prior authorization was sent to insurance and they denied the treatment. Due to us being in network, we still honor the allowed amount from insurance, so the patient does still receive a discount. Due to the case being unique there were more steps that had to be done which in return left greater lab fees. Since this was a full restoration case there were greater prices and more appointment times needed. I have attached clinical notes from ***'s appointments for documentation proof. In regards to her canceled appointment, the doctor was out with COVID. The patient had also missed an appointment prior to that due to a family emergency. The patient did come in for a hygiene visit and was diagnosed with gingivitis, this required, per the ADA guidelines, a different code to be charged out other than a prophy. The patient does have another appointment scheduled for May 2023 for hygiene, but has not scheduled her appointment to finish her restorative care. The patient does have a $300 credit on her account, that she can use to apply towards the rest of her treatment. The patient has not requested a refund from us in regards to her not wanting to use that prepayment for her remaining treatment.

   

  Please see attached docs for clinical notes, estimated treatment plan and prior auth from insurance

  Customer response

  12/07/2022

  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

   

  I went to this office for dentures after another dentist told me they couldn't help me. Nikodem told me had a collapsed bite and they couldn't accommodate me and told me I needed a full mouth of crowns instead, that is not why I went there. They tried to get me to charge $7000 on care credit but I refused. I received 4 different estimates from this office.  I did NOT agree to NOT getting refunded for the labs fees for temp crowns that I not received $640 and I want a refund for the $300 and I want back my $40 that I was charged for a deep cleaning that I didn't need, a check can be mailed to my residence on file. I cannot continue my treatment due to the insurance not paying so I want my money back. In addition, I do not have gingivitis and never had have it, I was told I this so they could change me more money $40.  I am not going back to this office for any more treatment or cleanings due to being mislead me about fees, changing prices, procedure and being charged for things I haven't received.  I feel like I was taken advantage of due to my age and hearing loss and I want my money back. 
  
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *** *****

  

  Business response

  12/08/2022

  Ms. *** presented to our office with concerns about her smile and wanted to find a dentist that was willing to help her. Dr. ***** Nikodem was willing to give her multiple options and treatment was presented. Due to the patients bite and clinical findings from the Dr this was a unique case. Dr. ***** walked her through all the steps and the patient agreed to move forward with treatment after reviewing cost. This required a wax set up for full temp crowns to help with patients unique bite. A prior authorization was sent to insurance and they denied the treatment. Due to us being in network, we still honor the allowed amount from insurance, so the patient does still receive a discount. Due to the case being unique there were more steps that had to be done which in return left greater lab fees. Since this was a full restoration case there were greater prices and more appointment times needed. I have attached clinical notes from ***'s appointments for documentation proof. In regards to her canceled appointment, the doctor was out with COVID. The patient had also missed an appointment prior to that due to a family emergency. The patient did come in for a hygiene visit and was diagnosed with gingivitis, this required, per the ADA guidelines, a different code to be charged out other than a prophy. The patient does have another appointment scheduled for May 2023 for hygiene, but has not scheduled her appointment to finish her restorative care. The patient does have a $300 credit on her account, that she can use to apply towards the rest of her treatment. The patient has not requested a refund from us in regards to her not wanting to use that prepayment for her remaining treatment.
  
  Please see attached docs for clinical notes, estimated treatment plan and prior auth from insurance. PATIENTS SIGNATURE TO ACCEPT TREATMENT AND THE COST IS ON FILE. 

  Customer response

  12/09/2022

  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  

  I have previously rejected this response.  This is the exact same thing they already said and Ive already responded too.  Please see my last rejection/response. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *** *****

• Initial Complaint

  11/09/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I purchased dentures from this company 2 years ago, the dentures never fit properly and have had issues from day one. I have a health issue that leaves me bedridden and unable to leave my house, this made it difficult to make follow up appointments. I was finally able to contact them to get it taken care of and was told they were still under warranty and the repairs and adjustments would be no charge to me. I got to their office and then was told that they were not under warranty and it would be $200.00. I do not have the money to continue to pay for dentures I can not wear. The quality of these dentures are horrible, which is why the dentures broke.

  

  Business response

  06/20/2023

  Hello. The patient, ****** came in for a repair after calling and asking for a price..she was told over the phone that the teeth on the denture were under a 5 warranty. When she arrived with a denture broke completely in half we did let her know that the base of the denture was only covered for 1 yr, we were unaware when she called what condition they were in. We told her there was a lab fee and that we would have to charge to repair the base. The patients mom then started threatening the front staff and screaming in the waiting room. They were both asked to leave due to her mom's behavior. ****** did call back asking for us to repair the denture and that she would have her Dad bring her, we said that would be fine and she came back for the repair, her Dad paid for them and the patient left happy. If there are any other questions on this matter please feel free to reach out. Thank you.

• Initial Complaint

  09/20/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I paid this office $3,600 cash for dentures and I have yet to receive them. The dentist wants to refer me to another dentist where I would have to pay more money. I already paid this office and they should provide me the dentures that I paid for.

  

  Business response

  10/04/2022

  We have actually given this man 3 sets of Dentures.  I have bent over backwards to help him and he just doesn't follow directions.   We believe we have done everything we can for him.  We referred him out.  We have actually paid the lab more than he has paid us, so we do not believe that we owe him a refund. 

  Customer response

  10/10/2022

  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because: I did not tell them to make me more teeth.  They did not provide me with satisfactory service and I have teeth that do no fit.  They continue to ground them down too much.  I want a refund.
  
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** ********

• Initial Complaint

  08/24/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I had some Dental Work done with them, I paid the entire amount $1900 upfront at their request. After a while they finally sent in the claim to ***** ****** and ***** ****** paid them $764. I have made several attempts to get them to send my refund. Called a couple months ago and was told that it would take about a month to receive the refund. Well that month has long past and I called them again on August 22. I again requested my refund and was told they would contact their billing department and try to expedite. I told them to let me know when I would receive my refund, and told them to call me with the information. They said they would do that, and Well 2 days later and not a word from them. I told them the next step was to contact the BBB so here I am.

  ******* ****** ********** *** *** ****** ****** *** ************ ***** ***** ********

  

  Business response

  10/04/2022

  Patient has received refund. No further action is required. Any questions or concerns, please call our direct office number. ***** *********

• Initial Complaint

  08/11/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I went to Nikodem dentals. I was charged for x rays then told I could not receive a cleaning bc I had periodontal disease. It took time to get in with a new dentist but when I did I was told I had no periodontal disease. I knew that day that they were scamming people. I’ve been going there for years but that day I could see something wasn’t right. I have nice teeth! The new dentist confirmed it.

  

  Business response

  08/26/2022

  Please see the attached clinical notes, perio charting, and x-rays that support our findings of active periodontal disease.  

  Customer response

  08/29/2022

  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  I have since visited another dentist who has confirmed that these records are inaccurate and upon further inspection of Nikodem dental this is not their first infraction with false claims to clients. I have also connected with the previous office manager who had more to say regarding office decorum. 
  
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ********* ****

• Initial Complaint

  05/03/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I received a flyer in the mail regarding a free consultation visit. I went to this place in the past under the previous dentist. I set an appointment. The receptionist called me before the appointment and asked what type of implant I had. So they knew what I had prior to showing up. I showed for the appointment and they did an X-ray of my mouth and had me wait for the dentist. The dentist came in and turned on the tv and showed my X-rays. He said he did not work on teeth like mine and walked out of the room. They told me I owed them $230. I paid them and when I later asked why it was so high of a bill for X-rays, they told me that included $91 for a consultation visit. I had the flyer that stated that the consultation was free and he only told me that that he could not work on my implants and walked out.

  

  Business response

  06/17/2022

  To whom it may concern,

  
  

  Ms. **** presented to the office for an exam and x-ray for her concern about needing a new denture for her implants. The patient was informed that she would need xrays and they would need to be diagnosed since it was more than a simple denture case. Upon the Doctors findings her realized that the bone levels Ms. **** has were out of his comfort zone to work on. He referred the patient to a specialist, who would in return require an exam with a general dentist before being seen. The staff has explained to Ms. **** multiple times why she owes the balance. The coupon the patient received was only good for standard denture consults. Ms. **** was explained to why her case was not a standard case since she has multiple mini-implants. 

  
  

  I have attached the clinical notes for you to review. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. 

  Thank you!

   

  ****** ******* ******** ******* ******* ******

• Initial Complaint

  03/07/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  After phone calls and letters to the clinic the last six months about a refund you owe me, and having received no response from you whatsoever, I am writing once more to request that you send a refund of the credit in my account. I do not know the amount but was informed by *****, receptionist at the time of my dental work, that I did have a refund/credit due me. I advised her at the time to leave it on the books as I had further dental work to be done, to which the credit could be applied. Later I had a heart attack as well as other medical conditions that kept me from having that work done. Furthermore, I had to move to Leawood, Kansas, to be close to my daughter. Therefore, I will be having no more dental work done by you and your clinic. Thus, the reason for my request for a refund. I would appreciate hearing from you about this matter. I am also posting a complaint with tjhe Springfield Better Business Bureau.

  

  Business response

  03/14/2022

  I have emailed my corporate office to have a refund check mailed out. This was a true balance owed to the patient. She should receive the check within 7-10 business days.
  

*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. ↩