Business ProfileforThe Gentle Dentist

I have been a patient for almost 18 years and my son has been as well. This past spring he needed to have some expensive work done for which I was given a quote after insurance. I was required to pay that prior to getting an appointment. The day of the procedure, they notified me of an additional cavity that required another payment that I paid that day.On each occasion, I was assured that the quote would be very close to the final balance. I explained that as a single mother, it was critically important to me for budgeting purposes. Additionally, one half of the cost was his fathers responsibility. I could not keep going back requesting additional funds. A small additional balance I was willing to cover.Imagine my surprise when I was billed again, an amount that totaled a whopping 60% over the original quote. This bill went to the wrong address my home rather than a PO Box, which they knew about. I found out because of a collection phone call. I understand some difference, but this was more than excessive especially because of the assurances that I received. Had she given me any indication that the quote could be off by $100s of dollars, I would have waited for a down to the ***** quote. I was assured that the quote would be close.They must have know it wasn't right. They did not really want to have to explain the misquote because both times that I talked with them, they tried to blame the issue on billing and insurance issue related to me (different insurance). In fact, the first caller would have had me pay the balance believing that it was 100% for work done on me. Trust is a necessary element to have in any transaction and even moreso on medical issues. While I believe that the dental work that I have had done has been quality, I cannot recommend, refer friends, or continue to do business with a group that could allow this to happen. Its a fundamental ethics issue.Beware. Be VERY aware.