Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. 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.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/12/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  UnresolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I have been having various dental issues and needed to get established with a general dentist in case of emergency and to create a treatment plan. On March 28, 2023 I first saw the dentists at this office and the next day I had a cleaning (poorly done). There were numerous issues with this practice, but after paying just about $500 to get set up and examined by them, I went ahead and set future appointments. After having spent almost $3,000 on 3 root canals at an endodontist and having additional work that needed to be done, I decided to see if **** dental could at least do the filling since they took my insurance. When **** ordered my records in June, I then received a call from this practice stating that all future appointments had been canceled. They noted that I could not get work done elsewhere, though this is not in any agreement that I have signed with them. They were clearly miffed that I went to an endodontist that was not the friend of theirs and they didnt like that I wasnt going along with their unspoken rules. By canceling my appointments and making me start all over with another dentist, they have cost me money and wasted my time and resources. As I explained to the office manager, I can only have very limited procedures done at ****. The time to get in is long and cleanings are not available. Thus, I still need a local dentist for crowns, cleanings, implants and other treatments. I have been treated horribly by this husband/wife dental team and all because I wanted to go to my own endodontist and have a filling done that would be covered by insurance. In addition, they attempted to manipulate me to not get needed work done by ************** which caused problems for all concerned. After all this stress and money lost, I am requesting a refund.

  Business Response

  Date: 07/19/2023

  We have never seen this person at our office.  Looks like she may have gotten us confused with another office.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 08/01/2023

  The business in question is:

  Steim Family Dentistry 

  556 **********
  ******, ** 98382
  **************
  *********************************

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

  Customer Answer

  Date: 08/12/2023

  I see that you have ************ listed as the address of the business and yet I have provided the address twice, which is in ******. Please correct. The business in question is at ************************************************* /Steim Family Dentist 

  Business Response

  Date: 08/21/2023

  Patient was seen for initial appointment on 3/28/20** after evaluation by an  endodontist.Endodontist recommended root canals on teeth #**-26 but we were skeptical that all 4 teeth were needing treatment. CBCT 3D xray was taken at no charge to patient as a complimentary service to properly diagnosis the areas of infection, since a CBCT wasn't previously taken at the endodontic doctor's ******** It revealed that the infections were isolated to certain teeth and not all 4. We spoke at length about the recommended treatment. My goal was to ensure that the patient was only getting root canals done that were needed.

  
  Patient scheduled appointments here and on Monday, Jun 19, 20** - we received arecords release to another dental office. Called the patient and spoke with her about continuity of care. She will work through her treatment plan with specialty providers and if in future treatment changes, and she wants to come back, that she will call us. She is unsure what services they provide and wanted just cleaning at our office. Patient stated she decided to go to another dental office that works with state insurance or applies an income based fee schedule. Emailed all pertinent records to other providers.
  Our office works with two endodontists in the area and patients' preference was respected. Letters received after treatment were added to her chart.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 08/21/2023

   
  Complaint: 20311392
  
  I am rejecting this response because: The business in question is lying about what they said and did. First of all, the complimentary X-ray was not transferable- not to ************** and, interestingly enough, even their choice endodontist would not accept H31333**0333**7303035Hs X-ray. So, while they said they provided a great free service, it was of no use. They dont know enough to speak about what I need regarding root canals. I have had 3 done and one more is still required. I had additional issues that came up regarding teeth #**-26 and needed a dentist on board, but thanks to this office, I had no one. I have had to scramble and pay additional money to get in with other dentists because this office left me in my time of need. They canceled future appointments due to my wishing to get a simple filling done at ****. I cannot go to **** for all my dental needs and H31333**0333**7303035H is fully aware of this as he previously worked there. I cant even get a cleaning done there. So, to let me go as a patient due to my having my records sent to **** was unprofessional, unwarranted, and egregious. I have consulted with other dental professionals about this situation and all were appalled and said it was incredibly disingenuous. I should not be charged for the exam and should be reimbursed due to all that this office put me through. To say that they would welcome me back is a complete falsehood. They essentially fired me as a patient in no uncertain terms. They are offering no resolution here so it is easy to reject it. 

  Sincerely,
  
  *******************************