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Aspen Dental Class Action Lawsuit
By Matt O’Donnell
UPDATE:
The Aspen Dental class action lawsuit was dismissed on March 27, 2015.
Aspen Dental, one of the nation’s largest corporate-dental chains, has been hit with a class action lawsuit accusing it of illegally owning and operating dental practices and of deceiving patients with aggressive sales pitches for expensive treatments after they’ve been lured in with promises of free exams and X-rays. Aspen Dental owns and controls 358 clinics across the country and markets to low-income patients that can’t afford dental care.
The Aspen Dental class action lawsuit was filed following a June 2012 report by PBS FRONTLINE and the Center for Public Integrity titled “Dollars and Dentists” that uncovered Aspen Dental’s practice of servicing patients who can’t afford a dentist and then allegedly locking them into debt. Some patients in the report also alleged they were overcharged and given unnecessary treatments.
The Aspen Dental class action lawsuit was filed October 18, 2012 by 11 patients across the country who accuse the company of violating laws in 22 states that require clinics to be owned by dentists actively performing procedures onsite. The laws are designed to prevent business interests from overshadowing those of patients.
Aspen Dental said Friday that the accusations in the class action lawsuit “are entirely without merit,” and that it provides support services to dental offices owned by local dentists.
“The dentists and staff at Aspen Dental offices around the U.S. provide access to high quality, affordable dental care for millions of patients,” the Syracuse-based company said. “Their singular commitment is to do what’s right for their patients.”
However, attorneys for the Plaintiffs say in the class action lawsuit that Aspen Dental trains the dentists and sets production goals for them, and accuse the company of illegally practicing medicine. They are seeking class-action status to cover potentially tens of thousands of current and former patients.
In 2010, Aspen Dental reached a $175,000 settlement with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office over misleading information about discounts, consultations, financing and other promotions.
Plaintiffs in the Aspen Dental Class Action Lawsuit are represented by attorneys Brian Cohen and Jeffrey Norton.
Updated October 22nd, 2012
All class action and lawsuit news updates are listed in the Lawsuit News section of Top Class Actions
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375 thoughts onAspen Dental Class Action Lawsuit
I made an appt with Aspen for Snap on Dentures last May 2022 I had the exam and x-rays the Dentist suggested I do the bottom first because they move the most and the top this year. Well it’s June 2023 I only do not have what the treatment plan was with the Dentist I don’t have a proper fitting Dentures and she refused to fix it she still hasn’t given me my medical records and at one of my fittings I believe in Nov I asked the hygienist when do you put the posts in for the Snap on she looked at the computer and said you didn’t pay for that I said WHAT! My ins.and me paid over $18,000for teeth extraction and unfinished Dentures. I asked her point blank aren’t you going to help me she said there is nothing she can do I said money back guarantee she just stood there in a creepy silence
I was about to go to Aspen Dental here in Nashua, NH to have an old “flipper” remade and have an exam. I have a lost front tooth from an accident that I need a plate for. I was told that I have too much bone loss for an implant and that I also need many teeth removed on the upper and lower jaws. I told them I wasn’t interested in doing anything with the lowers and I just wanted at least a bridge for the missing front tooth. Oh no, the dentist insisted that he remove at least seven or eight upper teeth (half of my existing teeth, none of which hurt me right now) and have a “snap in” denture. I got very upset because I need to get a job and can’t with this missing tooth. He got real nice and said that he would compromise by just pulling out four of my upper teeth and make a snap-in partial.
I scheduled for an appointment for the next week to come in and have it all done for about 1100. My daughter offered to put up the money as I don’t have it right now. Then I go in on the day and their “system is down” as it was the first day I came in and they can’t do anything but make bite impressions for the partial. I am told to call later in the week.
I call at the end of the week and they tell me that even though they have a new system in place (I was able to call into the office this time) that they don’t have my records and they have no record of me having been in the office last week! They also have zero information from the “free consult” and want me to start all over again, “You can come in and we’ll do bitewings…” BITE WINGS? I have had X-rays with them just two weeks ago! Secretary says, “Well yes but we don’t have those because we don’t have those because our system went down…” Then she said, “Oh I see here…you were in and the doctor planned to have seven teeth removed and a snap-in made for 3200.00. What?
I might have gotten sucked in but I told them I will call them back, made an appointment but after doing my research — like finding out about the lawsuits and the class actions, its clear to me that they were trying to pull a scam on me and probably would be charging me for horrible work.
I also went to the Lebanon, NH office about four years ago when I had an impacted molar, it was very painful. The dentist who came in do it the work had a very bad attitude and seemed to want to get onto another job as soon as possible. When she said it was done I asked her how I’m going to eat with no rear molars on either side and she was kind of casual and said, “You won’t have a problem.” Crap. I told them I wanted a plate. They made me one right there thank god. They charged Delta Dental and I paid out of pocket a few hundred dollars. The bridge is temporary and very uncomfortable.
These people are garbage and should be put out of business nationally. They wasted my time and I’m sure my money but thank god I didn’t get more work done. The dentist who wanted to yank my teeth also said he can’t use general anesthetic, that I’d have to see an oral surgeon to be knocked out. Seven teeth on local anesthetic and with the horror stories I’m reading here! I’m so glad I averted a nightmare.
This is the letter I sent to their office after I complained they didn’t return my calls, 9 thousand between insurance and what was financed,, they had already run my credit report through car ahead of time, without answering calls local offices would not help when my temporary broke, I ended up getting a partial made somewhere else. “I went to office in silver springs because I broke my 2 front teeth, the original girls that help ed me was very nice, I work overnight had scheduled early appointment so I could get sleep during day they kept me there till noon to speak to you bad car sale person to rope me in to financing but I could have lived with that part.
They billed my insurance for the wrong tooth one that had been extracted, I talked to office they urged me to get crown done they already made and I did,
They told me I must complete my work, they disused I must see oral surgeon they pushed me to come in.
I never dreamed what happen next was even legal.
He barely numbed my mouth and proceeded to rush and pull 6 teeth , 6 teeth without sedation. I HAVE A small mouth so he was complaining I must stay still when he is rushing to get these teeth out, I was not informed they were pulling that many. Wanted implants ended up with partial ( hate it). So much pain and he apparently poked himself thew his tools and goggles across the room yelled did I have aids or hepatitis. Prescriptions not called in correctly so nothing for pain no antibiotics, my face is bruised being pinched in pliers, no one offered sedation, I assumed there would be who does this to a person, a human. I was grossly overcharged to be tortured and abused I can’t imagine how you think this is ok treatment of a human!
Ended up oral surgeon had saliva splash him because his assistant was not doing suction.
He repeated calling wanting me to do a blood test that I had no problem doing but would not pay out of pocket. 3 months later still can’t eat have not received partial. So embarrassing the ruined my smile. They have ruined my quality of life crowns could have been done and I would be over this”
The oral surgeon did call wanting me to take a blood test.
I was told by Aspen Dental my bottom teeth couldn’t be saved in 2020. I had worn a partial for many years and told a denture wouldn’t work and needed a snap in denture. They pulled all of my bottom teeth and put 3 implants in the front because not enough gum in the back. I questioned if this would work I have osteoarthritis and it causes bone loss. If I were to have bone loss in my gums no way can use the implants waste of money. I was assured snap in would work.P They recommended a deep cleaning and charged me 932.00 and said would need another cleaning in 3 months. I went in they cleaned I paid 236.00 and was told to come back in 3 months would need again. Hygienist touched teeth 2 times and she was called by someone she left the room came back handed me a mouthwash said was fluoride treatment. I told her wasn’t paying 236.00 again told her she didnt get anything off my teeth. She took I believe remember was 40.00 off
The first one was not a deep cleaning it was a regular one. They overcharged me. I was told would get the snap in 6 months. I was made a temporary denture to wear until got the snap in. I continually went in and in and in for adjustments. I was told to order Secure only available on line. Still wouldn’t hold it in. My gums stayed sore and right implant pulsated. I was told must be something I ate causing that. I went on hurting that I just quit wearing it. I didn’t get my snap in for 11 months. Dentist put in my mouth I had to go back didnt fit right he was no longer there. Saw another dentist he said the snap in is rocking. I asked to see the owner. had nothing but trouble with it. Hurt to eat, swollen gums, pulsating implant on and off the right one. Continued all year 2022 it hurt didnt fit right couldnt eat with it. Went back so many times just broke down and cried. I met with owner and another dentist started working on the snap in trying to adjust it. One side would pop up when I chewed. They put tighter not sure if got name right I think abutments on one side it did stop popping up. Tried wearing it again. It came time for my next cleaning so I went to another dentist for my cleaning. A dentist there looked at my snap in and said he wouldn’t have made it that way. They had cut the gum out on right side of denture that it looked like a rainbow curve. Food got trapped under the denture and still not fitting right hurting hard to eat. I went back to a 4th dentist at Aspen. Lab built up the gum and filled in gum. I tried to wear again and it still hurt to eat. Went back that dentist said had done all could do I let them know was dissatisfied and with paying 13, 761.60 decided to file a claim with Florida Dept. Of Health. Sent copies of complaint to Aspen corporate office and filed a claim to Better Business Bureau. Corporate office treated me badly told me to call my lawyer. Better Business Bureau notified Aspen then after that Aspen called me back in. I went and said thought said all could do. Ofcourse replied still can get adjustment. Nothing helped so dentist said the metal bar was the problem and would remake without it. They wanted 307.00 more money. I said not paying it because I paid over 3000.00 for a metal bar that’s not in the new one. I went it for the impressions and when went in 0to get it on Wednesday. Was told the cyber attack had shut them down. Kept calling office they opened got the new snap in Monday. Dentist had to do 4 adjustments to get it in. Alsked me to try to wear it to get adjusted but if need to have to come to the office. He said they may have to close office if shutdown isnt resolved. Now I have the new one and still hurting. I was lied to from the get go was told cost would be around 11000.00 but paid 13,761.60. I had told them if couldn’t get it right remove the implants and give me my money back. They advertise money back guarantee but don’t honor that either. I keep getting bills for the 307.00 and this new snap in doesnt fit right and still hurts me to eat. For the 2 n half years most of it was without teeth. Put them in eat best I could put them in a bowl until next time and do it all over again. Plan to go back for adjustment if can’t get it right without pain they should be made to refund my money.
I got my denture 2020. At that time this aspen dental was own by someone else. They had the lab right in the office. If I had a problem I could have my dentures fixed that day or no later than the next day. I even paid top dollar for thus service. 3 years later someone else owns this aspen and there is no longer a lab and everything has to be sent off to different labs that can do repairs. I took my teeth In on April 14, 2023. Was supposed to get them back on April 28, 2023. It is now May 4, 2023. And no one knows where my teeth are? I am told because thier computers are down until this Fri they can not track them. And that the first lab that they sent them to had to send them to a different lab because of a personal issue with the first lab tech. They don’t even know if my teeth are finished. They were told that I was leaving town on May 12, 2023. I am unable to eat with the teeth that I have. I just Had a stomach surgery beginning of April that is very imperative for me to eat foods that are on the bulkier side. Right now I am only able to eat soft food. And my mouth is VERY SORE AND I HAVE LOST 8 LBS DUE TO THE FACT THAT I AM UNABLE TO EAT WITH MY CURRENT DENTURES. It is not acceptable that they can not get my teeth to me. I am sure other people are going through the same thing. Not having my teeth make me very uncomfortable being around other people due to how I look without my teeth. When I came to aspen I was assured that I would have prompt attention to get me and keep me in my teeth.
Aspen dental financed me thru comenity bank. I went to make first payment. I was told my hsa Mastercard was not accepted. Comenity does not accept hsa payment! Why does aspen dental do business with bank that doesn’t accept hsa. I’m upset want to know what attorney General think of this. Isn’t against the law?
Aspen dental in Tullahoma tn 38388 wouldn’t replace my bottom implants
Hello, I. have been trying to contact Aspen Dental for 3 weeks for charges on my Genesis Credit card for services I HAVE NOT RECEIVED. 4,000 dollars. I went for a consultation only, i left with a treatment plan of 5500. But after mulling this pricing over I changed my mind about using them. I HAVE NOT had any teeth work done yet and they already charged my credit card. They helped me sign up for a Genesis card there to help pay for this. I filed a dispute with the card of course and they said it will take 30 days to dispute, I have currently been on hold for 36 minutes and have left several messages for them to credit my card account with no reply. My next thing is to just walk and demand my card to be credited.
I had a moler split long ways pulled by Aspen Dental last year. I told the intake person I’m a truck driver and can’t pay a lot. She signed me up and proceeded to give me an electric toothbrush and a line of credit she stated I would not have to pay unless used. JV was in the office trying to pull my tooth until Varsity came and finally did it. dislodging a good tooth. I get the bill and it was $3000. Now it’s moved into collections and Comenity Bank collections calls me everyday. I was scammed.
I’m Legally Disabled and my Humana Medicare Advantage Plan didn’t cover “Most of the Dental Services” I needed, so I went to the local Gurnee Aspen Dental, and they had State-Of-The-Art Dental diagnostic Tools, but the “Latest & Greatest” came at an EXHORBANANT Co$t!!! I put over $3K on my CareCredit for XRays, a Simple Cleaning, and a chipped front tooth repair. NOW, for 2023, my Medicare Adv Plan offers up to $5K annually for various dental procedures, but my NEW Dentist wanted to save money by examining my old Aspen XRays, which I Requested over 60 DAYS AGO! The local Facility tells me “I” have to make that request to thier Corp. Office! I ALREADY PAID for the XRays, and for THAT amount, I should receive ALL of them “Matted, Framed, & FedEx’d!!!” So I only wish I would’ve had the opportunity to express my INTENSE Displeasure with Aspen Dental in their Class-Action Lawsuit… 🤔🤨😲😡👎🤬
I’ve had all of the same issues and am right now in the middle of it. I refused treatment from them. I had a toothache and long story short, they did absolutely nothing but take X-rays and quote me a price of $32,000 then $27,000 then $8,000 for different options. I refused and asked for my antibiotic prescription I was promised for the abscesses tooth I have that had, that in 2 days infected my sinuses. This was Saturday morning. It is late Monday afternoon, no prescription has been sent in. I have called numerous times. I went back to the office and told them I want my e rays to go elsewhere. What did they do? The went over my treatment options again!!! I said no! They were very rude and obviously not happy with me. I said, I need a copy of my antibiotic prescription and, my ex rays! They finally gave me my ex rays but I still don’t have my prescription! I walked out.
I went thinking that they were a full dental office , after X-rays and and exam by a assistant , I was told I needed such and such , I said ok let’s do it ,then they informed me that I had to go to another place to have the work done that they didn’t have a dentist on site , I took it that they were just getting money as a go between
I had my top teeth removed Dec 28tb 2022 had problems they left roots broken teeth sowed up in my gums can’t fit my teeth went back with bones exposed been in pain 3 months lost 25 pounds can’t eat and I’m diabetic I went back every 2 weeks then got told they no longer take my insurance and I owe 4.900 dollars I have to pay then chasing me down hall in front of all patients loud saying Mr Carl you need start paying 333 month before we can see you again there crazy