Pediatric dental chain faces new complaints
By: Alison GrandeUpdated: Nov 16, 2018
A new complaint was filed against a local pediatric dental chain, Smiles 4 Kids. The chain is managed by Dr. Justin VanBibber and owned by Lone Peak Management.
The latest complaint was filed by the Washington State Dental Association with the Department of Health and the Dental Quality Assurance Commission. The complaint alleges the dental offices in the chain, only refer patients to their other practices for oral surgery or orthodontia.
Dr. Chris Delecki is the president of the Washington State Dental Association.
"They're failing to disclose the fact the patient has other options besides their self-referrals to their own managed practices," said Dr. Chris Delecki, President of the Washington State Dental Association.
"Patients are often being asked to travel from Tumwater to Tacoma for their orthodontic care and these are Medicaid patients and for many of them transportation is one of the biggest things they face.
he complaint includes an email apparently sent by the Smiles for Kids Regional manager to office managers.
"Patients in your offices should NOT be given options as to where they would like to go for their wisdom teeth extractions -- referring patients anywhere else is sending OUR business and money away and is therefore, unacceptable."
Read the entire report here.
