Kool Smiles Open’s In Gary Indiana; Another View

I’m never disappointed when it comes to government agencies and their complicity in abuse, fraud and opening allowing criminal to operate with in their states.

As it’s happened once again, this time in Northern Indian.  Gary to be precise. 

Early last fall the regional manager for Kool Smiles was sent to the Statehouse to sell her snake oil in the name of quality dental care to the “underserved”. 

Being not as well informed as one might think he should be, Rep. Charlie Brown (the name could explain it) bought every drop she had and ordered more.  He asked her to bring Kool Smiles to his hometown, Gary.  Now we know Dr. Polly Bucky didn’t just happen to show up at the Statehouse, nor did one little speech set the ball rolling for this clinic.  It was already a done deal, this was just the dog and pony show that has to be made for the benefit of the public and, well, news outlets.

I wonder if Dr. Polly showed Rep. Charlie Brown the papoose boards.  Were they hidden away in the closet during the open house?  I wonder if he ever asked just how they deliver that ‘quality care’.

(Of course it was already planned to bring the clinic there, what do we think Dr. Polly was there for in the first place, but it does make for great theater)

So yesterday, the clinic was open and is located in the Gary Community Health Center, 1021 W. 5th Ave. 

This is being touted as a public-private partnership.  We know what that means.  Taxpayers are not only footing the bill for the clinic, they will be paying the dentist, hygienist and other staff via Medicaid dollars. 

I don’t understand why the taxpayers of Indiana even need Kool Smiles as more or less the middle man.  Just hire some dentist and put them to work.

When Rep. Charlie Brown (sorry, can hardly not giggle when I write that) said, “From start to finish, Kool Smiles has had Gary’s best interest at heart,” I puked in my mouth.  As will the children who go there for their version of “Quality Care”.

I wonder if Rep. Brown and whoever he got to ok the HRSA $$’s to put Kool Smiles there has access to the Internet?

You would think by they way this was presented, there was nothing like it in Gary and that just would not be true.

FORBA’s facility, Children’s Dental Clinic of Gary is open every day.

Amazingly just a few weeks ago,  April and May,  the founder of Kool Smile’s, Dr. Tu Minh

Tran,  license status at the board’s website was “under review” but still allowed to practice.  (Not that he’s ever seen a patient in Indiana)

It’s Dr. Tran’s license that keeps the clinics close to legally operating.  They are clean as a whistle today.  However in Georgia, where Kool Smiles (NCDR, LLC) is headquartered, his dental license expired 12-31-2009 and the renewal is “pending”.

 

 

I wish I could be there to see the faces of the other medical personnel who will share the building with Kool Smiles when they begin to hear the screams of pain and see the children as they walk out of Kool Smiles’ area.   I am glad there are other facilities there to offer medical care because those children will need it, if thing happen there as they do at every other Kool Smiles office.

I hope Rep. Charlie Brown cares enough about his district to make unannounced visits to check on things, his future political career now hinges on Kool Smiles.  Isn’t that scary!  I don’t know how many times I have to tell people to be very careful what you ask for, because you just may get it!

Oh and if there is any person in Lake County who would like to challenge Rep. Charlie Brown during the next election, keep a close eye on Kool Smiles.  It will give you all the ammo you need.  Below is Dr. Polly’s latest on camera video.  Wonder if she’s ever been through the Dale Carnegie program, I’m guessing no.  Actually, I’m guessing by the dumb look on her face she’s never hear of it.

 

Just a small example of horror stories from Kool Smiles:

My name is XXX BXXXXX and I have taken my kids to Kool smiles and our experience about 2 months ago was horrible. I refuse to take my children back to this dentist office. My son who is six years old was told that he could not go to the bath room while in the chair and that he needed to hold it, while screaming and hurting he peed on himself. In the event to cover it up or to make it not as noticeable they tried to dry him with a hand dryer. When I was informed about the incident I was mortified and more so hurt. To know that my son was made to sit there and use the bathroom on himself was painful to me and to him. When I questioned them I was told that he waited to the last minute to tell them and they were at a point where they couldn’t stop. I informed them that, that was not acceptable and I was very unhappy, they offered to put his clothes in a dryer, I refused. I called their corporate office the following day and left a message to file a complaint and I never heard back from anyone. After several attempts to file a complaint with them and no response I gave up. When I saw this article it gave me some relief that I am not the only one that is going through the pain caused by Kool Smiles.

Nothing But Liars! Yes, Kool Smiles, Small Smiles and others

I'm going to tell you, Kool Smiles, Small Smiles and any other dental mill that tell you how they have no rules against letting you be with your child while they torture them are LIARS!  Plain and simple!  And there is no need to complain to your state Dental Board or legislators about any of it, because they don't care!  They know it's happening and they refuse to stop it.  Many of us have been reporting on this since 2003...it's 2010!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   In my opinion if you go to a dental clinic and all you come away with is the dentist's first name...  ie..Dr. Polly...  Run  like the wind.  They don't want you to know who they really are!  Folks, the people who work in the clinics think you are the scum of the earth and don't have enough sense to get out of the rain. 

Here is the latest complaint about Kool Smiles:

At the time I thought about posting of our horrific experience with Kool Smiles but decided to keep it to myself. BUT SINCE YOU ASKED........went for cleanings on a 9 and 14 yr old...9 yr old cleaning went fine...14 yr old was traumatized..the lady cleaning her teeth had A. a very heavy accent and very hard to understand...B. a paper mask over her mouth...C. a plastic face shield...making it hard to hear her. I watched through the little two way mirror thing they have to watch your kids...(they recommend parents don't go back and baby their children unless absolutely necessary) after watching the hygienist break out the electronic cleaner thingy and torture my daughter who at this time was writhing around in pain...I went through the office and hall to see what exactly was the problem. She was yelling at my daughter to hold still and when asked why she would use that on a child she said they were behind schedule and it would be faster to use the electronic thing. While using that she ran up my daughters gums and cut it so it was bleeding badly and scaring my daughter . We went elsewhere to finish the cleaning.
My 9 yr old that was there was told to pull 3 of his own teeth while he sat in the chair. 2 were very loose so he pulled one out. The second one was not as loose so they used a tool to help but it was choking him while they were working on it. When the tooth came out, it fell in his mouth and he swallowed it. When I questioned why they were pulling the third one that was not even the slightest bit loose the tech said "oh it must be decayed" which it wasn't so I asked for the Doctor and asked the same question ....believe it or not she said the same thing and when I told her to look in his mouth and view the xrays on the light board she recanted and said "oh I see it's because it's a baby tooth with one underneath so instead of waiting we could just pull it" I expressed my opinion of the place to her and the office manager, as well as a few eavesdropping customers, took my son by the hand and left.

Kool Smiles Looking For A Liar

Today I found this ad from Kool Smiles.  I couldn’t help but chuckle, thinking what they were really asking from a person who took this job.

They are looking for someone to get out in the community and lie like a dog, and do it for little pay.  They do say in  some of these ads it’s a paid internship.  Good luck with that…

Kool Smiles (www.koolsmilespc.com) provides comprehensive dental services to the residents of Roxbury and surrounding communities.

We’re looking for a highly capable intern to join the team in June/July 2010 and play a key role in our future success. To best accomplish these aforementioned job responsibilities, the intern will engage in various community outreach activities with an emphasis on education and the importance of implementing good oral hygiene habits throughout the community. The intern will gain insight and be involved in all aspects of our marketing and operations.

Responsibilities:

• Positively represent Kool Smiles in the community
• Interact with and educate the community on the need for good oral health
• Distribute Kool Smiles fliers in various establishments as assigned
• Establish business contacts for dental screenings or workshops
• Assists CRS and Dental Hygienist in dental screenings and workshops, as needed
• Assist or manage other community events, as needed

Qualifications :

• Be able to proactively solve problems with an aptitude for getting things done independently
• Be organized and deadline oriented with a high attention to detail
• Excellent verbal/written communication skills
• Have an interest in communication/marketing
• Pursuing a Bachelors degree in Marketing/Communication or a related field
• Bi-Lingual in Spanish a MUST

To apply, send a resume via e-mail to Martine Russell, Community Relations Specialist, Martine Russell,  at mrussell@ncdrllc.com and tell us what you bring to the table and why you’re interested in this opportunity.

Senator David Jordan of Mississippi Needs Wake Up Call In Regards to Kool Smiles!

During the outlandish ceremony for Kool Smiles donating some toothbrushes to citizens of Yazoo City one very uninformed state Senator said this: 

"It would be like a band of angels coming into the Delta," Jordan said during a visit and tour of the North Jackson office. 

Senator David Jordan has approached the organization for expansion into the Mississippi Delta.

Am I the only one that thinks this is something much more than giving some toothbrushes to the devastated area of Yazoo City, MS?

Kool Smiles Chief Dental Offender, David M. Strange flew in from his cozy home in Colorado, local and state legislators show up, they take a tour of the Kool Smiles in North Jackson....something stinks.  

This is much more than handing out toothbrushes.....sounds more like a snow job to me. 

Sen. David Jordan needs informed as to what Kool Smiles really is or the children of Yazoo City will be in much worse shape than they already are.

You can reach Sen. Jordan here:  djordan@senate.ms.gov

Meet Dr. David M. Strange, Jr. Faux Chief Dental Officer For Kool Smiles

Oh look, it's Dr. David M. Strange, wife and children.   They can be found here, in Colorado.

Wonder what his children are going to think when they grow up a bit more and know what he did to children for a $.

Oh Look, once again Dr. Strange appears here too!  Liar Liar, pants on fire.

So, Dr. Strange has moved back to Colorado, Dr. Pham wanted to move to El Paso, they didn't want him to, so they bought him out and NOW Dr. Tu Tran's dental licenses is under review in Georgia and Indiana, among other states....and we have idiots in Kentucky -Legislators and Medicaid Officials - gather at Kool Smiles for a pep rally. 

I'm not worried though, I'm sure Dr. Polly will keep everything under control....but if I worked at a Kool Smiles, I might be looking for another job.  But while you're at it, tell what you know, file a Qui Tam lawsuit and reap the rewards.  First come, first served! 

Dear God, help me find a way to remove the blinders. 

Tidbits Of Kool Smiles Information

Dr. Tu Tran and Dr. Thein Pham were top dentist's at Smile High clinic in Denver, owned and operated by Eddie, Michael and Dan DeRose where they learned the DeRose Way of spreading dental services to the underserved.

When they broke out on their own, they began with 1 clinic in 2002 and by December 2003 there were three clinics in Georgia.

After 2003 things took off.  By January 2006 the Kool Smiles clinic count had jumped to 14 clinics.  In January 2007 there were 29 clinics and by July of 2007 there were 36.

I know this by using the wayback machine and checking the old copies of the website.

According to what I can find, there are somewhere around 100 clinics across the US, which beats Small Smiles, so they can shut up about being the "Largest" ...unless they mean dirty rotten scoundrels....

Where Was The Colorado Dental Board?

It took the Colorado Dental Board until June 2009 to finally order Michael A. DeRose ‘retire’ his license to practice dentistry and tell  him he is never to apply for a new license anytime in the future.

In the Order from the board it cites the two disciplinary actions taken against DeRose in North Carolina.  In December 2005 his license was suspended for 180 days for doing more than 6 pulpotomies in one visit on children at his Medicaid Dental Centers, now called Smile Starters in North Carolina.

I’m thinking 6 is still outrageous!  Think you could have 6 teeth worked on in one session?  How about being tied down, and given 6 root canals??!!  The level of lidocaine alone to keep a patient pain free seems to me would be at a dangerous level.  But they don’t worry about that, since they could care less if they even have a supply of lidocaine on hand it appears.

Then in April 2007 settled with the government for $10 million with Dr. Tish Ballance, and still every state where he was licensed let him keep his licenses.

Michael’s dad, Dr. Eddie let his licenses just expire.

William Mueller, one of the original cast of characters was forced to ‘surrender’ his licenses, but not until 2009!

Over the years these three had ‘actions’ taken against them on a few occasions in more than one state, but only the latest is currently on file at DORA, Colorado’s records search.

Some of the documents mention referring problems to the state Attorney General’s office for further review.  But I can’t find one time any of them were ever seriously considered for prosecution.

The laws in Colorado were changed at least twice to curtail these guys from abusing children for profit, but the Dental Board never revoked their licenses as they should have.  They allowed Dr. Michael DeRose continue with this abuse from 1982 until 2009!  That’s 27 years!!!!!!

Now look where we are.

Had the Colorado Dental Board done their job, there would be no Small Smiles, Kool Smiles or Adventure Dental out there tying up children and drilling out perfectly good teeth, causing horrific trauma to small children, devastating the trust children have in their parents and adults and scamming Medicaid (you tax dollars) out of 100’s of millions of dollars.

Somehow through all of this the uncle, Dr. Adolph Ralph Padula came away unscathed.  His license is as pure as the white driven snow.

Dr. William Mueller (UPIN# 64458) was finally locked out of the medicaid program March 18, 2010.

Dentists Associated With Kool Smiles, Evansville, Indiana Operation

How many dentists do you think can work at one Kool Smiles dental mill?  10?  15?  20?

Never mind, don’t answer, I’ll just tell you.  The answer seems to be 60!  

Of course we know that 60 dentists can’t possibly work at one Kool Smiles, so they must float around the state from office to office.

But if you check out indianamedicaid.com you will find there are 60 dentists listed as providers at the Evansville, Indiana clinic at 400 E. Diamond Ave.

Dr. Falastin Abu Smn

Dr. Daniel P. Aldulenscu

Dr. John Ambrose

Dr. Kevin W. Beadle

Dr. Jennifer L. Beavin

Dr. Vidya R. Bettagere

Dr. Angelina J. Blass

Dr. Jessica E. Bolander

Dr. Randall W. Moorman Brigham

Dr. Jessica Brown

Dr. Michael W. Brown

Dr. Polly B. Buckey

Dr. Steven W. Buedel Dr. Brian O. Burke

Dr. Matthew A. Butler

Dr. Meghan E. Butler

Dr. Shane T. Cope

Dr. Joshua B. Davis

Dr. Emani Sreekanth

Dr. Shadrach G. Gonqueh

Dr. Kent M. Gross

Dr. Allison M. Heuer

Dr. Amber R. Hobbs-Buchner

Dr. Ted L. Huppert

Dr. Jeffery M. Jones

Dr. Phillip L. Jones

Dr. Ajay P. Joshi

Dr. Edna F. Kemp

Dr. Anthony r. Klein

Dr. Pooja Kumar

Dr. Shalesh Kumar

Dr. Connie Kunelis

Dr. Michael J. Lawyer

Dr. Tinna Lee

Dr. Elizabeth Maletta

Dr. Lucas B. Marrs

Dr. Yovnne R. Mcleod

Dr.Jacob E. Myers

Dr. Raghunandan B. Narasimhamurthy

Dr. Marlene Navedo

Dr. Tiffany Nicole Nightengale

Dr. Karen J. Noel

Dr. Nassim F. Olabi

Dr. Uma Peeta

Dr. Thien C. Pham, owner

Dr. Michael L. Rudolph

Dr. Afsaneh Samimi

Dr. Dipesh P. Sitaram

Dr. Peter Smith

Dr. David M. Strange, Chief Dental Officer

Dr. Pavel D. Svilenov

Dr. Juanita R. Taylor

Dr. Tu Tran, owner

Dr. Ryan D. Tschetter

Dr. Roger P. Valliere

Dr. David M. Vieth, Corporate level, stepped in when Dr. Pham sold out.

Dr. Carl Williams

Dr. Sara J. Willingham White

One name jumped out in this long list.  Dr. Tiffany Noel Nightengale.  Tiffany is also a provider in Indiana, Virginia and Ohio for FORBA’s Small Smiles.   Some dentist are also provers in Kentucky.  Dr. Polly Buckey for example.

We can take Dr. Thien Pham off the list, since according to the minutes of the Arizona Dental Board for August 2009, he says he has left the company.  Wonder why one of the founders is gone?  I’ll be looking into that.

I noticed Dr. Pham was missing from the Kool Smiles ‘About Us’ page the other day.  In his place is Dr. David M. Vieth. 

Kool Smiles Turned Away in Arkansas March 2007

I'm wondering how Kool Smiles PC was able to skirt the laws and get two offices opened in Arkansas.

In March 2007, Drs. Tu Tran, Thien Chi Pham and Dr. David M. Strange, Jr. went before the Arkansas Dental Board to apply for licenses, they were turned down.

From the Minutes Dated 3-2-2007

Drs. Thien Pham and Tu Tran each appeared before the Board for an Arkansas dental license by examination. After some discussion, a motion was made and seconded to grant Dr. Pham a license. With 4 Board members voting in favor of granting him a license and 4 Board members voting against granting him a license, the Board President broke the tie and voted against granting a license to Dr. Pham. After additional discussion, a motion was made and seconded to table Dr. Tran’s application until the Board office receives a copy of his dental school diploma and New York license verification.

David M. Strange, Jr., DDS appeared before the Board for an Arkansas dental license by credentials. After some discussion, a motion was made to grant him a dental license, but the motion died for lack of a second.

Maybe Drs. Thien Pham and Tu Tran, two Vietnamese dentists finally came up with copy of his dental school diploma. However as you can tell, at first it was a no go for these two, then it was decided that if they came up with actual diploma's they would reconsider.

As for Dr. David M. Strange, Jr, DDS, it was a flat NO.

To see the minutes of the meeting click here.

update:

Looks like Dr. Pham came back on September 14, 2007 with Paul Walker and got Kool Smiles in the door.

Click here to see the minutes.

DeRose and Crew Recruiting New Dentists-Students BeWare

From the looks of the traffic on this blog I would have to conclude Mike DeRose and cronies are visiting Dental Schools across the country trying to round up new recruits to bring to their various "management" camps.

If you are a dental student and anyone from Smile Starters, Small Smiles, Kool Smiles, FORBA, or Access West DO NOT associate yourself with these terrorists.

Take time to read this blog and run for your life!

Kool Smiles- Same Ole Shiz nit as Small Smiles/FORBA

Why Kool Smiles was kicked out of Georgia.

MassHealth Small Smile/Kool Smiles Charted Increase In Claims

Sorry but this is hard to make out under these conditions but you can view it personally at this link: click here

In the following chart filed in a Remediation Monitors Report that has to do with recommendations with MassHealth and dental reimbursements. Note the number of dentist from 2003 and 2006 are 842 and 845 respectively: a difference of 3 providers.

In the second chart please note the great increase in claims! 302,469 was noted for Small Smiles/Kool Smiles in 2006. It was such an increase and large portion of the claims it was worth noting separately! That's a whole lot of unnecessary work don't you think!

Very Graphic Interview -Children Leave Dentist Office With Extreme Bruising

WARNING:

This video is extremely graphic and may be very disturbing!

Click Here To See Video 
Sorry, the video has been removed.

These Clinics were owned/are by Dr. Michael DeRose and Dr. William Mueller.

A child died being treated by Dr. Matthew C. Nolen, trained at clinic owned by Dr. William Mueller.

Dr. Ed DeRose owned the one clinic named "Smile High Dentistry"

According to public records, Dr. Tu Tran from "Smile High Dentistry" in Colorado moved on to become Chief Dentist for Kool Smiles.

Congressman Dennis Kucinich Call Small Smiles a Dental Mill

Congressman Dennis Kucinich said Small Smiles?FORBA had found way to make money off poor children by creating dental mills to make a buck while blasting Medicaid for not doing more to improve dental care for children on mediciad.

"Medicaid Officials in Congress [02/14/08]"
-----------------------------------------
Small Smiles - Congress

A year after 12-year -old Deamonte Driver died of tooth decay, Medicaid officials were called before congress in February to explain what they've done to improve access to care for poor children.

Four out of five dentists refuse to treat Medicaid patients because reimbursement rates are so low. The congressman heading up the hearing blasted Medicaid for doing little to improve rates.

He pointed to the I-Team's reports on Small Smiles Dental clinics as an example of what can result.

Congressman Dennis Kucinich said "Small Smiles conceived of another away to make a profit: a
predatory mill where multiple, sometimes unnecessary procedures are imposed assembly line style on children for little regard for their welfare or proper dental practice."

Medicaid officials told congress today they are trying to make more dentists available for poor children, but conceded they have a long way to go.

Former Dentist With Small Smiles Confesses

WARNING: Video at the end of this report may be very disturbing.

2-15-2008
(Rochester, N.Y.) - Last December, 13WHAM showed a disturbing video tape of children strapped in restraints undergoing multiple root canals while their parents were kept out of the room.

Now, the man who once ran the Irondequoit Small Smiles Branch is speaking out for the first time.

He was jailed for fraud. In a follow-up to our 13 WHAM News investigation, he told Jane Flasch that some of the procedures that so traumatized children weren't even necessary.

Rochester's Small Smiles dental office opened with a promise to serve children who don't get regular dental care. Clinic director, Dr. David Gardner, was hauled into a Monroe County court 14 months later.

Gardner pleaded guilty to grand larceny and left Rochester for prison. Now, he wants to come clean about what he says was going on behind closed doors on Ridge Road in Irondequoit.

"Taxpayer dollars are being wasted because they're paying for treatment that's not getting done, treatment that doesn't need to be done, and children aren't being treated like children," Gardner said.

Ashley Sones was a patient during that time. Nine of her teeth were extracted. Another dentist reviewed Ashley's x-rays.

He confirmed that at least two of her teeth could have been saved. But, her file did not contain enough information about the rest.

She never did get partial she was promised; it was denied.

Some very young Small Smiles patients had metal caps, crowns, and root canals. Dentists dispute whether root canals and crowns are the best treatment option for young patients.

However, Gardner said he was under pressure from the corporation to make $1 million every year.

"The biggest thing you can do is those baby root canals and crowns because it’s $220 that Medicaid does not question. It’s just $220, $220, $220," Gardner said.

The Rochester office would not allow cameras inside.

Gardner said they routinely used another controversial technique to restrain children. On an attached video taken at a Small Smiles in Maryland, you can see a small child strapped to a papoose board which holds his body and arms immobile.

Gardner said papoose boards were encouraged in order to complete four or more root canals at a time. Even though it made kids frightened and stressed.

"Stressed out enough to wet their pants, sweat completely through their clothes, be all wet," Gardner said. He said he was told, “Clean them up as best you can before you give them to mom and dad."

Ashley Sones said both she and her younger brother Wesley were physically held down.

"My heart was racing,” she said. “It felt like blood was rushing through my body."

Their mother never even knew. It was Small Smiles policy not to allow parents to be with their children.

"I trusted them,” said Ashley’s mother Wendy. “That's their job."

Since our reports first aired in December, Small Smiles changed its policies. It now allows parents to be present with their children for procedures.

While it still uses papoose boards, the policy is clearly posted and parents can refuse. As for Gardner, the company characterized him as someone with an ax to grind.

Gardner confessed to billing Medicaid for work he did not do.

Investigators say Small Smiles cooperated in the investigation against Gardner and repaid nearly half a million dollars.

Gardner has surrendered his medical license and now sells RVs in Indianapolis.

He says he was pressured into the Small Smiles way of doing business with the understanding that if he were caught, he would be taken care of.

"I've lost my career, I've lost my livelihood," he said.

A member of the Pediatric Dentistry Program at SUNY Buffalo conducted an independent review of the Small Smiles Rochester office last month.

He concluded that restraints, crowns, and other procedures are being used in the proper manner.

Nevertheless, we were not allowed to see a copy of the review documents.

The reviewer spent only half a day at the clinic and did not interview parents. Criminal investigations are underway in several states including New York.

Small Smiles is the name of the clinics in the Rochester NY area, however they also go under different names including Kool Smiles, all managed my FORBA, LLC out of Nashville, TN a subsidiary of Arcapita Bank based in the Middle East.

See this dentists Plea Agreement, Read about his bonus paid to him from Small Smiles, and more here






Since the report aired, Small Smiles has changed its policies, now allowing parents to accompany their children during procedures. Small Smiles cooperated with authorities, repaid close to half a million dollars.

Continue here

More Disturbing Allegations Against Small Smiles

Small Smiles is under National Investigation due to an investigation siting barbaric treatment of children in it's dental offices across the nation according to ABC-7 news.


Here is a transcript of the latest report from ABC-7 I-Team Investigation in the DC area.
Date:2-11-08

This is Brandon from N. Carolina showing off his mouthful of baby root canals capped in metal.


And Daniel from Colorado with abrasions and welts from visiting the dentist.


And Miguel from Maryland, strapped down on a papoose board while his mother is forced to wait outside.


Miguel's treatment was not an isolated case. The I-Team has learned that routine use of papoose boards in the Small Smiles network of clinics has injured and traumatized children, and may have played a role in this child's death.


At least a dozen states have launched civil or criminal investigations, many


of them prompted by our reports.


In Arizona…4 year old Jonathan strapped in restraints died from an overdose of anesthesia while this dentist performed five baby root canals.


Dr. Matthew Nolen: "No comment."


The state investigation found that Jonathan was restrained "for no justifiable reason" and his symptoms "could have been masked by the papoose board." The dentist's license was revoked.


Roberta Baskin: "Does the Small Smiles home office encourage the use of these papoose boards?


Doug Gardner: "Yes."


In New York Doug Gardner lost HIS dental license after being convicted of Medicaid fraud for double billing at a Small Smiles clinic.


Doug Gardner: "When you're throwing that much treatment at Medicaid that quickly, they can't check everything."


The I-Team tracked Gardner down to Indianapolis, where he agreed to speak out about Small Smiles practices for the first time.


Doug Gardner: "Taxpayer dollars are being wasted because they're paying for treatment that's not getting done, treatment that doesn't need to be done, and children aren't being treated like children."


This Small Smiles patient remembers being physically held down in the Rochester clinic two years ago.


Ashley Sones: "I was sweating. My whole body was shaking. It was like I was having a seizure."


Gardner says it was not uncommon.


Roberta Baskin: "How stressed out did these patients get?


Doug Gardner: "Stressed out enough to wet their pants, sweat completely through their clothes, be all wet."


Roberta Baskin: "And how are you told to manage that?


Doug Gardner: "Clean them up as best you can before you get them back to mom or dad."


That's another Small Smiles policy. Separating parents from children during dental procedures. In North Carolina Brandon's mom couldn't imagine what was taking three hours until he emerged with 16 baby root canals and steel caps.


Christy Dillbeck/Brandon's mother: "I couldn't stop crying cuz I was very upset and wanted to see him."


In Colorado, these police photos are evidence of young children bruised from restraints. Daniel had 8 teeth drilled and capped in one sitting.


Beatrice Ponce/Daniel's mother: "He just hears the word 'dentist' and he starts to cry and scream that he doesn't want to go in."


Dentists tell us baby root canals and caps may not always be the best treatment option for young patients, but DO result in the best reimbursement for Small Smiles.


Doug Gardner: "The Small Smiles way of taking care of children is to maximize every dollar that they can, during that patient visit, at all costs."


After Gardner's clinic was audited, Small Smiles paid back $444,000 in overcharges.


Gardner: "I've lost my career. I've lost my livelihood." "I'm unemployable now."


Except as an RV salesman in Indianapolis… where he can't forget the pressure from Small Smiles to break a million dollars in profits each year.


"The biggest thing you can do is those baby root canals and crowns cuz it's $220 that Medicaid does not question. ...its just 220, 220, 220, 220, 220."
-----------------------------------------------------


AS A RESULT OF OUR REPORTS, THE MARYLAND ATTORNEY GENERAL HAS LAUNCHED A CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION OF SMALL SMILES.


THE CURRENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY, FORBA, TOOK OVER THE CLINICS IN SEPT 2006 AND SAYS IT CAN'T BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PROBLEMS THAT OCCURRED BEFORE THEN.


THEY DECLINED AN ON CAMERA INTERVIEW, BUT TELL US THEY'RE UNDERTAKING AN INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION IN MARYLAND AND THE DISTRICT.

At the site above you can read a couple of so called statements from the folks at FORBA. They really don't say a whole lot...other than a lot of blah blah blah. What I find most interesting is what they Do Not mentions.

Here is FORBA-Small Smiles-Kool Smiles Latest Statement...like I said... a lot of blah blah blah. I did note that the press release is from the renowned Rubin Meyer, a "marketing" and "communication" firm in Washington DC. Here is what Ruben Meyer says at their site as to exactly what they do:

Many companies face challenges from regulators and policymakers in Washington and must navigate what can be a difficult business environment. The days of the back-room deal are gone. Today it takes hard work, creativity, and a clear message to get the job done in Washington.

Maybe it's just me but I read that as "Lobbyist". What is clear is that these people at FORBA-Small Smiles-Kool Smiles whatever have some really big bucks to spend to hire these people for their press releases.

Date: 2-8-08
Don Meyer
Donald.Meyer@rubinmeyer.com
202-834-6859


STATEMENT OF FORBA DENTAL MANAGEMENT
Nashville, TN – FORBA Dental Management, management company of Small Smiles
Dental Centers, released the following statement today:
“The current executive leadership and ownership of FORBA Dental
Management, the management company of Small Smiles, has been in place
since September 2006. Since that time, our objective has been to provide highquality
dental care to children in underserved communities nationwide, and we
have taken steps to improve the policies and culture of the company to meet
that goal.
“Most recently, we have launched a number of initiatives, detailed in previous
statements to WJLA, to improve care and ensure a positive experience for
children and parents at Small Smiles Dental Centers.
“Under our management, Small Smiles’ 1,600 employees and caregivers
work tirelessly to ensure that underserved children receive the highest
quality, compassionate care at our facilities nationwide.”

They fail to address the fact that they are also called Kool Smiles in many states. At this point in time Kool Smiles are popping up on every street corner. You can do job searches and Kool Smiles are looking for employees in many states across the US. Not so many under the name Small Smiles. Wonder why that is exactly?

My hat's is off to the people at ABC-7 Investigation team. Forba has posted another great statement with general denial on the website of WJLA under the comments section, however I wonder why they keep making "statements" and won't answer some  hard questions.
  Amazing though how since this latest report has come out, there are people signing up on the comments section to basically stick up for FORBA, wonder if they might me part of the new marketing machine, ya think? Do these posters actually think people are stupid or what?

Water boarding is all over the news as to whether it's an appropriate torture for murders at Gitmo. I tell you what, I'm more concerned about "Papoose Boarding" right here stateside and this is being done to our very own children buy dentists across the US.

It certainly isn't just these dental chains who are making the news, it's your local private dentist as well.

Georgia DCH Statement Regarding Kool Smiles Investigation

DCH Statement Concerning Possible Class Action
Lawsuit Regarding Medicaid Dental Services

No child in our Medicaid or PeachCare for KidsTM programs has lost dental benefits or been
dropped from the program due to the contract disputes between Kool Smiles, P.C. and the care
management organizations (CMO), Peach State Health Plan and WellCare of Georgia.

The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) will thoroughly investigate all the allegations received from parents/guardians of patients and other dentists concerning poor care delivery received from Kool Smiles, P.C.

The Department will also investigate allegations and concerns reported to DCH including but not
limited to:
o Patterns of “over-utilization of services” and questions raised about the appropriateness of
care delivered
o “Unusual patterns of patient restraint”(such as use of restraining boards for children) and
sedation vs. Traditional Pain Management (usage of Nitrous Oxide or IV sedation)
compared to other dentists and normal averages
o “Over-utilization of stainless steel crowns” in children compared to other dentists and
normal averages
o “Lower use of preventive care” (i.e.: fewer sealants used to prevent cavities per patient
treated) compared to other dentists
o “Over-utilization of X-rays” compared to other dentists and normal averages

The adequacy of the dental networks for both Peach State Health Plan and WellCare of Georgia
are closely monitored and assessed by DCH.

August 22, 2007

In March 2007, the DCH Inspector General began an audit of Kool Smiles, P.C., which precedes
the current contract termination between the CMOs and the provider. Until the audit is complete, the Department will offer no comment on that investigation.

DCH offers no comment during pending litigation. If included in the lawsuit, the State of Georgia
will be represented by the Attorney General’s Office. Inquiries should be directed to the AG’s
office.

According to Georgia Families records:
o 24,000 or five percent of current WellCare of Georgia members have received services
from Kool Smiles, P.C. since implementation of the Georgia Families program
o 20,500 or seven percent current Peach State Health Plan members have received services
from Kool Smiles, P.C. since implementation of the Georgia Families program

The Smile Behind Small Smiles

Meet, Atif A. Abdulmalik, of Bahrain. He is the CEO of Arcapita Bank, formerly Islamic Investment Bank until it changed it's name in early 2005. This is the company behind FORBA, LLC, or at least one of them.

FORBA, LLC is Small Smiles.

I don't know a lot about Venture Capitalist, Holding Companies nor how they all operate change hands, move about or hide.

Here is what I have found out here on the net:

There was The Carlyle Group, American Capital Strategies, and Arcapita Bank who got together and created Small Smiles Holding Company to purchase Sanus Holding who had just acquired FORBA in the fall of 2006.

In a press release found in a Nashville newspaper it states that Sanus Holding acquired FORBA, LLC and moved it's office to Nashville.

Then there is a report in January 2007 "Arcapita Bank, an Islamic Investment Firm and it's affiliated acquired Sanus Holding.

I don't know how all this worked but what I can figure out is that all of the medicaid and other state insurance programs who are billed for work done (necessary and UNnecessary) from Kool Smiles and evidently Small Smiles is headed to Bahrain, off the coast of Saudi Arabia.

Looks like our tax dollars are padding the pockets of another Islamic country via abusive dental care.

Abusive treatment of our kids and their teeth, over billing our medicaid system and no telling what else I've not discovered yet is just a kick in my teeth!

Don't take your Kids to these Dental Chains for heavens sake!

Children Dental Clinic, Does Not Mean Pediatric Dentist

Over the course of the last few days I looked into, read, reread, watched reports from news organizations across the Internet on some of these Dental Clinics designated for treating children and some even taking children on medicaid or state insured children only.

Some have sweet websites with smiling children splashed on each page and show the kid friendly decor and the happy smiling faces of the dentists and staff.

Small Smiles, Kool Smiles, Smile High, and Ocean Dental are the main clinics I've looked at in recent days.

Something I thought was a bit misleading to parents and the children treated is even though they are geared toward children, designed specifically for children does not mean they employ Pediatric Dentists or owned by Pediatric Dentists. Most I've looked at are only trained in General Dentistry.

Now I'm not saying by any means they don't have a clue about dentistry. Nor am I saying they took correspondence course to get their licenses. Many may well have attended wonderful dental colleges. I'm just saying because the clinic/office is decorated in cartoon characters doesn't mean they are Pediatric Dentists.

For example there are job ads online for Ocean Dental looking for dentists, assistants, office and administrative personnel. However, the critiria for the dentist do not ask or require them to be actual Pediatric Dentists, with the 2 extra years of training for treating children dental issues.

In their ads they never say they are Pediatric Dentists-(Pedodontist) they say something like "General Dentistry For Kids and Young Adults" so they are not breaking any laws to my knowledge.

It's just the whole set up makes you think you are getting a pediatric dentist to treat your children, so buyer beware.

It's not hard to find out if they are licensed in Pediatric Dentistry. All I had to do was check out the company sites, see the names of the dentists at different clinics or who owns the clinics and check to see if they hold a Pediatric License or a member of the AAPD. Pretty simple really. Many of them will list the dentist's name, where he/she went to school, what association he/she's a member of..etc.

I'm getting a bit off subject here though messing with this kind of information.

My complaint is "STOP STRAPPING DOWN CHILDREN FOR DENTAL CARE"

Mothers Comments RE:Smiles High Clinic, Kool Smiles

"OnTipToe" from Colorado reported the following story:
January 2008

If you are relying on medicaid coverage and seeking dental care for your child, who is insured, watch out for this! One company, called "Small Smiles" and in our city they were called "Smile High" has been known to have this type of BAD practice!
(blogger note: Smile High's Lead Dentist was Dr. Tu Tran, the founder of Kool Smiles in Georgia.)

I took my twin daughters there for their first visit to the dentist when they were 18 months old. Main reason for going there was it's close proximity to my home. We are in a poor part of central Denver.
Strangely, and for the sake of my girls, I was involved in CNA clinicals at a local hospital at this time. The very day, I spent several hours in a class at the hospital discussing the federal laws governing restraint of patients in hospitals and LTC facilities. So, I was educated on this and it's ethical and moral issues.
When I got to the dentist, the first thing I had to do was read and sign a consent form for treatment which listed the 10 ways that the dentist might restrain my child for treatment. This threw me, given the class I'd just had. I was very surprised, this being my first experience taking kids to dentist, that this was a regular part of their practice. When the clinician came out to call one of my daughters back, I got up and started gathering everyone up. She said, "You can't go back." I was aghast! What do you mean? Don't you see this is just a baby? I will go with her, as well as her twin! Well, none of the dentists will treat the child with the parent present, I was told. I couldn't believe it!
So, I asked for the records that I filled out and signed, as well as that restrain form. I left. Not before hearing a young dentist tell me that ALL pediatric dentists were trained in this practice of restraint and disallowing parents into exams. He warned me that I would not another dentist in this city who would allow me to accompany my child into the exam. I told him that my child would just not have dental care then!
Next day, I took that form into class for my instructor to see. She told me that EVERY form listed there was patently illegal practice with ANY patient in the US, by FEDERAL law. So, my advice: if you or your child is subjected to this practice when going to the dentist, call them on it. Tell them you'll report them to the Dental licensing board for illegally using restraint.
Thankfully, we have found a great pediatric practice here in Denver which has wonderful doctors and staff. They always allow me to be present for exams and NEVER use restraint or scare tactics for treatment. They are clean, bright and have a great attitude. And all my children, the twins are 9 now, son 6 and daughter 3, enjoy their visits to the dentist without fear. It's called Primary Dental and they are located in Wheatridge, CO.
I have heard some horrible news reports about children subjected to numerous root canals on their baby teeth in one visit. These are primarily done on children who have medicaid coverage. And it's been found that these dental practices are using any way they can to overbill medicaid. Some ex employees interviewed told of promotions and expectations of employees to add services to pad the bills to the government. Adult practices won't even do more than two at a time! Another report about a 6 yr old boy who was so severely restrained that the dentist broke his leg! So, please, you owe it to your children to find another practice, if this is happening to them. LISTEN to them about their fears if they are distressed about visiting the dentist!
Good luck and take care.
_____________________________________________________________

Jen in Fairmount, GA says this about Kool Smiles
August 2007

I don't know the reason, but I am so happy to know no one else who has Wellcare will be fooled into going to Kool Smiles again! I wish they had pulled them a month ago so we would not have taken my grandson. I hope they do go out of business!!! I don't know what kind of dentists they are (we weren't allowed to know) but they did provide one of the most traumatic events of my daughter, grandson, and my lives. We had no plans to ever go back, anyway, but I wish it had not been an option in the first place!

______________________________________________
Frm Kool Smiles Employee, Virginia Beach, VA
August 2007

I believe your news station may want to look into this matter on a deeper level. I resigned my employment with Kool Smiles due to the type of care the children were receiving and the way in which the corporate leaders were managing/reporting the billing of such dental care to Peachtree/Medicaid.
Several months ago Medicaid entered many of the Kool Smiles offices, unannounced, and seized dental records - including x-rays. It is clear now what the audit revealed. The children's dental needs are the most important issue here and by Peachtree/Medicaid pulling their contract the results of the care the children were truly receiving had to have been clear in the records/x-rays.

_____________________________________________
Whib101, Roswell, GA.
August 2007

You folks do not have a clue.. I am very familer with the corp ops of Kool Smiles. They operate a medicaid mill. Those poor kids have multiple dental procedures performed at one visit. How may adults out ther get a extraction, root canal and crown work done at one sitting. For Dr Strange to say these 71,000 kids would be without a dental home is a joke. There is no continuity of care in this operation the kids do not even see the same dentist on follow-up visits. The dentists practicing at these locations are not even board certified pediatric dentists.
Its no wonder they only serve govt funded patients... private insured patients would not tolerate the substandard practices this operation conducts
Thank God those two managed care providers through clinical audits recognized what these profit maximizers were doing !
______________________________________________________
Sharon, Gainsville, GA
August 2007

I personally took my children to a Kool Smiles office where they were given a total of 6 crowns that their current dentist has now said were completely unnecessary. Also, I filed a lawsuit against Kool Smiles for damage and injuries that my the 3 year old daughter received during her treatment. In my opinion, no responsible parent should ever settle for the lack of care received at Kool Smiles. Many private offices accept Wellcare and provide much more personalized, quality service.
________________________________________________________

This blogger could just go on and on with these type of complaints, opinions and thoughts. This is just an example of the type of complaints out there about Kool Smiles, Smiles High, Small Smiles and the like.