Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Small Smiles Quota is 25 Converstions Per Day

Small Smiles new budget, at least for some states in the south east is at $11.00 per child. In other words they can spend no more than that to get a child's teeth fixed.

Also currently, the "Conversion Rate" for one particular office is now 25 per day. In other words their currently daily quota is to convert at least 25 children from Hygiene (cleaning) to Operatory (drilling for dollars) is 25 children per day.

So for Small Smiles/FORBA to say they are not under any quota would just be an out right lie. They absolutely do have a quota to meet at least in some of the clinics. So if they are running short today, your child just might get more work done that is needed.


Tuesday, May 27, 2008

FORBA Financially Stressed: Maybe A Papoose Board Is In Order

As I suspected, FORBA/Small Smiles is a bit financially challenged and unable to open any more clinics at the present time. According to reports no monies are being paid out during the Medicaid fraud investigation which is really putting a crunch on them financially.

How is this bad? Well that means they need to push their production on who they can when they can and that's spells trouble for the children being tied down in the papoose boards also known as pedo's in the biz, as in pediwraps, not Pedontists.

That means more children are going to have to use the combs, brushes and blow dryers the assistants keep in the back to clean the children up before they give them back to their parents.


Oklahoma Smiles, Topeka Dental, Texas Smiles Dental Clinic, Indian Springs Dental Clinic: More DeRose Dental Torture Chambers? Of Course They Are!

In doing a search for Oklahoma Smiles, a dental chain in Oklahoma I just couldn't help noticing the website address:


OKLAHOMA SMILES
DENTAL CENTERS OF SOUTH OKLAHOMA CITY Walker Square Shopping Center — 309 S.W. 59th at Walker 405-631-2700 ...

www.smallsmilesusa.com/states/Oklahoma.html - 11k -

Also as searching for job listings with Oklahoma Smiles Dental Centers I noticed this as:

FRONT OFFICE
ASSISTANT
Oklahoma Smiles Dental
Centers of Oklahoma City

Join our Dynamic Team! This State-of-the-Art Dental Of­fice provides quality dental care to children and young adults. We offer great bene­fits and bonus opportunity!
Spanish bilingual a plus!

E-mail resume to: dhale@oklahomasmilesusa.com
or fax to 405-942-7753. EOE
Check out Oklahoma Smiles Website, logo look familiar?

now look at an ad for a job with Small Smiles:

DENTAL ASSISTANT Small Smiles of Macon. Join our Dynamic Team! This State-of-the-Art Dental Office provides quality dental care to children and young adults. We offer great benefits and bonus opportunity! Experience preferred and Spanish bilingual a plus! Fax resume to Dr. Dan at 478-781-4331


Is it just me or do you think FORBA/DeRose is known as Oklahoma Smiles to the poor unsuspecting citizens of Oklahoma? Maybe it's just me. Maybe I've gotten too paranoid or something, but I don't think so.

AMAZING!! It's the same thing when you look into:

Topeka Dental Clinic
Small Smiles Dental Clinic of Wichita
Indian Springs Dental Clinic of Kansas City
Texas Smiles Dental Clinic


DeRose Disciples Coming To A Dental Clinic Near You

It's come to my attention that Drs. Tran and Pham of Kool Smiles fame broke off from the DeRose's and FORBA during a breakdown in their business relationship. Therefore even though Kool Smiles is strictly modeled after Small Smiles/FORBA they are separate companies. Now this isn't confirmed. But the fact that I can't actually lay my fingers on any documentation showing they are sister companies means I'm going to have to assume they are not. But I'm leaving this one open for a bit longer just in case.


None of this is really the point on this blog entry. What is the point is the fact that it clearly shows the pattern of folks who call them self dentists have ended up breaking off from FORBA/Small Smiles and opening up their own torture chambers calling them dental clinics.

As I've posted before about the hundreds of dentists that have passed through the halls of these dental mills, more and more are taking the fine skills of behavioral management they learned from the DeRose training camps in Colorado and incorporating them into their own practices.

Academy Kids Dental in Colorado Springs is just another example. The owner there, used to be a lead dentist with Small Smiles. Hopefully he left the bad habits at Small Smiles and took their training as what NOT to do to small innocent children and naive parents.

What worries me are the hundreds, maybe thousands, of DeRose Disciples who are stowed away in cities and towns across America tying up children, have little to no patients with them, go straight for the papoose board and come up with a treatment plan more costly and more traumatic than need be. It's disgusting and if I accomplish nothing else in my life time I plan on ending this with laws, rules and/or regulations in every state across this land.

Thank God several states have recognized that dentists are torturing children unnecessarily and already taken steps to stop this legalized form of child abuse, so I don't have to work my way through all 50.

Anytime I become discouraged in my quest all I have to do is watch the video reporter Roberta Baskin was able to obtain of little Miguel struggling and fighting for his life in that papoose board and I'm energized all over again with the vigor of a mother lioness.

I close my eyes and see my small family member who suffered this, if not worse, at the hands of a dentist. Whether my loved ones tooth needed work or not makes no difference to me. The recommended, proper, and acceptable techniques by the dentist was not followed.

I see my loved one's little feet crisscrossing like Miguel's did, panicked, struggling, heart rate going up, sweating, fighting with all his little might, sheer terror in his little heart, mind and soul and I know bringing this to and end is something I will NEVER give up on. Never! Call me nuts, call me whatever but as I see it, I'm simply very passionate about this subject.







Why FORBA is a Management Company?

I wonder if this is the reason they have the so called "Management" companies that in reality practice dentistry? FORBA, Western Dental, Heartland etc.

In Colorado for example it's illegal to be part of or a member of a LLC that practices dentistry if you are NOT a dentist. Ask, Diana and Todd Giblette.

Anyway, Dan...are you hearing this! Your name is still on the FORBA documents. But of course, FORBA just "manages" the clinics right! Yeah, whatever!

But think of this, if a person can't be owner of a dental LLC unless they are licensed dentists, then how can companies if the actual company isn't a licensed dentist and I don't think a company can actually work on a person's teeth but I could be wrong.

I might even be understanding all of this wrongly too.

Only The Best Dentists for Small Smiles (sarcasm)

Dr. Troy T. Bates, Peyton, Colorado, a former Small Smiles lead dentist, Colorado license number DEN-8450, had his license suspended a mere 30 days for drug abuse in October 2007. His licenses is now Active-With Conditions. He's now under probation for 5 years and practice monitoring for 2 years.

What they should have also checked into, but guess they didn't since there was no formal complaints, was his treatment of children at the Small Smiles in Colorado Springs. This is where formal complaints to dental boards come in and are so important.

Again, I have to ask parents, employees or anyone, Who Will Save The Children, If Not You, Then Who?

If you are a dentist working for FORBA or any of these places, Kool Smiles whatever....and I've not made it to your name yet, not to worry, I will get there. A good way to stay off this list would be to come forward tell all you know to anyone who will listen and stop abusing the children, otherwise you are open game to me.



Monday, May 26, 2008

DeRose's Keep It "All In The Family"


Meet Brad Padula. Does the last name ring any bells with my regular readers. It should.

Brad is associated with DD Marketing (ddmktg.com), Dan DeRose's company that hooks up schools with vendor to put junk food machines in your schools. (fatten up the kids and help rot the teeth...sorry, I was thinking to myself)

Brad is Dan DeRose's cousin, via Brad's dad, Dr. Adolph Padula. Remember Adolph, he's the dentist of record with FORBA/Small Smiles in New York, Ohio and a few other states.

Brad is also the director, executive producer and writer of the documentary Beyond The Metal of Honor. Here is the cast of characters involved in the making of the film:

  • Brad Padula - Director Executive Producer Writer
  • Peter C. Lemon - Co-Producer and Executive Producer
  • Rudy Padula - Co-Producer and Executive Producer
  • Dan DeRose - Public Relations and Executive Producer
  • Frank Provenza - Co-Producer Writer Narrator
  • John Schymos - Director of Photography


Adolph Padula, Michael DeRose, Ed DeRose, William Mueller and Dan DeRose have their names all over documents at the Colorado Secretary of State's office in regards to various dental clinics including Small Smiles, Smile High, DeRose Children's Dental Center and 6th Street of Denver Dental Center.

I will say they sure keep it "All In The Family"

(if you checked out the website, you'll see it's the same address as DD Marketing and this same address shows up on some of those documents I mentioned above.)

Anyone know a thing about Nicole Padula, Pueblo, CO?

Wonder what this is exactly, what are they maintaining? I found it an an announcement in the Colorado Tribune January 2008.

R & R Maintenance, LLC (DLLC, 01/07/08,
Perpetual) Adolph R Padula, 409 N. Grand
Avenue, Pueblo, CO 81003

It's North Grand Street where DD Marketing is located? Hmmm.....

I found it here click

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Is FORBA FORba Sale or Just Needing Money?

arrow Wonder why Draper, Fisher and Jurvestion, an early stage venture capital company would be checking this blog out? The "keyword" they used in the search engine was "FORBA". After checking out all the other people/companies/law firms that have been 'avisitin' lately I have to wonder if someone is not trying to:

1. Unload FORBA to anyone that will take it.
2. FORBA /Small Smiles/DeRose getting their butts sued
3. Are really hurting for cash since they have to be at the top of the "red flag" list in all their billings.
(In fact, I bet a whole army of "color guards" come strolling through the Medicaid billing center)
lol
4. FORBA is gathering up some cash for all the "settlements" and legal fees they are going to make and need.
5. FORBA is robbing from Peter to pay Paul, and that only makes for a sore Peter.lol

Here is the list of just a few visitors and the "keyword" they used if I know it:

Honigman, Miller, Schwartz & Cohn - Health Law Practice- "Medicaid Dental Center Settlement"
Shearman & Sterling -Law Firm
CIT Financial - Financial advisers for Arcapita
King & Spalding- Law Firm

Navigant Consulting-International Consulting Firm
Houlihan, Lokey, Howard and Zukin-Investment Bank-"FORBA and Child Abuse"
Interlink Advertising-Ad firm-"Michael DeRose"
International Monetary Fund-"DeRose Pueblo"

First Southern National Bank
Omnicom Management Services-Texas Ad Agency-"Dan DeRose"
LA SALLE CAPITAL- Investment Bank-"Forba/Small Smiles MA"
Covington and Burlington Law-Law Firm-"Delta Dental"

Veroxity Technology Partners
FTN Financial Investment bank-Investment Bank
Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP-Law Firm-"Albany Small Smiles and Rochester"
RSM MCGLADREY-Accounting firm

CSC Holding-Holding Company-"Small Smiles Arcapita"
Cratos Capital Partners
Canon Capital Advisors-"Small Smiles Billing"
NCMIC-Insurance and Finance Group-"Medicaid Dental Center"

Forbin Group-"Papoose Board"
Peabody and Arnold, LLP-Law Firm-"Small Smiles"
Poyner & Spurill-Law Firm-"Child In Papoose Dental"
Vestar Capital Partners-Investment Group-"Rafael Rivera, DDS"
Lehman Brothers-Investment Bank-"Forba For Sale"

Wesley Capital
Draper, Fisher and Jurveston-Early Stage Investments-"FORBA"
Wells Fargo-Bank-"Tish Ballance"
Morgan Lucas & Bockius-International Law Firm-"FORBA"
Haynes and Boone, LLP-Internation Law Firm-"came to blog directly"
Deloitte & Touche


Friday, May 23, 2008

Colorado Children a Bit Safer: Two DeRose's No Longer Torturing Them

Well it appears that children in Colorado are a tiny bit safer. Dr. Michael Anthony DeRose's Dental Licenses (Number DEN-5133) has retired those licenses to torture children at least in Colorado, not sure about other states and dad has let his licenses expire.

However if states are staying on top of things he shouldn't be allowed a licenses in any state! But so far, (and I'm sorry about this guys,) state Dental Boards are not exactly the sharpest bit in the drawer.

Now,ole, Ed, (the master mind behind the Torture Children For Medicaid Dollars Scheme) has let his licenses (
DEN-2931)in Colorado lapse. They expired in February and bless his heart, he didn't renew them. God Bless Us Every One.

HOWEVER::::::: There are still DeRose's in the dental community with active licenses in the state:

Louis A DeRose-Dentist-License number DEN-104507-Wheatridge, CO
and
Kerry Jean DeRose-Dental Hygienist-License number DH-201929-Pueblo, CO

Louis or Kerry seem to have any "actions" against them in Colorado at this time but I sure would be interested in what these two think of Ed and Michael, and most of all I'd like to hear how they've kept their names out of all of this, cause ole Dan sure hasn't!

Maybe Ed and Michael can head on over to Bahrain and open up some clinics, like in palace compound or something. Treat them'thar royal kids....
wink

but be careful folks, William Mueller still has his licenses.... be on the lookout.

Small Smiles Still Growing In Kansas: HUH??

I see on Small Smiles website they still don't list clinics in Kansas, yet as we know they are certainly there. Oh wait, FORBA says they don't have clinics in Kansas! Huh?

Yes, there are a couple of Small Smiles in Kansas and at present they are under fire. They say the dentists who is actually working at the clinics "own" the clinics and has a financial interest in the clinic, but that is simply not the truth.


Even though there are no Small Smiles clinics listed at smallsmilesusa.com there are job openings listed across the internet to come help give children the smiles they deserve in Kansas Small Smiles. eek Here is one listed 21 days ago for front office help

Here is a link showing a campaign donation from a Pueblo, Colorado Dentist, Dr. Mohammad Akzar to a Kansas State Representative's campaign in 2006 in the name of Small Smiles of Wichita Health Care.

Oddly enough
Reza Akbar is the name of the dentist who says they own Small Smiles of Wichita. Hmmm

Here is the first blog on this

Now one would think these are maybe two different people but lookie here.... Kansas Dental Licenses Number 60330 is a one Mohammad Reza Akbar. So that champaign contribution listed about from Mohammad Akbar from Pueblo Colorado IS Reza Akbar. Dr. Akbar also is licensed in Colorado, number DEN-8903. Wonder how Dr. Akbar feels being a scape goat for Michael DeRose?

....and to think they tried to fool me with those Islamic names...
Ha! Not a chance! Wonder if Dr. Akbar's papers are all in order, isn't this an Iranian name?wink I get so confused....

Attn: Small Smiles Boise, ID Employee

Here is the address of the clinic I'm speaking to:


Small Smiles of Boise, ID
208-322-3010
8744 W Fairview Ave
Boise, ID 83704

I understand you are still employed there but are very upset at the treatment of the children. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE help stop this abuse and contact me. Someone IMPORTANT would like to have some kind of contact with you, even a simple anonymous email will do.

Ocean Dental/Chad Hoecker Update

Per a Comment:

Per the Ohio Dental Board actions against Chad Hoecker he is on probation for a year in Ohio and can't only accept children, since he is a general dentist. I am not sure what happened in the Oklahoma meeting because he wasn't in the minutes.

More importantly he comes from a long line of legal dodgers: His dad is a dentist who still has his license after exposing himself to a patient.

Case Detail http://www.odcr.com/detail.php?Case=036NCRF%208600258&County=036N

County:
Kay (Newkirk) - County Last Updated: 05/20/2008 09:00

Case:
CRF-86-00258

STATE OF OKLAHOMA vs. HOECKER, GLEN RAY

Date Filed:
08/19/1986


Offense

INDECENT EXPOSURE (FEL)

Parties

Defendant
HOECKER, GLEN RAY


09/22/1986

Date Action: ST GUILTY PLEA Completed : 09/22/1986

Glen Hoecker not only still has his licenses, there are no actions against him listed in his online dental record file.

Once again, another dental board letting the public down.

Small Smiles @ Trademark Office

Word Mark: SMALL SMILES
Good & Services:
IC 035. US 100 101 102. G & S:
Provision of business management services for dental office development and operations.

Serial Number:
78953016

Filing Date: 10-16-2006
Published for Opposition:
June 12, 2007

Owner:
Sanus Holdings, LLC LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY DELAWARE Suite 201 1114 17th Avenue South Nashville TENNESSEE 37212

Attorney of Record:
Robert P. Felber, Jr.
Dead/Live: Live
____________________________________________________________________









Word Mark:
Small Smiles

Goods and Services:

IC 044. US 100 101. G & S: Dentist services. FIRST USE: 20070917. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 20070917
Serial Number: 77295476
Filing Date: October 3, 2007
Published for Opposition: March 18, 2008
Owner: Forba Holdings, LLC LTD LIAB CO DELAWARE Suite 520 618 Church Street Nashville TENNESSEE 37219
Attorney of Record: Robert P. Felber, Jr.
Dead/Live: Live

____________________________________________________________________
Word Mark: Small Smiles
Good & Services:
IC 044. US 100 101. G & S: Dentist services. FIRST USE: 20070917. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 20070917
Serial Number: 77295429
Filing Date: October 3, 2007
Published for Opposition:
March 18, 2008
Owner: Forba Holdings, LLC LTD LIAB CO DELAWARE Suite 520 618 Church Street Nashville TENNESSEE 37219
Attorney Of Record: Robert P. Felber, Jr.
Dead/Live: Live
______________________________________________________________________

Word Mark: FORBA
Goods and Services:
IC 035. US 100 101 102. G & S: Personnel recruiting services for dental offices. FIRST USE: 20010500. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 20010500
Serial Number: 77156357
Filing Date: April 13, 2007
Published for Opposition: September 4, 2007
Owner: FORBA Holdings, LLC LTD LIAB CO DELAWARE Suite 520 618 Church Street Nashville TENNESSEE 37219
Attorney of Record: Robert P. Felber, Jr.
Dead/Live: Live

I tell ya what, that Church Street address in Nashville just keeps showing up again and again. In various documents I personally found at the Colorado SOS website that addess is associated with Sanus, Smile High, FORBA, DeRose Children's Dental Center and more.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Kentucky Should Close Down, Small Smiles, Ocean Dental and Kool Smiles, They Are Operating Illegal Clinics

I would say Small Smiles and Ocean Dental and apparently Kool Smiles, since it's planning on opening up a clinic as well, in Louisville are walking a fine line according to KAR (Kentucky Administrative Regulations) Title 201.


201 KAR 8:006 prohibits a dentist from using
false, misleading, or deceptive advertising and also
establishes the rules for dentists to advertise as
specialists or as being especially qualified in any
area of dentistry.


All dental advertisements shall contain the name of
each licensed dentist providing services within that
practice.

Further, a dentist shall not use the name of a
dentist who does not have an ownership interest or
any association in the dental practice. A dentist
who purchases the dental practice of another
dentist shall not use the name of the seller for
more than one (1) year after the purchase of the
practice. Also, a dentist shall not use the name of
another dentist who formerly practiced as a
partner, after the termination of that partner’s
ownership interest in the dental practice.

Any licensed Kentucky dentist may submit their
proposed advertising to the Kentucky Board of
Dentistry for written approval prior to using the
advertising.


Plus according to other rules, a dentist is Kentucky must actively participate, and something tells me the owners of these clinics don't actively participate in the practice of dentistry in Kentucky.


Kentucky Dental Association Stops Small Smiles from Patient Shopping

November 2007


Dr. Jim Allen, DMD moved to disapprove Dr. Tony Quiroa’srequest for Board approval for hygienists from Small Smiles of Louisville to conduct dental screening services at various elementary schools. Dr. Gaskill seconded the motion. All were in favor.


Kudo's to the Kentucky Dental Board but should Small Smiles even be in the state. If they weren't, there would be no need to stop them from sending out a hygienists to patient shop as they have been found to do in other states.

I realize this is was last fall however the Kentucky Dental Board has not issued another newsletter at this time. They meet in Spring and Fall of each year.


Saturday, May 17, 2008

Hawaii's HB 2301 Leaves Dental Mills On The Main Land.

It appears Hawaii is doing all it can to protect their citizens from Medicaid dental mills such as Small Smiles, Kool Smiles, Ocean Dental, and Western Dental.
Hawaii has a law in place that says “a dentist must own, maintain or operate an office for the practice of dentistry.” However the laws as they stand now do leave a “loop hole”, as in other states, that people like Michael DeRose of Small Smiles and Dr. Tran Pham of Kool Smiles seem to find a way to slither through.

Majority Leader Kirk Caldwell's HB 2301 bill to prohibit "interference in the practice of dentistry by an unlicensed person or entity" and prohibit "the practice of dentistry in a commercial or mercantile establishment"

Jeffrey Miyazawa, D.D.S., Chair of the Board of Dental Examiners opposes the bill, no big surprise there, but other dentists of Hawaii fully support it.
Dr. Miyazawa argues that passing this law would not give the board any power to enforce it, and I’m saying to myself, "why the hell not?"
Dr. Miyazawa also says “HRS 448-17(a)(12) provides for sanctioning "any other improper, unprofessional, or dishonorable conduct in the practice of dentistry.”
Provisions like this or something close is on the books in most all states, and it hasn’t done one thing to stop these Medicaid dental mills, slowed them down one bit, or even caused them to pause for a split second despite the hundreds and hundreds of complaints and reports.
Hawaii’s HB 2301 would amend HRS 448-A to include as follows:
(a) No person or entity without a license issued pursuant to this chapter shall direct or interfere with a licensed dentist's judgment and competent practice of dentistry.
(b) No dentist licensed pursuant to this chapter who engages in the practice of dentistry in any form, shall permit a person or entity, other than a dentist licensed pursuant to this chapter, to direct, participate in, or interfere with the licensee's practice of dentistry.
Section B above certainly would limit that quota and bonus system that the dental mills have established in other states now wouldn’t it?
HB 2301 would also add 448-B to read as follows:
No person licensed pursuant to this chapter shall engage in the practice of dentistry in a commercial or mercantile establishment, or advertise, either in person or through any commercial or mercantile establishment, that the person is a licensed practitioner and is practicing or will practice dentistry in a commercial or mercantile establishment.


This section shall not prohibit the rendering of professional services to the officers and employees of any person, firm, or corporation by a dentist, whether or not the compensation for the service is paid by the officers and employees, or by the employer, or jointly by all or any of them. For the purposes of this section, the term "commercial or mercantile establishment" means a business enterprise engaged in the selling of commodities or services unrelated to the practice of dentistry or other healing arts.

I think this is a great beginning to an end of the dental mills and I would suggest everyone who reads this and its language to get with their state law makers and get something like this or close to it passed in their respective states.
One thing that is not addressed in this bill is the use of papoose boards. I understand people think the Dental Board would regulate this since the ADA and the AAPD have "guidelines" however leaving things like this to "Boards" of dentists' own peers simply isn't working.
I’ve already started that quest in my state and I can’t urge my many loyal readers enough to do it in your own.

update 3-2010:
I've written to Rep. Caldwell, who at present is running for Mayor of Honolulu to see what happened to his bill.

I did find this:

HB 2301 HD1, Relating To Dentistry
Majority Leader Kirk Caldwell's bill to prohibit "interference in the practice of dentistry by an unlicensed person or entity" and prohibit "the practice of dentistry in a commercial or mercantile establishment" was characterized on the Floor by Rep. Gene Ward as "the anti-Wal Mart, anti-Big Box bill" who went on to say that it was a premature, misplaced constraint of trade. The bill passed, with Rep. Ward as the only no vote.



Kool Smiles Terra Haute Ex Employee's Comment

If you have had issues with the Kool Smiles in Terra Haute, IN clinic contact me at cckaddie@yahoo.com.

Here an ex-employee comment on that clinic:

I just want to say that the same treatment and experiences that have happened in Atlanta are somewhat identical to the office in Terre Haute, Indiana. The CTL isn't x-ray certified, along with the other dental staff are not x-ray certified.(So how can she train those who aren't?) Looks like someone didn't do their homework!! Deadlines for xray certifications is running out!!

The CTL was also caught rough handling a 3 yr child approx. 2 months ago in front of the parent, Office Manager and other dental staff, but nothing was done.The Office Manager loves to lie to HR. Their day will soon come!

Michael DeRose and the Root Dental Management-Rafael Rivera, DDS, PLLC Connection

Root Dental Management is part of the so called "new owner's/new management of Smile Starters" in North Carolina. There are current ads throughout the internet for dentists, assistants and other office personnel wanted for Smile Starters that is under this laughable "new owner's/new management" concept they (being the DeRose's) are trying to sell to the good citizens of North Carolina.

Here is the contact info for applying for a job with Smile Starters:

Roger Walters
SmileStarters
2211 - E Executive Street
Charlotte, NC 28208
704-395-6000
walters.rdm@gmail.com


Same physical Address as Root Dental Management and note the email address: rdm-Root Dental Management. I bet Roger Walters could tell some stories don't you guys?

Root Dental Management is owned by Ryan Root of Pueblo, Colorado. At the North Carolina Secretary of State's website if you search for Root Dental Management this is what you get:

Registered in North Carolina: 3/21/07
Formed in Delaware: 2/20/2007
President: Ryan P. Root
Agent is: Ryan P. Root
Registered Address is:
2211-E Executive St
Charlotte NC 28208

Principal Office is:
2211-E Executive St
Charlotte NC 28208

Principal Mailing Address is:
PO Box 816
Pueblo CO 81002

For those of you who don't remember, Ryan Root and the exact same address is the contact for Michael A. DeRose, DDS, PA on the Health Care Reform Act List of Electors in New York State.

See Here

Rice Root Accounting in Pueblo is the old accounting firm for the DeRose's until they got big enough to need an in-house accountant. That's when Ryan slithered on over to work solely on DeRose stuff.

One person sticking up for Rafael Rivera, Jr. who is supposed to be the new "owner" of Smile Starters (whom I think was closely related to Raf, said on this very blog, Raf had worked for SmileStarters as far back as 2002 or there about.

If someone could get their hands on a copy of that "sale contract" with Dr. Rafael Rivera, Jr., Dr. Michael A. DeRose, and Tish Ballance (which would be the sale between Ballance DeRose, DDS, PA and Rafael Rivera, Jr. DDS, PLLC-formed 2/18/2008) you are going to find that Michael DeRose is a "consultant" of sorts and will be getting a hefty fee for his laughable and knowledgeable input!

And next year on Michael A DeRose's many tax returns there should be a fee listed from Rafael Rivera, Jr. DDS, PLLC dba Smile Starters or there is some very creative bookkeeping going on!

Of course it will probably be listed as pass thru income (yeah, passing through umpteen million) LLC, Corporations and PA before it lands on his and his wife's person tax return. But I guarantee it will be on there somewhere, just like a few other corporate dental organizations "consulting fees".

Here's another thought:
It's customary when there is a sale of a company like this between two professionals (sorry...peed my pants laughing...when I typed the word professional) for there to be a "non compete" clause. Yet, here we have Tish Ballance already (even prior to the official signing of the documents) opening up Access West, another medicaid dental practice not far from Dr. Rivera's Smile Starters.

You know, when something stinks it stinks no matter how you twist and turn it, flip or flop it or try to hide it doesn't it?






Thursday, May 15, 2008

Small Smiles Temp Dentist Speaks-Reposted From A Dental Forum

I just returned from a 6 week assignment from a temporary agency to a small smiles clinic. (Assignment cut short because FORBA decided not to use doctors that were not credentialed with medicare) In any event, The biggest question I had was....Why mom or dad were not back here learning how to care for the children's teeth. Then I find they are not allowed back there. I was disgusted with the way the children were treated. I wouldn't take a dead snake to that place.

While my office is being built, I decided to make a little money in the interim. I happened to use a temp. service that put me in a small smiles clinic. I was informed by the lead dentist that this was the last place many of the patients could go for dental services, "that we had to do what was necessary to get the job done." This sort of tugged at my heart to see these kids with so much decay and infection. Out of the five doctors that where available, I had the most experience with respect to years practiced. Most were recent grads.

We probably averaged 20 -25% usage of the papoose. It was a screaming frenzy for those few patients that did get the papoose. I did inquire "why oral sedation was not used" and was told that it was not a covered event for the Medicaid patient. From a business view point, they make a lot of cash. Even with the new doctors, it gave me the impression that it is sort of like an uncontrolled residency and a quick way of bringing your skills up to par before entering the "outside world".

They train their own assistants for the most part, because of the high turnover rate. Compensation to them is minimal. They do get enticed with a monthly bonus. I was told that they average 16K production a day. From what I saw, they must do most of that in Hygiene. I do not know what Assistants can or can not do with respect to polishing in that state, but that is used a lot. They work the assistants to the ground and they frequently have 10 hour exhaustive days. One day we saw 137 patients.

I have mixed emotions at the present time. It is obvious that a great deal of money is being made utilizing the government handout of these funds. I was told that not all states pay as well as others and that is why they are not in some of the states.

Whether or not this is true I have not investigated. They have apx. 80 offices with goals of close to 100 or so by 2009. I am not opposed to anybody making a profit. If this truly is the last stop for many of the patients, than they are performing a needed service.

Overall, you have the most inexperienced team, working on probably the hardest portion of the population. It is going to attract media attention at any given opportunity. What is the answer to the problem at hand? I can not tell you. Once again, I am grateful I am able to refer out any pediatric case.

Perhaps, instead of going to Africa, or South America all the time, we doctors can just stay home and donate our time and talents to the local community. I know that is not as glamorous as the "out of country" trip, but it certainly would be just as beneficial. Sorry, I guess I rambled at bit too much.

Kevin P. Ward, DDS-Back In Business

A New Jersey dentist, Dr. Kevin P. Ward's dental licenses were suspended November in 2000 after media reports of him breaking the leg of a child put pressure on the dental board. Until the media broke the story, the dental board had done nothing even though several other patients reported injuries and broken bones. His licenses were reinstated with limitations in 2005 according to records with the New Jersey Dental Board and in April 2007 dental board minutes I found the following:

Kevin P. Ward, DDS - Dr. Ward appeared before the Board with Richard Tanner, Esq., concerning a request for limited reinstatement of his New Jersey dental license. On July 20, 2005 Dr. Ward’s license was reinstated with restrictions. He was permitted to engage in the administrative practice of dentistry but not in the clinical practice of dentistry.
Dr. Ward discussed his administrative duties since the filing of the July 20, 2005 Order to the present. He also discussed his progress in therapy with Richard Reichbart, Ph.D., and discussed the evaluation performed by Alberto M. Goldwaser, M.D.
With regard to future plans, Dr. Ward indicated that if his license is reinstated, he would like to do part-time orthodontics on adolescent patients. He indicated that he has continually taken courses in orthodontics and sees it daily at the practice. The Board requested that he provide a copy of the proof of completion of the courses taken for this renewal period.
At the conclusion of all testimony by Dr. Ward and questions from the Board, the inquiry was ended.
The Board moved this matter to Executive Session for deliberation.
Upon returning to Public Session, the Board determined to table a decision pending receipt of a more complete report from Richard Reichbart, Ph.D. A copy of the transcript of today’s appearance will also be provided to the Board.
In October 2000 NBC's Dateline reporter Hoda Kotbe reported on Dr. Kevin Ward and the many children he had traumatized, broken bones, and even had one child, Kelly Givens, die while under his care.

By checking for his licenses it looks like he's back in business

Children's Dental Clinic,LLC is Really Small Smiles in Columbia, SC

Does anyone besides me find it just amazing at all the names FORBA/Small Smiles, Smile Starters, Medicaid Dental Centers, uses?

In Columbia, SC the IP Address leads you to Children's Dental Clinic, LLC at 3000 Two Notch Road, which when I was there Monday, had Small Smiles on the Building.

If you google Children's Dental Clinic Columbia, SC you once again get a listing for that name but the address is Small Smiles and the website listed is smallsmilesusa.com. See Here

According to a business search at the South Carolina Secretary of State's Website, the Small Smiles in Florence is Children's Dental Clinic of Florence, LLC.

The Children's Dental Clinic of Columbia, LLC (Small Smiles on Two Notch Road) filed a Domestic LLC company 2-21-2003 and is current in all it's filing. Prior to May 12, 2003 it's name was Children's Medicaid Dental of Charleston, LLC. On 8-17-2008 this was filed "
CHG AGT & ADD FR MICHAEL T SMITH".

Looks like one "Michael T. Smith" was once the registered agent for Children's Dental Clinic, (Small Smiles) as well as the Small Smiles in Florence and they were both changed to National Registered Agents, Columbia, SC.


As for the Small Smiles in Florence, SC. It was first established 1/23/2004 and it's first name was actually Florence's Children's Dental Clinic, LLC then changed it's corporate name to Children's Dental Clinic of Florence, LLC 3-5-2004, a short two months later.

In both cases, it appears these DeRose companies set up in a state as one name and with in 2-3 months change their business names. Then of course go on to operate under various other names.

Honestly, it must take an army to keep track of all of the names. I bet if you asked the employees who they worked for, they might be able to come up with some name, but it probably isn't the right one.



Does anyone on here remember Dr. Kevin P. Ward who amazingly had a child break his leg (the femur bone) while in a dental chair at the Children's Dental Center of Union City, New Jersey back in February of 2000? Another child came out of his office with a broken wrist. The state revoked his license for a short time for injuring 13 children. Look at the name of this clinic!


Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Ocean Dental's Chad Hoecker Desciplined in Ohio

Ohio Dental Board Disciplinary Action

CHAD B. HOECKER, D.D.S.
Motion by Dr. Kyger, second by Dr. Armstrong, to approve the proposed
consent agreement for Chad B. Hoecker, D.D.S., license number 30-022103, case
number 06-18-0603.

Motion carried.

I don't know what the complaint or disciplinary action was but the case number is listed above. Chad Hoecker is the owner of Ocean Dental Corporation, another medicaid dental mill.

Small Smiles In Boise, ID Employee Speaks Anonymously

Take it from a Small Smiles employee of many years who does not recommend anyone she knows nor lets her own children come to this place, do not bother going there.

It depends on the doctors mood that day if parents are allowed to come back, we are encouraged as assistants to make excuses as to why you cannot. Personally, I do not make excuses, I just let everyone come back if they ask and let the doctor look me in the eye because the policy states that one person may accompany the child back.

It is a very rushed system like a cattle call consisting of a morning meeting of the quota that needs to be made. "Oh, you did 98 patients yesterday that is down from the day before so you need to get it up if you want your bonus." Well screw the bonus if the kids are not getting the care that they need and are being rushed out and treated as if they are just a number.

This is exactly how everything including the employees are treated - all just numbers. Lets all just compete. If you complain or think that something is upsetting you might as well kiss your job goodbye. Welcome to Small Smiles.

There are no pediatric dentists and there never have been. All the dentists get trained in the Pueblo clinic in about a week to handle children and most of the assistants are hired of the street with little no training, which makes it wonderful for the rest of us that actually have training and know how to do things the right way by sterilizing instruments and treating children well.

Many of the good assistants are on our way to getting out of this "dental office" and on our way to bigger and better things. I just can not wait until the day that Small Smiles is closed down for all their mistreatment of patients needs and care as well as the care of their employees.

My identity is hidden because that is how you have to handle things with Small Smiles as an employee.

Small Smiles of Boise, ID

208-322-3010

8744 W Fairview Ave
Boise, ID 83704

Since there are so many very unhappy employees at Small Smiles maybe it would be a good idea for someone to write the office a general letter and try to get some of these employees to step forward as Whistle Blowers. Let's face it, management isn't likely to open the mail, right?


Saturday, May 10, 2008

New York Kicking Small Smiles To The Curb

May 8, 2008
Steve Flamisch

The New York State Office of the Medicaid Inspector General is terminating Small Smiles Dentistry from the state Medicaid program effective May 24, CBS 6 News has learned.

A spokeswoman would not confirm any additional details, citing the need to preserve the integrity of the ongoing investigation.

Three former employees and the parents of 82 patients accuse the Colonie children's dentistry clinic of performing rushed and unnecessary procedures on its young patients, all to make money. The ex-employees claim the dentists and other staff members earn lucrative bonuses for achieving certain "production numbers," though the company patently denies that claim.


Government sources confirm that Attorney General Andrew Cuomo's office is also investigating Small Smiles. Cuomo has the power to bring civil and criminal charges in Medicaid cases, though it remains to be seen whether that will be the case.

The State Education Department, which licenses all dentists in New York, would not confirm an investigation, but did file a subpoena requesting all of the information CBS 6 uncovered. The station is cooperating, and - at the request of the parents - sharing that documentation with other state agencies, as well.

Small Smiles spokesman Don Meyer would not confirm the state's action, nor would he explain how 82 parents had come forward to corroborate allegations the company has dismissed as "baseless." In an email, Meyer said, "I have no additional information to share with you at this time."

Video Interview of Parent Forum

Finally a state has stepped forward and working on putting an end to Small Smiles/FORBA barbaric back alley dentistry and abusing children in the process.


I'm looking for more states to follow New York's lead in the near future. Let all keep our fingers crossed and hope that North Carolina realizes Smile Starters is owned and operated by the same people and kicks Smile Starters to the curb as well.

Ok, let see what states follows New Yorks lead.

Next?

On a side note:

Dr. Randall W. Ellis, DDS referred to as reviewing the patient files internally for FORBA's (Small Smiles) is a Professor at (drum roll please...... ) Creighton!! And lives.....(drum roll again)...... Pueblo!


Friday, May 09, 2008

Obtained Small Smiles Patient Information Forms

Dropped Into a Small Smiles Clinic in South Carolina today and picked up some forms to pre-fill out prior to an appointment.

See the Forms here

The main forms for the patient to fill out is manila card stock patient folder. The front part is the only part the patient or guardian fills out prior to treatment, the signs at the bottom. It's not until the folder is open that the Patient Behavior Management Procedures are listed. Long after the parent or guardian has signed and consented to treatment.

I find this a bit sneaky.

As stated this in the patient file, the parent or guardian does not take any of this info with them. You can see in the picture when the folder is open on the left hand side lists the procedures and the right side is used to document appointments, visits and work performed.

What I find very misleading is that there is only one place for the parent or guardian to sign and it's only of the front just after the patients medical history has taken. Usually if there are other sections of documents that you need to read there would be a place for initials or a signature after that all important section.

At the bottom of the front page, the only page the parent or guardian fills in it says:

I certify that I have read and understand the above. I acknowledge that my questions, if any, about the inquiries set forth have been answered to my satisfaction. I will not hold the dentist, or any other members of his/her staff, responsible for any errors or omissions that I may have made in the completion of this form. I have also read and understand the Pediatric Dentistry Patient Management Techniques on page 2 of this form and give my consent for their use.


The way this is laid out it appears that you only read and fill out the front page. When you open the file folder it appears the inside is for the dentist to record the treatments.

This is a blanket signature agreement. Sections are not laid out clearly for the parents or guardian to read, sign, and understand to the full extent as it should be.

It's very sneaky to have a place for a signature acknowledging something prior to getting to that section. I don't know that I've ever seen any kind of treatment agreement, contract or other official document that has a place to sign prior to getting there, have you?


There absolutely should be a place to sign at the bottom of the second page acknowledging the parent or guardian has read the Patient Management Techniques and a place for the dental assistant or dentist to sign under it acknowledging that "techniques" were clearly explained and demonstrated.








Small Smiles Of Aurora is 6th Street of Denver Dental Clinic, PC, a DeRose Company

Download Document Here

Small Smiles Dental Centers Of Aurora Colorado's True Name is "6th Street of Denver Dental Clinic, PC."

Note: The address is the same as the old DeRose Children's Dental Center is Nashville, TN.

Thursday, May 08, 2008

FORBA, LLC Formed 1-2002 then renamed to LIC SAC, LLC

About the exact same time the DeRose's sold the assets of FORBA, LLC they changed the name of FORBA, LLC (For Better Access) to LIC SAC, LLC. (Lick Sack, nothing but class those nasty scumbags...I mean scum sacks) 10-02-2006. Notice on the documents the address is that of DD Marketing in Pueblo.

To See the documents click here.

10-01-02
FORBA, LLC Articles Of Organization Here, see Dan DeRose's name right here!
Dan DeRose, Michael DeRose, Ed DeRose, William Mueller, and Adolph Padula.

According To The Colorado Secretary Of State Website, FORBA, LLC, named changed to LIC SAC, LLC, 10-02-2006 is listed as stated below:

5-5-2008: Entity name and any active trade names changed due to failure to file annual report

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Small Smiles In Kansas, Just Plain Illegal.

Kansas Law States the following in regard to Corporate Dentistry:

K.S.A. 65-1435 It unlawful for any person to practice dentistry under any name except such person's own name, with two exceptions:

1. subsection (b)(2) which allows two or more dentists to associate together for the practice of dentistry in a professional corporation, organized under the professional corporation law and under a corporate name that may or may not contain the proper name of any of the dentists.

2.
(b)(3)associating together with persons licensed to practice medicine and surgery in a clinic or professional association under a name that may or may not contain the proper name of any such person or persons and may contain the word "clinic."

From the AG's Opinion:


It is clear from the prohibition in K.S.A. 1994 Supp. 65-1435 that one dentist may not practice dentistry as a professional corporation and under a corporate name unless the dentist "associates" with one or more other dentists.

The act indicates a legislative intent to protect the public from the fraudulent practice of dentistry by a corporation or under a business name that indicates there is more than one dentist in that practice when in fact there is not.

In conclusion it is our opinion that dentists who want to incorporate under a corporate name pursuant to subsection (b) (2) of K.S.A. 65-1435 must join together for the common purpose of the practice of dentistry and so long as there is more than one dentist practicing dentistry in a corporation established in accordance with the professional corporation law, the requirements of K.S.A. 1994 Supp. 65-1435 (b) (2) are met.

Read the full opinion here
Many states are not as strict with their regulations or wording which is why is some states the Corporation Umbrella that some of DeRose's clinics operate is under Michael A. DeRose, DDS PA. After he has his actual name established in those more lenient states he's ready to set up operation.

Yes, there are a couple of Small Smiles in Kansas and at present they are under fire. They say the dentists who is actually working at the clinics "own" the clinics and has a financial interest in the clinic, but that is simply not the truth. But rest assured, if FORBA/Small Smiles/DeRose can find a way, they certainly will.

Hopefully Kansas will be paying close attention, listen to their citizens and run these people out of the state on a very long, far reaching rail.

With any luck at all, more states will take Kansas's lead here and change the laws, so that if a dentist has a licenses in your state and his name in hanging on the door under whatever cute little name he wants to call "his" clinic he better see patients there, so in case of mishap you don't have to run him down across several states to nail his butt.

update:  4-21-2010
Kansas is allowing FORBA to operate clinics in it's state and doing nothing to stop it. 

















Monday, May 05, 2008

Western Dental Corporation Another Ruthless Dental Mill?

An Open Letter To Western Dental Reposted Here From The Hive Blog
Comments To Post At The Bottom, also reposted.

Here is the letter:

A letter to the corporate office of Western Dental... An absolutely INHUMANE treatment of low income patients by a facility that is advertised as caring for those with medi-cal or low income with respect and dignity AND great care... FAR FROM THE TRUTH
To whom it may concern:

Please accept this letter as my personal and adamant request for the services rendered and the absolutely filthy conditions of your Western Dental office located on Briggsmore Avenue in Modesto California to undergo some SERIOUS investigation.

I would like to explain the circumstances which have brought me to this point of complaint... and I'm doing so PRIOR to having received the full service of my initial visit due to the fact that I am absolutely livid over the way in which my dental procedure and status as a patient has been treated by various members of the Western Dental Team which has revealed itself to be an obvious standard for all other patients as well.

My reasoning for visiting WD was purely out of need to be seen on a Saturday and to get a broken tooth fixed by crown procedure prior to my private insurance undergoing changes - regular dental offices are not open on the weekends so.... I made an appointment for 8 am on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2007.

The waiting room was to capacity when I arrived by other patients who had an appointment at either the same time or very near the same time as mine. I waited for over 1/2 an hour before I was even given initial paperwork. The condition of the waiting room was filthy and the staff was beyond disorganized in the procedure of caring for those that should have come first...their patients.

Nearly an hour later I was led back to get X-rays by a very kind technician... yet obviously in a huge hurry due to the large volume of work needing to be done... as a result - I had to be re-xrayed later in the day. It was nearly two hours of my arrival that I was even seen by a doctor. He came in and told me I needed a root canal. Then upon examining my tooth - he admitted that he'd misdiagnosed and that I only had a broken tooth.. This is what I'd already written in my paperwork and had explained to each staff member that I'd come into contact... yet another obvious sign that even the doctor had far too much to do - to the point where reviewing my chart prior to seeing me hadn't even occurred. Again - this man was very kind.

The condition of the facility, was again, very dirty. From the sticky floors to the dirty containers which held materials that were eventually needed in completing my procedure. The facility appeared to not have been cleaned in a substantial amount of time.

Having NO CHOICE but to proceed with this procedure at that time was very frustrating. In all of my years of having dental work done, never before have I ever experienced such deteriorated services and poor conditions in which to have my teeth worked on. I am in full understanding that these offices are typically used by those having state funded insurance programs... to me the treatment received by those people in this office IS SHAMEFUL!!! I feel that by way of lack of care for their scheduling and the lack of cleanliness of the facility your company is essentially telling these people that A. Their time is not important and B. Since they have no other choices, or may not know that they have other choices - they are forced to be treated in filth.

I was at your office for well over three hours and had to leave prior to even getting the cleaning which comes with the service I'd received. The dentist was VERY professional, however once he finished drilling down the broken tooth he left me in the care of, once again, a VERY nice woman who admitted to me that what she was doing, fitting the temp crown, wasn't within her scope of practice... however because of the over scheduling and lack of adequate staff members, she was forced to do the work she isn't even qualified for. It took nearly another 1/2 hour for her to trim the temporary down to even fit...

After I asked if I could do the cleaning at another time as I'd been at their offices for nearly FOUR HOURS - I was clearly told that the crown would be in within 1 to 1 1/2 weeks. I stopped at the front desk - had to actually request to be helped by two staff members who clearly knew I was there yet continued with a very personal conversation - I was told that my portion of the bill would be $400 - I wrote a check for $200 and left.

Four days later the temp fell off - I visited the office that night and was again helped by the same woman..although VERY NICE... admittedly unqualified to do what she was doing. She put a stronger adhesive onto the tooth and sent me on my way.... with a huge gap between the temporary crown and the tooth itself. She said it would be ok as the permanent crown was going to arrive in a couple of days. Well... it hasn't and it's not ok.. it is painful...

Being patient and a rule follower I waited for two weeks and I phone the office to find out where the crown is - I was informed by the woman that answered the phone that no one would have told me 1 1/2 to 2 weeks as it NEVER takes less than THREE weeks to get the crown in. Having NO choice but to wait... I did and in fact have received a bill for UNDER $200 - which makes me grateful that I did not pay the full $400 that they were requesting at my initial visit.

At three weeks, this past Saturday, I phoned again - and after 20 minutes on hold and being called by the incorrect name twice - I was told that it would be yet another week until the crown arrived from the lab.

This was enough. I asked to speak with a floor supervisor and after several minutes of bantering back and forth with this woman about my right to speak with a manager regardless of when the crown would arrive she finally told me to hold on... again placed on hold for a substantial amount of time - only to have the SAME woman pick up the phone and inform me that the floor manager found the crown and it would be in on Monday - period end of sentence. I told her that I still wanted to speak to her - she told me the manager was too busy and that I needed to call her back in 15 minutes. I told her that I would appreciate her taking MY number and having her call ME back when she was free. She never did.

I did lodge a complaint with your corporate office and they were in fact kind. I was uncomfortable when I was describing the current condition of the tooth as being painful and then being corrected by your representative to be told that "oh so it's annoying you?" I received the canned standard answers that are expected when this type of customer service disaster occurs.

Here is my MAIN ISSUE...

If this is honestly the type of service that people with medical are expected to accept than I am horrified by the sad sad misrepresentation which Western Dental is pouring all over the media... had I not had the verbiage and ability to insist that I be treated with the respect that I, as a customer, paying or not paying out of my own pocket deserves.. than I would still be sitting here today with no resolution to this matter - well, in fact I am still sitting here with no resolution to this matter as I still have an improperly fitted temporary - and no absolute security that this suddenly post complaint found crown is even really found at all.

I was told by your corporate office that I was in fact the second complaint about the same property that day... how this could possibly be the first time for this to happen - I find VERY difficult to believe.

What really bothers me are the looks on the faces of the other patients in that office... knowing full well that they are being treated disrespectfully yet perhaps not having the voice or option to speak up...it was a truly truly truly disturbing experience - to make it worse.. I still have to go back there to get the permanent crown placed... I was told by corporate that the staff at the office already knows that it was me complaining to them --- this makes me highly uncomfortable for my return visit.

Western Dental Corporate Staff... I am sincerely hoping that this type of inhumane service being provided to those less fortunate than others changes and changes VERY quickly... you are a huge company and the money is very important I'm sure... however the overworking of your staff in order to squeeze in as many patients that you can --- is, in the process, degrading the very people that pay your bills.

With HUGE hopes that this is resolved,


Comment 1
follow up on this complaint, Yo....don't let it slide. raise a banner if necessary. This should never be tolerated and I am so glad you did not do so for the sake of convenience.

Comment 2
Although, your letter certainly pointed out the problems your encountered during your visit to a Western Dental facility, I can tell you from personal experience and from all of the other complaints I have read about Western Dental, don't expect to receive any kind of acknowledgement or apologies from Western Dental. They are a shady outfit no matter what location you happen to visit.
My husband spent 9 hours at their office in Antioch, CA. According to the law, medical and dental practitioners cannot subject their patients to more than 3-4 hours of treatment or service in a 24 hour period. My husband's dental insurance policy pays contracted providers at 100%. Western Dental is a contract provider with United Concordia (our dental insurance carrier through California Field Inronworkers Union) and they were supposed accept the insurance payment as payment in full. However, Western Dental did not properly bill our insurance company for the services they provided to my husband and as a result, they were subsequently paid less than what they calculated.
Western Dental decided that they would try to bill us for the difference. They started sending us 2-3 collection letters a month and I would call them and explain that we owed them nothing because we had 100% coverage. Then they started making collection call to our home. They would call every other day threatening to send us to collections if we didn't pay. I call the ironworker union and United Concordia to let them know what was going on. However, there wasn't much they could do. I went around and around with Western Dental corporate billing office in Orange, California, and just about everybody I spoke to down there had absolutely no knowledge about the laws governing HMO providers.
Fortunately for us, this is what I do for living . . . . medical billing. I tried and tried to explain to them that what they were doing was against the law. Balance billing and HMO patient is a highly illegal practice. I knew that most patients don't understand the complexities involved in medical billing, so I decided to conduct a rather in depth investigation into Western Dental's billing practices and I discovered that they were doing the same thing to all of ironworkers and their families throughout the State of California.
I concluded that Western Dental practices this illegal billing tactic banking on the fact, that most people don't understand the medical billing and reimbursement policies associated with their insurance carrier. The majority of patients simply trust that their medical or dental provider wouldn't bill them (the patient) unless the amount was truly the patient's responsibility. I believe that Western Dental's main source of profit comes from two aspects of their bsuiness, 1) they provide shipshod treatment to the patients, and 2) they use highly illegal billing tactics in order to coerce their patients into paying them above and beyond the contracted rate that Western Dental has agreed to accept from the patient's insurance carrier.
In order for your story to have any affect on Western Dental, please file a complaint with the following agencies; 1) the ADA (American Dental Association), 2) the California Attorney General's Office, 3) the CDA (California Dental Association), 4) California Board of Dental Examiners, and 5) the California Dept of Consumer Affairs.
If I were you, I would seek out another Dentist's opinion of the work done by Western Dental and ask them to document their opinion in writing as your situation may eventually force you to file a malpractice suit due to the poor dentistry work and pain and suffering that you have already endured and still may endure in the future. Document everything that happens to you as a result of your visit to this Western Dental facility. If your teeth are not properly repaired , you could end up suffering from a multitude of other health issues that can be caused by poor dental treatment. I cannot stress to you enough to please protect yourself by following through with my advised suggestions above, otherwise you will no recourse in case something happens in the future.
Good Luck

Comment 3


Remember the twenty Modesto dentists who were arrested several years ago, for their horrible treatment of children, the elderly, and low-income people on Medi-cal? (As far as I know, they are still waiting for trial. Justice is slow.)
These scams have been popular for many years in other states as well--especially Florida. And that is what they are--scams, just for easy money. Unqualified people have pulled entire mouthfuls of teeth that should never have been pulled. Often screaming children and the elderly were not even given pain medication. In addition,conditions were filthy.
No, these conditions are NOT normal. A dentist's office must be spotless. Otherwise, diseases spread like wildfire. Everyone must know what they are doing. Of course, you should never go back there. It is too dangerous. You do need to see a REAL dentist.
A lot of con men are "very nice". That is why they are so successful. The "wolves in sheep's clothing" play their roles well. It is important to know who is putting their fingers in your mouth!

Comment 4
Well, if you are thinking of going back to that dentist, check out the really horrible complaints against Western Dental, all over California. In the computer search spot, type: "Complaints against Western Dental" or go to www.ripoffreport.com
One person had good teeth until Western Dental worked on nine of them. Then they had nine bad teeth.
They try to treat as many people as they can and do as many procedures as they can--even if the procedures are not needed, so they can bill for them.
In addition, the FBI is investigating them for insurance fraud.
******
One complaint was from Modesto. Even though the dentist never had time to see her (after a long wait in extreme pain), Western Dental sent her a bill. When she didn't pay it, they kept adding late fees. They have a long history of complaints about fraudulent billing.
A dental chain like Western Dental in Florida was even kidnapping low-income children from their yards to pull their teeth.

more can be seen here....

Sunday, May 04, 2008

Dentists React To Small Smiles

These are posts from a Dental Message Board in reaction to Small Smiles/FORBA

1. There is a small smiles clinic close to us and we see a lot of children who have been put through the ringer there. Most times the work is sub-standard and we are re-doing what wasn't done correctly the first time around. Many of the children who are referred are great kids and just need some TSD and patience. Unfortunately, at that point they are pretty traumatized. The thing that worries us here in our clinic is the disregard for max local anesthetic dosages, etc. It's hard to believe you can papoose a 3 year old and do 4 quadrants of dentistry in one sitting, staying within the safety limits for local anesthetic. I'm all for providing needed treatment, but I'm doubtful as to how much training and supervision there are at these clinics.


2. small smiles opened in our town about six weeks ago. a good friend of mine was working as a hygienist there--she quit after two weeks. i don't know how anyone can justify treatment like that. i see kids with medicaid as does another large pedo practice in town, as do several other family dentists i know. access to care isn't an issue in my area for these kids so they can't use the "we're your child's last hope" approach.

look at the aapd guidelines. they (small smiles) aren't compliant and i don't believe they provide the standard of care offered in my area.

previous to this story, i was talking with a friend on the local peer review on how to approach this group because i was concerned about what i was hearing.


I personally LOVED This one!!!!

3. At our SSPD meeting in September AAPD president Keith Morley said to watch out for these FORBA clinics. He said they are on the way to any rural area in which they can treat low socioeconomic children for Profit.

I too see Medicaid children b/c I feel it is my way of giving back to society. The News took the absolute worst parts of the entire story and put that on TV for everyone to watch. I've been in situations in which i've had to use a papoose board while the child screamed away b/c there was no other choice. I would think any of us pedos understand exactly what was going on there. Most of what they do may not be morally right and is against the ethics of the ADA and AAPD however it doesn't break any laws. We need to all band together and keep these clinics from opening in our areas.



4. Just completed 30 years of dealing with Medicaid. It tooks it's toll on me financially (somewhat), but more emotionally and physically (which is why I stopped). The stories I have heard even for adults can be incredible, and then we get to the "access to care" issue. Who in their right mind would like to stand in line for that kind of access?

I know that there are also some incredible providers of care to this population, adults and children. But, at times, it seems that as long as the care is being "provided" by a provider, that the state powers will look the other way. An acquaintance of mine who previously worked at a one of these facilities stated that some of the dentists, at this particular facility, should not have licenses to practice.


5. If providers would treat mediciad patients as a requirement for renewal of our state granted license to make money in this limited area, access issues would greatly diminish.



6. There is one down the street from me called Vital Smiles, formally the Tooth Zone. I used to say "Who else is going to treat these kids" (I take medicaid by the way) From seeing some of the dentistry, and hearing from patients, former staff members, and a former Dr. there, a lot of those kids would be better off if they had not even gone.
7. If the Democrates get the s-chip legislation passed they will providing about 1 million more American kids with the kind of treatment that is getting blasted. S-Chip in most states is lumped into medicaid. I could care less about Dem vs Rep, but this is to make legislaotors (sp?) look good by providing insurance to these poor kids. What kind of care will be provided? Will they have access to care with this insurance?


8. small smiles clinics do not sedate or offer GA. What upsets me is not the use of the papoose per say, but it is how the clinics are run. There are several Kool Smiles clinics in the area where I practice, and they are run in a similar fashion to Small Smiles. they over treatment plan just to do pulp and crowns. I see at least 3-5 patients from their clinics , and the parent shows me the tx plans. many times it is crowns, where simple ONE surface restorations suffice. These clinics do not have a good reputation where I live.

Warning To Dental Grads Being Wooed By Corporate Dental Companies

Be careful about how you interpret the word "guaranteed” income when being wooed by a corporate dental management company such as FORBA, Heartland or Western Dental. Read this next paragraph very carefully.


A lot of these
corporate associateship contracts are set up so that you are guaranteed a certain salary based upon a specific (and sometimes unattainable) level of production. If you don't hit that level of production, you are still "paid" that salary, but you then owe the corporation the difference between the salary and what you actually produced.

So, in many cases it may seem that you will be guaranteed big dollars right out of graduation, but often that is based upon unrealistic levels of production. They spin it as "guaranteed" because you will in fact be making that money, but you will ultimately have to pay part of it back.
Go ask a few optometrists or pharmacists how much they like the corporatization of their respective professions, and you'll hear all the reasons why every effort should be made to preserve dentistry's professional autonomy.
Then you get hooked up with a Corporate Dental Company that gets nailed for mistreatment, over treatment and over billing insurances or using a blanket DEA number for prescriptions and your once stellar reputation is tarnished forever.

All those long months, days and years spent preparing yourself for a wonderful noble career is gone down the drain in less than 6 months. Not even mentioning the enormous education debt you’ve accumulated and now you won’t be able to get a job that would earn enough wages to make your loan payments let alone live, have a family or anything else. All those dreams of a fruitful life that got you through all those years of study are gone in a flash.

Lets say you don't like the procedures they teach you at their "training camps". What are you to do, you have signed a "non compete" clause in your contract. Then what are you going to do. Talk about stuck between a rock and a hard place!

There's no altruism involved in these corporations' business decisions. Corporate mills are notorious for encouraging over treatment in order to meet production goals. If you're seriously trying to come up with a minimally acceptable treatment plan for a Medicaid patient, you're looking at sealants vs. restoring every pit & fissure in the mouth, complex direct restorations instead of pressed ceramic crowns, periodontal debridement, flippers instead of implant-supported bridges, etc.

Heartland and Western shareholders are just like the ADHP proponents in that respect--they're out for their own best interests, not the public's, but they also know saying "it's for the greater good!" is a nearly impenetrable moral shield for them to hide behind.

The moral in both cases is that dentistry needs to start being proactive about figuring out solutions to the access to care problem, instead of letting other groups seize the initiative and then trying to fend them off while backpedaling.

Some companies like Kool Smiles ask employees to sign a 'restrictive covenant for 1 or more years in a radius of 5-10 miles. This mean you might be SOL if you want to work in that area.

A portion of Small Smiles /  FORBA contract says:
...for a period of 2 years following termination, you can't provide dental services for Medicaid patients within 10 mile aerial radius of the Practice Location, or Employer's practice location on the date of termination if Employer has moved its location, or the location of any of the Employer's related practices.


Add this to the $500 a day penalty for not giving them a 90 day notice and you are just screwed!  What if you had relocated!  What now?