Aspen Dental is a dental office in Ithaca that is part of a large national chain (office number 153). They are located in South Meadow Square, provide general dental procedures, and accept the Ameritas Cornell dental insurance. The US Better Business Beurau upgraded Aspen Dental's rating from a D+ to an A+, due to its new accreditation in December of 2009. To view the full report see the BBB website.

Restrictions on Medical Professionals prevent them from making public any information about their patients; thus, unable to respond to specific comments below. Please keep this in mind while reading (or posting) any comments.

Comments

2009-06-21 15:47:34   I was disappointed in my dental service here for multiple reasons:

(1) They screwed up my billing. They made me pay up front in case the insurance denies my claim, which I thought was odd, but I did it anyway. I then got a letter from the insurance company saying that they payed the claim. I thought this meant either they would refund my credit card or give me credit towards my next visit. When I came by again for a second cleaning about 10 months later they said there was no credit to my account. I said that's impossible I got a letter saying the insurance company accepted the claim. They then made me call the insurance company. I called the insurance company and they told me that not only was the claim paid but Aspen Dental cashed the check. I told this to Aspen Dental and they said they would look into it. 3 days later they called to tell me that they credited someone elses account with the same name. The issue was resolved but with no shortage of headaches. (2) they make you do your ex-ray/check up a day or more before your cleaning. I would much rather get it all done in one appointment. (3) My cleaning literally lasted 4 minutes, it seemed so unthorough compared to all the cleanings I've received in the past. (4) they try to get you to do this experimental exam, that the insurance won't pay for, to search for mouth cancer. There is no conclusive evidence that suggests this exam is better than the standard, dentist looks in your mouth exam. If I was at risk for mouth cancer, ie. a smoker, I wouldn't mind them being so pushy in upgrading to the experimental exam, but this exam is not covered by insurance for a reason. (5) the atmosphere is very corporate, this could be a plus or minus depending on what you like.

However, there were a few plusses, which i really liked. (1)When they first looked at my molars they saw a dark spot on the initial x-ray, instead of immediately jumping to the conclusion that I had a cavity they took a second x-ray and determined it was a shadow. So at least they didn't charge me for unneeded fillings, like some dentists will. (2) the place was very clean, perhaps the most sterile looking dentist office I've been to.

I think I'm going to try someone else before I come back here for a second cleaning/check-up. —MattHh