My question involves collection proceedings in the State of: Alaska
I went to a preferred provider dentist for a routine exam/cleaning. The dentist recommended 3 fillings on my back teeth. They ran my insurance information, and gave me a written estimate of costs and coverage. I checked it, and everything appeared to be accurate and in order: It listed 3 fillings, 80% covered by my insurance (correct) and 20% I had to pay out of pocket (also correct). I agreed to have the work done the next week.
The next week I got the fillings done, only to look in the mirror afterwards and see that they had used white fillings. The dentist had never asked or even informed me that white fillings were to be used. The written estimate does not indicate that white fillings were to be used, either. Because they used white fillings on back teeth (considered an "upgrade" by insurance) the insurance coverage is less than 50% and my out of pocket portion skyrocketed from $238 to over $600. I politely called their office several times to try to address the fact that this material was used without my consent or knowledge. Their office manager falsely claimed that only military dentists use standard amalgam fillings, and refused to work with me at all on the additional charges incurred by the material they used without my consent. The only communication they will have with me is to send me a bill for the additional amount of almost $400 on top of what I was quoted and paid ($238). I would have gone to a different dentist if I had known they intended to use those white fillings that are covered at a much lower rate.
I filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and the Attorney General of Alaska regarding the omission of crucial information when the dentist office quoted me for the fillings. Both complaints were accepted and sent to the dental office, but they chose not to respond to either of them.
I am aware that it is my responsibility to know what my insurance covers, but my issue here is that the dentist omitted a crucial detail about the work that was to be done. If it was not for that omission (that white fillings were to be used) I would have had the work done elsewhere at a dentist office that offered standard amalgam fillings.
Do I have a case if I take this to small claims court? Or am I best off to just eat the extra $400? The work was done about 5 weeks ago and I do not want this to hurt my credit score (if the dentist sends the additional charges to collection).
Thank you in advance for any information and/or advice.
- Matt

