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Reviews (20)
Dana Dana
Apr 17, 2022
Barrie C.
Nov 09, 2021
I do not recommend Willow Dental Care. I did have a pleasant experience with the staff, they were all welcoming and very customer service oriented. However, I had a very disturbing experience with billing and overcharges. Without going into all the details I will summarize by saying that I agreed to pay $1,500+ to have a crown placed on one of my molars. I've never had this type of work done so when I was given a bill with 5 line items I didn't really understand what those items were.
I went home and Googled the procedures and the codes associated with those items. As I dug in I realized that one of the procedures I was charged for had not been done. This procedure was for a type of oral surgery that clearly wasn't needed or completed on me. I had been charged $500 for this phantom procedure. On my next visit, after the final work had been done I asked the dentist to explain what had been done and my concern that I'd been overcharged.
She danced around the issue with some obvious misdirection about another procedure that hadn't been done either. I challenged her on her explanation and as I pressed her on it she walked to the front office and had the office person refund the $500. No explanation or apology was offered. (hmmm, that great customer service suddenly evaporated) That $500 phantom procedure represents a 50% markup on what was actually done and would have been 100% profit for the business. Great margin for her practice and nice work if you can get it.
I went home and Googled the procedures and the codes associated with those items. As I dug in I realized that one of the procedures I was charged for had not been done. This procedure was for a type of oral surgery that clearly wasn't needed or completed on me. I had been charged $500 for this phantom procedure. On my next visit, after the final work had been done I asked the dentist to explain what had been done and my concern that I'd been overcharged.
She danced around the issue with some obvious misdirection about another procedure that hadn't been done either. I challenged her on her explanation and as I pressed her on it she walked to the front office and had the office person refund the $500. No explanation or apology was offered. (hmmm, that great customer service suddenly evaporated) That $500 phantom procedure represents a 50% markup on what was actually done and would have been 100% profit for the business. Great margin for her practice and nice work if you can get it.
Emily Clayton
Oct 28, 2021
Casey W.
Aug 26, 2020
Cindy D.
Oct 03, 2019
I wish I had checked the reviews on yelp before choosing willow dental. All I can say is there is a theme in being over charged for unnecessary dental work and the same things happened to me and to my daughter. The staff is very polite and friendly but the cost of living in San Jose is high enough without having to pay a small fortune for unnecessary dental work!
Scott M.
Sep 28, 2019
Dr. Lorena Pandez and her staff are amazing. Their service has been second to none for the many years they have been taking care of my family's teeth. Always polite, efficient, with perfect results. I have had cleanings and other dental work at other places before, but none as good as Willow Dental Care. They offer a full range of services including whitening (although I had some trouble with that because of my nerve sensitivity). I strongly urge anyone looking for quality service to give Willow Dental Care a try.
Anna A.
Dec 08, 2018
Dr. Lorena Pandez is very knowledgable to her profession, very helpful, very careful what shes doing to her patient, very relaxing (i thought I'm in spa), she explain carefully all the patient need to know and she take her time to her patient. Our family are happy to find this clinic and we highly recommend this clinic. We've been to many dentist and this is the best service that we had. Willow Dental Care is very clean and friendly staff too. Again highly recommended.
Vanessa M.
Nov 14, 2018
DO NOT RECOMMEND AT ALL! The front desk was very friendly and all but I had many issues at this office. I had been looking for a new dental office to go since I moved to San Jose. I thought this one would be great given the 5 google review stars. From the beginning, I was thrown off. I mistakenly said my insurance was BlueCross not knowing I was under a different dental plan under my parents.
The BlueCross plan we have does not cover dental coverage. Once they took me in, they took x-rays, cleaned my teeth, all of that which was fine but once the Dr. Pandez came in, she said I had 3 cavities which seemed suspicious to me. She pointed to dark spots saying it was a cavity. I had my previous dental cleaning 7 months ago resulting in no cavities.
I understand it is possible but I take VERY WELL of my teeth like you wouldn't believe. After, the front desk lady told since I had bluecross, the fills for my cavities would not be covered and it was over $300 for all 3. I said I would wait to make another appointment for the fills because it just seemed odd to me. I asked if they could email me my x-rays as well (because I wanted to get a second opinion).
The front desk lady said she would do that. I waited a week, never got them. I called a second time, verifying my email as well and still never received them. I also called back giving them my actual dental insurance that DOES cover fills and the price was much much less. I asked for my x-rays to be emailed again, and once again I never received them.
I decided to wait until my following clean to go to another close by more experienced dentist since I didn't want to get fills that I did not need. They took new x-rays since Willow never sent me mine after asking 3 times. Turned out I had no cavities at all. They told me I had one potential cavity but it would not be a problem. It seemed odd to me that they would say I had so many cavities especially since I mentioned I had an insurance plan that did not cover for that, which would make a lot of $. This office lies and just exploits you for money.
The BlueCross plan we have does not cover dental coverage. Once they took me in, they took x-rays, cleaned my teeth, all of that which was fine but once the Dr. Pandez came in, she said I had 3 cavities which seemed suspicious to me. She pointed to dark spots saying it was a cavity. I had my previous dental cleaning 7 months ago resulting in no cavities.
I understand it is possible but I take VERY WELL of my teeth like you wouldn't believe. After, the front desk lady told since I had bluecross, the fills for my cavities would not be covered and it was over $300 for all 3. I said I would wait to make another appointment for the fills because it just seemed odd to me. I asked if they could email me my x-rays as well (because I wanted to get a second opinion).
The front desk lady said she would do that. I waited a week, never got them. I called a second time, verifying my email as well and still never received them. I also called back giving them my actual dental insurance that DOES cover fills and the price was much much less. I asked for my x-rays to be emailed again, and once again I never received them.
I decided to wait until my following clean to go to another close by more experienced dentist since I didn't want to get fills that I did not need. They took new x-rays since Willow never sent me mine after asking 3 times. Turned out I had no cavities at all. They told me I had one potential cavity but it would not be a problem. It seemed odd to me that they would say I had so many cavities especially since I mentioned I had an insurance plan that did not cover for that, which would make a lot of $. This office lies and just exploits you for money.
Ken P.
Jan 30, 2018
Despite a team of very friendly folks, I do not trust the honesty of the procedure recommendations and dental work performed here. During my first visit after moving to San Jose, I was told I needed *nine* fillings and was given a recommendation for a deep gum cleaning. Before that appointment, I had been going to the dentist regularly and had zero cavities.
I was shocked and confused about the sudden uptick (and a little suspicious), but with no prior experience with cavities, I willingly scheduled the follow-up appointments. Got the fillings, got the cleaning, seemed like I was good to go despite some extra bills to pay.until I moved to the East Bay and started seeing a new dentist. Before my first appointment at the new office, I requested that my x-rays from Willow Dental be sent over.
I learned then that, 1) the x-rays from Willow Dental were poorly done and used dated imaging thus making them harder to read, 2) that I needed four of the nine fillings re-done (less than 6 months later!), 3) that I probably hadn't needed all nine fillings in the first place, and that I definitely hadn't needed the deep gum cleaning, and 4) that they had missed a sizable cavity that should have been caught much earlier, especially considering my regular visits. It's unfortunate, considering how personable and friendly the staff at Willow Dental was.
But my initial suspicions that I had undergone and paid for unnecessary dental work were confirmed with a new dentist who is now having to clean up the poor quality work I received at Willow Dental.
I was shocked and confused about the sudden uptick (and a little suspicious), but with no prior experience with cavities, I willingly scheduled the follow-up appointments. Got the fillings, got the cleaning, seemed like I was good to go despite some extra bills to pay.until I moved to the East Bay and started seeing a new dentist. Before my first appointment at the new office, I requested that my x-rays from Willow Dental be sent over.
I learned then that, 1) the x-rays from Willow Dental were poorly done and used dated imaging thus making them harder to read, 2) that I needed four of the nine fillings re-done (less than 6 months later!), 3) that I probably hadn't needed all nine fillings in the first place, and that I definitely hadn't needed the deep gum cleaning, and 4) that they had missed a sizable cavity that should have been caught much earlier, especially considering my regular visits. It's unfortunate, considering how personable and friendly the staff at Willow Dental was.
But my initial suspicions that I had undergone and paid for unnecessary dental work were confirmed with a new dentist who is now having to clean up the poor quality work I received at Willow Dental.
Ari G.
Dec 26, 2017
I have an HMO insurance and every time anyone in my family came here we would be over charged by a couple hundred dollars. They upgrade anything they can even when completely unnecessary. My daughter for example got 4 baby teeth out and I got charged about 400 dollars when I later found out they should have been almost completely covered. I would not send anyone I know to this office.
Shannan L.
Sep 29, 2017
I can't say enough how amazing this Dr is. I am a very nervous and worried patient and Dr Pandez and staff made that all diminish. Dr. And stuff go above and beyond to accommodate me and my crazy schedule. Can I say that In it self is the best! If you are looking for a dentist and have fears of the dentist like most adults these days lol. Look no further! Make your appointment today you will not regret it. Thank you Dr Pandez for everything!
Michael N.
Apr 18, 2017
Friendly people and in and out super quick while performing 5 star services. Only downside is the parking but it's on a road so park anywhere on the road. Usually spots open and if not there's 3 slots in the back. Got teeth done here. A crown for the wide and whitening for me. Super friendly and insurance covered majority of the fees. They were honest about the price and kept it low as possible.
Alleyne H. Long
Aug 18, 2016
Very nice and professional staff. Dr. Pandez was trained by the best. She makes going to the dentist fun, fast, and painless. I actually enjoy going to the dentist! The Office staff and hygienist are also very friendly and professional. Overall the clinic has a bright and relaxing atmosphere. I recommend my friends to her and they love Dr. Pandez too!
Michelle M.
Jun 09, 2016
This place is the absolute worst! If I could give zero stars I would. My daughter has been going here for awhile and about 6 months ago I sent them an email with a question I had because every time I called I was put on LONG holds. It took three weeks of follow up emails and calls before I got an return email (no call). (We only stay here because it's convenient and my daughter likes the Dentist). Well, today I called to schedule my daughters appt. for her cleaning and the person who answered the phone was EXTREMELY rude, because my insurance changed and she seemed very bothered/annoying to have to do the work to change our insurance information. After about 5 mins on hold and 5 mins of being talked down too, I canceled the appt. and will be looking for a new dentist.
Celeste S.
May 14, 2015
I don't like going to the dentist! But if I have to go this is the place I will continue to go from now on! Amazing customer service and care, Lorena is very thoughtful and attentive to my needs and any questions that I have. I really appreciate her attention to detail and my comfort. My ride was unavailable after my appointment and the ladies at the office went above and beyond to make sure that I not only had a ride but got home safely : can't say enough about how appreciative I am to have found this dental office! I rarely write reviews on yelp but I have to say I highly recommend willow dental care!
Marshal M.
Mar 19, 2015
We called ahead and made an appointment for an initial consultation. We arrived and the office appeared deserted except for the front desk. We filled out our paperwork and waited. After half an hour the dentist had still not appeared so we gave up and went to our next activity. The following week we returned and the dentist was in. She did an initial exam and recommended that my daughter get 2 cavities filled.
This raised a flag for me; there was no indication of problems at her last appointment 3 months earlier. I got a second opinion, at my expense, from a dentist who was very experienced (but not part of my insurance plan). He found no sign of cavities, though he did find some places where cavities might form someday. He suggested sealing those spots. I can't understand why Dr. Pandez recommended filing cavities when there were no cavities. Whatever the reason, we have decided to seek a different dentist.
This raised a flag for me; there was no indication of problems at her last appointment 3 months earlier. I got a second opinion, at my expense, from a dentist who was very experienced (but not part of my insurance plan). He found no sign of cavities, though he did find some places where cavities might form someday. He suggested sealing those spots. I can't understand why Dr. Pandez recommended filing cavities when there were no cavities. Whatever the reason, we have decided to seek a different dentist.
Hector G.
Jul 10, 2014
Scot W.
Aug 16, 2013
I have been going to Dr. Pandez for a couple of years now. This last visit I was to have 8 cavities filled! To my amazement, there was no pain. No pain from the novocain shots or the drilling. Dr. Pandez was very kind and kept checking in with me about pain. Since it was going to take some time to do all the work, she was able to work in a break for me.
The entire staff is friendly and professional! The day after my procedure, Dr. Pandez personally called to check-in with me to see how I was doing. If you are in need of a dentist that cares, I would give her office a call. Scot
The entire staff is friendly and professional! The day after my procedure, Dr. Pandez personally called to check-in with me to see how I was doing. If you are in need of a dentist that cares, I would give her office a call. Scot
Summer V.
Feb 17, 2011
A few days ago I went to the dentist for the first time in a year, no big deal since I have always enjoyed the dentist and have never had any problems with my teeth. I was seen 20 minutes after my scheduled appointment, which was no big deal because I wasnt in a rush. But I did notice I was the only person in the waiting room. I have been ripped off by dentists before by given unnecessary and optional cleanings, XRays, etc.
So I was on my guard with my insurance code book (geeky, i know!) and specifically told them I was leery of being ripped off. I should have known something was wrong when they told me I needed a "deep cleaning" which my insurance wouldnt cover. When I told them I did not want that type of cleaning, they told me that was the only one I could get. They also told me I'd have to pay $60 dollars out of pocket for a "special mouth wash" that was not in my insurance code book. Lastly, they told me I needed a filling that would cost me $100 bucks out of pocket that day, but not to worry, they could do the procedure right then and there.
Thank god I could smell rip off and told them no thanks to the filling and the "special mouth wash." I immediately left the office and called my insurance, who told me I did not need that type of cleaning unless I had been previously diagnosed with gum disease, there is no such thing as a mouth rinse not coded, and that the "filling" they gave me the code for was actually a crown that should only be used if pieces of my teeth were falling out! Needless to say, I filed a grievience with my insurance company and will never return to this dentist office.
I feel so used and sad that they would try and convince me to get treatments just for some money. I guess the one star I am forced to give can go to their clean and bright office.
So I was on my guard with my insurance code book (geeky, i know!) and specifically told them I was leery of being ripped off. I should have known something was wrong when they told me I needed a "deep cleaning" which my insurance wouldnt cover. When I told them I did not want that type of cleaning, they told me that was the only one I could get. They also told me I'd have to pay $60 dollars out of pocket for a "special mouth wash" that was not in my insurance code book. Lastly, they told me I needed a filling that would cost me $100 bucks out of pocket that day, but not to worry, they could do the procedure right then and there.
Thank god I could smell rip off and told them no thanks to the filling and the "special mouth wash." I immediately left the office and called my insurance, who told me I did not need that type of cleaning unless I had been previously diagnosed with gum disease, there is no such thing as a mouth rinse not coded, and that the "filling" they gave me the code for was actually a crown that should only be used if pieces of my teeth were falling out! Needless to say, I filed a grievience with my insurance company and will never return to this dentist office.
I feel so used and sad that they would try and convince me to get treatments just for some money. I guess the one star I am forced to give can go to their clean and bright office.
Riff Raff V.
Apr 04, 2008
I love dr pandez! she has great patient /dentist manners, explains the steps to the actual procedures and is very personable and friendly. Another plus is shes open on saturdays, which is a rarity these days and a plus for me as its sometimes difficult to schedule appts with my work schedule. though some dentist's procedures are rarely pain free, dr pandez made sure i had as little discomfort as possible. it was amazing as ive never had as little pain from dental shots until i met dr pandez, and to me thats a big deal! her staff is also amazing, anastasha is the office manager, does the billing and also scheduling she works hard to find a time that works with your schedule/ she also took the time to go over the billing and explain what was covered by insurance and what was needed for payment from the patient. she was very thorough and clear and answered all my questions. jessica is the RDA and very well versed in the up to date techniques. she made sure i was comfortable and also explained what she was doing. i always ask for vaseline and she always complies, applying vaseline on my lips so my lips wouldnt dry out during the procedure.she also has a gentle hand and good patient manners, plus she laughs at all my corny jokes. cheryl is the dental asst (DA) and also is very friendly and amazingly skilled and knowledgable with the procedures dr pandez peforms the staff are always accomodating and smiling. ive always hesitated and dreaded going to the dentist. dr pandez and her staff has made it much more comfortable for me and i now actually enjoy going for my check ups. thats saying ALOT right there!
