Susan Mason · 1 out of 5 stars · 6 months ago
Title: Be Cautious – Get a Second Opinion I am a senior patient staying at a remote lake home in Hiles, Wisconsin, about 1 hour away. I called this office on September 4, 2025, for discomfort from a tooth with food trapped underneath it. The staff advised me to take Tylenol and Aleve for two weeks, and the earliest available appointment was September 16. No fees were disclosed in advance. This was not an emergency appointment obviously waiting 2 weeks. I was a NEW PATIENT. The day before my appointment, the office called and informed me I had to make a cash payment of $379 for the appointment with no explanation of what it covered. I assumed that as a new patient, I would receive X-rays, a teeth cleaning, and a full exam. I drove 1 hour each way for the appointment. At the appointment, I received X-rays and a brief exam, but no cleaning or other routine treatment was performed. I asked if they would clean my teeth and they said there is no teeth cleaning offered. I would have to book it for November and the cost is $142.00. They said they have no dental hygienist to clean teeth - that Dr. Kim does all the cleanings. The dentist spent 5 minutes - showed me the X-ray and stated that I had a cavity in a molar requiring two crowns, a tooth extraction, and a mouth guard, with a total estimated cost of $5,593. My wisdom tooth was not cracked and I had no problems with it. I asked about a filling for the cavity and was told it would be impossible. He needed to do crowns on that tooth and the one next to it. No diagnosis or alternative treatment options were explained, and the purpose of my visit was to address the tooth causing discomfort, not cosmetic or extensive dental work. After returning home to St. Louis, Missouri, I obtained an independent second opinion from a licensed dentist. The second dentist offered what most dentists offer - A year of care for $400 for full x-rays, 2 teeth cleanings, 2 fluoride treatments and 2 exams plus discounts on dentistry and cosmetic work. The second dentist was not aware of my visit with Dr. Kim as I wanted an opinion on how to handle the tooth with the cavity. The second dentist provided a full set of X-rays, a thorough teeth cleaning, and a complete exam. She concluded that I had a minor cavity that only required a routine filling, costing approximately $185. She said it would be "easy-peasy". No crowns or extraction were needed. They did not recommend any extractions, or mouth guard. I checked around Wausau Wisconsin and for a new patient, the standard of care generally includes a comprehensive oral exam, diagnostic imaging as needed, teeth cleaning by a dental hygienist, a clear diagnosis, discussion of reasonable treatment options, and informed consent. Recommending extensive procedures such as multiple crowns or extractions without proper evaluation, diagnosis, or discussion of alternatives may constitute a departure from the standard of care under Wis. Admin. Code DE 5.02(5) and may be subject to disciplinary action under Wis. Stat. 447.07(3) by the Wisconsin Dentistry Examining Board. I have filed complaints with the BBB and requested Dr Kim refund my money as he provided nothing of value with his service and wasted my 3 hours of my time. I will be pursuing small-claims court for a refund. I have also consulted counsel regarding a potential review by the Wisconsin Dentistry Examining Board to determine whether the treatment met professional standards or could be considered unprofessional or potentially unethical business practices. All records, including receipts, X-rays, and the second-opinion report, are available.
