Waco, Texas-based Stonehaven Dental and Orthodontics is being sued for $200,000 to $1 million by a local couple who claim the practice deceived them about insurance coverage for tooth extraction and replacement procedures, according to the Waco Tribune-Herald.
The lawsuit states that Juan and Maria Flores visited Stonehaven for routine cleanings in the spring of 2019. During their visit, dental staff told them they needed to have their teeth removed and replaced, procedures the plaintiffs told the practice they could not afford.
The couple allege that dental staff assured them their insurance plan would cover the procedures and that they need to take place as soon as possible.
"Neither plaintiff is fluent in English," the lawsuit stated. "Moreover, they are not able to readily read and write in English. They relied on Stonehaven’s representations regarding dental procedures, that Stonehaven had contacted their insurance company, and that Stonehaven was honest with them regarding the statements being made."
According to the lawsuit, Stonehaven notified the couple that Mr. Flores' insurance claim had been denied after he had his teeth removed and replaced. The practice also told them Ms. Flores' application had been approved, but it was approved because of false information Stonehaven had submitted in the application without her awareness. All of Ms. Flores' teeth had been extracted but had not been replaced at the time, and she still remains toothless.
More articles on dental:
States with highest, lowest rates of adults visiting the dentist
28 new codes for CDT 2021, including new COVID-19 codes
COVID-19 outbreaks reported at 2 Colorado dental practices