This dental office's actions demonstrate a deeply concerning pattern of potential discrimination and/or questionable billing practices, and I believe it warrants a serious review. I scheduled a tooth extraction and explicitly stated I would be paying cash, out-of-pocket. My appointment was confirmed. However, within 15 minutes, it was abruptly canceled, citing vague 'insurance issues' after they looked up my information and discovered I was on Medicaid. This explanation is not only contradictory but also raises serious questions about this office's willingness to serve Medicaid recipients, even when offered cash payment. The fact that they cited 'insurance issues' after seeing my Medicaid status directly contradicts any potential internal policy against cash payments. Instead, it strongly suggests a reluctance to treat Medicaid patients. This is unacceptable. The dismissive response to a review, 'I'm sorry you didn't get your way,' further underscores the lack of professionalism and respect shown to patients. Due to the systemic issues with dental access in this area, exemplified by this office's practices, I was forced to perform a self-extraction. While I was able to manage the extraction myself, this situation highlights the severe lack of accessible dental care for Medicaid recipients in this area. It's unacceptable that patients are forced to resort to such measures due to systemic barriers. I strongly advise anyone seeking dental care to avoid this practice. Their actions suggest a clear bias and a lack of transparency that is unacceptable in a healthcare provider. read more

Four years ago or more I was a patient of Dr. Wintersteen. Due to moving almost an hour away, I chose a local dentist in my new area. Went to the new dentist recently as my crown fell off. New dentist stated my crown had cracked and I needed a re-treatment of a root canal Dr. Wintersteen had done a little over six years ago. In addition, I needed to see a specialist for re-treatment. I was so upset with the news as it was going to cost me almost 1K out of pocket to treat said tooth. I really felt this diagnosis wasn't correct. So I traveled back to Dr. Wintersteen for a second opinion. Not only did I NOT need a re-treatment, I just needed a new crown. (Due to local dentist advising me to throw away old crown). Truthfully, the crown probably didn't need replaced. In short, Dr. Wintersteen is an outstanding doctor. He's a straight shooter and has never advised dental work that didn't need to be done. I was, due to false diagnosis, ready to have my tooth pulled from Dr. Wintersteen. Dr. Wintersteen saved the day! In my opinion, it's best to stay with a dentist/doctor that will not bamboozle insurance or my pocket book. Dr. Wintersteen and supporting staff.... THANK YOU!!!!! Until he retires, I'll be a patient again. It's definitely worth the travel! read more

I've lived in the area (CU) for over 30 years. For the first ~20 years in the CU area, I went to a variety of local dentists, that pushed my wife and I to fill our mouths with crowns, etc., at a cost to us in excess of $25,000 (just my portion - insurance covered an additional $25,000) over those 20 years. The dentistry was adequate in terms of the work quality, but I was never really sure it was needed. I eventually went to 3 or 4 different dental groups in town, but the pressure continued. Then, approx. ~12 years ago, I heard about a dentist in Monticello who was highly recommended. I switched, and as soon as I started going there, the pressure to fill my mouth with crowns or or do other expensive procedures to add to the dentist's bottom line stopped. This guy has been a great dentist for my family (including my young daughter) and I; and I wish I had made the change earlier. read more