I never take time to write reviews. I downloaded Yelp just for this because it needs to be shared! Completely misleading. Horrible experience at La Costa Dentistry. Very questionable business practices now that I'm seeing similar reviews.
I recently moved to the area from Minnesota and was just trying to get established with a new dentist. I've gone to the dentist every six months for over 20 years and know my teeth very well. I called ahead and confirmed the new patient special -- $59 for a cleaning, exam, and x-rays -- which is also clearly advertised on their website (posted in this review). I don't have dental insurance, so this sounded like a great deal to simply get started and maintain my dental health until I get settled with my new job and insurance.
When I arrived, I double checked again at the front desk and confirmed the $59 price. She told me I could pay after the appointment. I waited about 15 minutes, during which I listened to the front desk staff gossip about coworkers, which already felt unprofessional and uncomfortable.
When I was brought back, the dentist saw me before a cleaning, which I found odd since most dentists do that part after. She looked at my x-rays and did a quick check and then proceeded to tell me that my teeth and gums were in terrible shape. According to her, I needed a deep cleaning, two crowns, and even a tooth extraction!
I was shocked. I've always been told I have some gum recession and a deep pocket in my back tooth from my wisdom teeth -- nothing new -- but this felt extreme and completely out of the blue. I brush and floss daily, have no pain or discomfort so I was having a really hard time understanding if this was all necessary.
After the dentist left, another woman came in and handed me a detailed financial breakdown of everything they said I needed, totaling over $7,000. Then, as if this was some kind of game show pitch, she told me, "But don't worry -- if you join our member plan for $119, you'll only have to pay about $4,000 instead." I couldn't believe what I was hearing.
I calmly explained that I just wanted the routine cleaning I had booked, not any of the more invasive treatments. That's when I was told they could not do the cleaning due to the "prognosis".
So let me get this straight: I came in for the $59 cleaning that you advertise, confirmed it over the phone and in person -- and now you're telling me I can't even get a simple routine cleaning unless I commit to thousands of dollars in additional treatments?
On my way out, I calmly said I felt incredibly misled and that I came in expecting a cleaning and to get established as a new patient. The only response from the front desk? "Do you remember who you spoke with?"
No apology. No concern. No accountability. Just blank stares as they charged me the $59 for absolutely nothing.
I felt completely taken advantage of. This wasn't care -- it was a sales pitch. No one asked about me, my history, or what I was looking for. They weren't interested in building a relationship -- just pushing an expensive treatment plan on a new, uninsured patient.
I wish I had read the reviews beforehand because now I see this is not a one-off situation -- it's a pattern.
Dental care should feel safe, welcoming, and genuine. You should feel like someone is truly listening, not upselling. I hope this review helps someone else avoid the disappointment I experienced and find a provider that actually puts patient care first. read more
