Harbour Landing Dental

I had been going to HLD for around 6 – 7 years and had both good and bad experiences. This last experience was the final straw. I will no longer be a customer. To start, if you’re looking for an office that starts the day 15 minutes late, this is the office for you. I intentionally always booked the first appointment in the morning or first after lunch with the idea that I’d be in the chair right at my appt time. Nope! This last visit I had the 8am appt and the front door was still locked and blinds closed at 8am! Not the way I wanted to start my day.
When someone finally did show up I gave them my new insurance. During my cleaning they found a cyst on the very backside of my tongue. They said the oral surgeon was coming in at 10am and could cut it out because it might be!!! CANCER!!! (read as: you better do this now or you’re going to DIE!!) So I was talked into doing this procedure right then and charged $ 141 co-​pay, which seemed odd because I just got this great new insurance. Later, I called the insurance company and they said THERE IS NO COPAY. HLD said even though they pulled the WRONG fee schedule and admitted their mistake, they wouldn’t refund my money for 3 weeks until the insurance paid in full because the claim was already submitted! Two weeks later I got a bill in the mail for $ 260 for the pathology lab work! I later found out my Kaiser Medical Insurance would have done this procedure and for only my $ 5 co-​pay! After all this they still waiting for a copy of the lab results I paid for out of my own pocket.

Warning!!! Been going to this Dentist office for around five years for regular cleanings, and Xray’s. I never had any cavities filled, or major dental work done by them. They try to sucker you into irrigation treatments for $ 50 which I fell for a few times, figuring they know better than I do. My last, and final visit to this office. Dr. Stewart told me I need a root canal, and crown for a fracture in one of my Molars. The cost would be $ 2000 out of pocket, with my insurance. I scheduled a appointment to have the procedure done, in which they charged me before I had the treatment done. My gut feeling told me to run! I did! My new Dentist who is awesome, told me it’s a small stress fracture, and no need for a root canal or crown. Glad I got to keep my $$$$.

3 months we’ve waited to get into see this dentist, day finally came was told (after I was in chair) that we were not covered. I’m 81 and in poor heath and all i needed was better fitting dentures. All the sudden Dentures aren’t covered but the try to sell me dental implants! Are you serious? the old bait and switch, myself and my family will never go back!

I use to go here about a year ago and every time I went in they always had some other $$$$ thing they needed to do. It got to the point where I got a second opinion on everything this guy said was wrong and lone be hold, it wasn’t true. Not only that but when you would sign in they had a «give us a good review and you will get free Starbucks gift card» posted by the sign in sheet… I’d never felt so uncomfortable going to a dentist office until I was going here.

This business texted my personal cell ‘reminding’ me that I have an upcoming appointment. I’ve never been a patient of this dental office. I’m not sure how they got my information about its pretty shady to send out text messages like that. Unsolicited.

First let me just say that my husband and I are very easy going and have never given a bad review to any business no matter how bad the experience. However, after several unpleasant (unethical) visits for both my husband and I (my husband asked me to make the review for the both of us), I feel I needed to share my experience about this place.
I came here to get my teeth cleaned several years ago and the experience was so-​so. The process was sloppy and the hygienist upsold something called «irrigation» (sorry I don’t know the technical term) which she said I needed and will cost $ 50 extra, I acepted. Months later whenI came back for my routine cleaning, I was told I need the same «irrigation» (I accepted again) but the hygienist never performed the procedure (she must’ve forgotten to) and tried to charge me for it when came back in to get my crown checked by Dr. Stewart several months later; which brings me to my next experience here.
I have had crowns done in the past but this one was by far the worst. Dr. Stewart let his assistant take my impression. The assistant had a hard time getting it right. She tried at least 7 times. I’m fine with an assistant working on my teeth, but I would’ve felt more comfortable had Dr. S checked up on me even just one time. The placement of the crown is off and I have not been able to use the left side of my mouth to chew. The thought of going back in there is frightening.
What about my husband’s experience? Well, his teeth are near perfect. He only has one filling that’s it. He got his cavity filled (by Dr. Stewart) a few years back and now it fell out (cracked)…which is probably normal for fillings to crack (wear and tear). When he went in for his routine cleaning, he inquired about the cracked filling and he was told that he needs a root canal for that filling and it needed to happen asap (that same day). He felt frantic and accepted. But as he was sitting in the dental chair waiting for them to prep for his «root canal», he had doubts and was unsure about the procedure. He decided to leave before they were able start on the procedure. A week later, he went to see another dentist and was told he only needed a new filling — no root canal, nor crown needed! That was all he needed! That was it! He was relieved and so happy!
My advice is to definitely get a second opinion when they suggest any type of procedures to you.

I’ve been an ongoing member and patron at this dentist office for going on five years now. I am not sure where these negative reviews are being generated from… other than these are mistakenly being posted for another office that carries a similar name that is located nearby I believe that this other office is relatively new and is not as established as this one. The other place is located in the Ralph’s shopping center. I suppose there could also be an underhanded effort to tarnish this office to perhaps gain more customers there. The reviews that are posted seem to indicate this.
In reading these reviews, virtually all the negative posts seem to refer to a completely different staff and management then the one that I have consistently experienced at Harbour Landing. During my many visits to this office I have experience nothing but professionalism, expertise kind and caring treatment. While attending my cleanings and check ups, they have occasionally recommended different procedures as cavities and other things have been found. They have always shown me the photos an educated me on the processes and the pros and cons to each procedure. Additionally they have shown me what the insurance company will pay and what would be out of pocket for me. At no point at any time was I coerced or pressured into anything that I didn’t need or want and was merely notified and educated on my own dental health with all decisions left up to me. I cannot imagine how someone feels that they could be pressured into procedures that they don’t want. Dental health care like general medical care is similar to automotive care. It is on you to find the professionals that you can trust and be guided by their expertise and then ultimately make the decision that is right for you and your family. In life especially in services that we pay for and durable goods that you buy it is very true that you get what you pay for. If you want your dentist or your mechanic to be well-​educated and talented and good at what they do you have to pay to retain that talent. Inversely I also believe that there is a measure balance that must exist in retaining experts while not gouging your customers. I believe this office has the proper balance. Ultimately I guess you can always find your dentist in Mexico the dollar is your bottom line for your own health care.

I simply don’t get it! Where do all these bad reviews come from? I have been a patient of Harbour Landing Dental for 15 plus years and they have ALWAYS taken great care of me. I see comments complaining that they are in it for the money. Well I am pretty sure that profit is a component of any good business plan. I want a dentist with up to date equipment and a knowledgeable well trained staff. I am not interested in the cheapest dentist. What I am interested in is quality, honesty and integrity and I have ALWAYS received that from Dr Stewert, Norma and the rest of the staff at Harbour Landing Dental. As far as long waits, I have never once had a long wait. In fact, last May I broke a front tooth on a thursday afternoon. I showed up there without even calling ahead let alone making an appointment. Norma got me in to see Dr Stewert within 10 minutes and they made a temporary, made an impression and got me on my way before 5pm. It wasn’t cheap but good quality, outstanding and caring service rarely is!
Loyal customer.

I have Aetna DMO insurance through my employer which happens to be a health plan. I have many years of experience related to insurance plans. This means I understand how this provider gets paid — through capitation, meaning they receive a flat amount regardless if they provide services to me or not or anyone else in the DMO plan. So, they have an incentive to up sell you services — they don’t make much money on the contractually obligated services laid out in your benefits. This would explain why Marlene, their claims and insurance specialist asked sarcastically if «I wanted these services for free» when I argued that filings, Dr. Stuart said I needed, was covered under my insurance.
I had several encounters with my insurance company where they said «If your primary care dentist does not offer the amalgam tooth filling they must charge you the same copay for the resin/​composite filling». The copay on my plan says there is «no charge». Marlene said several time «we do not offer amalgam services». After a couple of months of conflicting responses from my insurance, saying that I am covered, and my provider, saying I am not covered, I escalated the issue with Aetna.
Aetna reiterated and spoke with the provider several times stating I am covered because they do not offer the amalgam service. I then made one last attempt to make an appointment to have my composite fillings completed. Only this time Marlene said she never stated that they don’t offer amalgam services — all of a sudden, they do.
That said, I cannot trust this provider. They are inconsistent and make false claims, stating they do not offer amalgam services but only when it is convenient for them. I work in the Fraud, Waste, and Abuse industry. In my world, if a provider makes false claims to impose a liability on someone, that is illegal. I am giving this provider one star because they do not have a full understanding of their contractual obligations and they are inconsistent with their statement of services. Or, they are just flat out liars.
This begs the question: «Should I trust a provider’s office that attempt to make false claims?» You can either find out yourself or avoid this office all together — I highly recommend you do the latter.

I went to Harbor Landing Dental for cosmetic work many years ago. I had three veneers applied. One of the veneers kept falling off so they replaced with a crown at no charge. Ever since, my gums have been inflamed in that area. I suspect it is because they used a cheap crown that contained metal that is irritating the gums. Should have used 100% porcelain. I did not know this at the time — the difference in crown ingredients.
I recently went to a periodontist NOT with Harbor Landing Dental, and he told me I have some bone loss in the areas due to the gums being inflamed which he suggests a bone graft. Oh boy, gum surgery, sounds like fun! $ 5000 cost
I wish Harbor Landing Dental would have explained the risks of applying veneers and filing the teeth to reduce the size. Had I known, I might have reconsidered. Since the teeth are filed down, I can’t simply remove the veneers and crowns without looking like a lizard. Also, it would have been nice if they had used a porcelain crown or at least explain they would cover the cost of a crown with metal and let me decide if I want to pay the upcharge for porcelain if they would not cover.
Don’t go cheap with crowns because you will pay in the long run with gum problems.
It has been a while since I have been to Harbor Landing Dental, but I do remember sitting in a cramped waiting area and having to wait 30 – 45 minutes past my appointment time. I don’t know if they have gotten better.
I would never use them again.
Tom B
PS 8÷31÷15 The dentist replied he could not find a record of me as a patient. That is because it has been over 12 years since I had the procedure done. I no longer live in the area. The dentists raises the question that after this long time that it is difficult to make the connection between current problems and the crown. My reply is within a short time of having the procedure done, my gums became inflamed. It did not just happen. Why didn’t I go back? Because I moved out of the area to northern CA. Plus I hoped the swelling would go down. No one likes having dental work done. I thought «no big deal, they are read and easy to bleed». I was young and uninformed. Only when I found out later in life that inflamed gums can lead to many other serious health problems did I get pissed. As far as my hygiene, you be the judge– I brush my teeth 2 – 3 times per day with a Sonicare toothbrush, floss daily and use a water pick daily. What more can I do? Why is it I ONLY HAVE INFLAMMATION WHERE THE CROWN AND VENEERS ARE? Research indicates crowns with metal are more likely to cause problems. Look it up if you doubt. Why was I never told this? This procedure was elective. They were more interested in getting my business than telling me of the risks and have me reconsider.

Save yourself thousands by going anywhere else. Not only do they not know how to properly bill your insurance company (s), they demand an exorbatant out-​of– pocket fees from you. I went to another dentist with the same two insurance cards I presented at Harbor Landing and was told «you have very good insurance, you shouldn’t have to pay hardly anything.» The staff at Harbor Landing told me, I will be responsible for 12 – 15 thousand dollars out-​of-​pocket fees for my dental treatment. If you live around the corner and have money to burn then Harbor Landing is the place for you. If you can think of something better to do with over the ten thousand dollars, do yourself a favor and shop around. Thank goodness there are more choices of dentists out there. I’m not a former employee writing this negative review. I’m a former customer.
Sincerely,
Richard

After reading all the negative reviews regarding hygiene treatment, and the overall substandard performance by the dental hygienist; I am not the hygienist these posts are referring to. I was the dental hygienist at HLD from 3÷2014−4÷2015 and took great pride in my profession and the quality of care I provided to my patients. I refused to «sell» or diagnose any treatment that was not warranted in the overall oral health benefit or improvement of my patient. Therefore, my post is to clarify, protect, and uphold my excellent reputation, as well as maintain my professional integrity. During my clinical employment at HLD, I was repeatedly commended, requested, and respected by my patients.
Thank you,
Linda L. Hodge, RDH

This place is a rip off. I just wanted to have my teeth cleaned but they insisted I needed a deep scaling/​cleaning. They also wanted to treat my receding gums with a solution which insurance would not cover. They quoted over $ 900.00. They also wanted to sell me a molded mouth piece $ 500.00 to prevent me from grinding my teeth while sleeping. The hygienist also did a lousy job polishing my teeth. She wanted me to come back every 3 months. I am 73 years old and always had my teeth cleaned every 6 months. My former dentist never indicated I had a gum problem. The only reason I left my former dentist was because I retired and lost my company insurance.
All I can say is «buyer beware «.

This dental office, and especially the ladies up front over charge and make up new charges for anything not covered under insurance. I was told a root canal would be $ 1500. I asked to show a list of charges and it was 3 times higher than what my insurance said. Then I brought my daughter in for a routine cleaning and exam which wasn’t supposed to cost me anything and they charged me $ 10 and couldn’t explain the cost. I called my insurance and they called the office and the reason was to sanitize the instruments. I am going to find my family and me and new office. The one positive remark is for the dentists who seem nice, but are always changing.

Please do not go here, terrible experience. Kept waking my son up in the middle of distracting his wisdom teeth for x Rays bc they broke a piece of their tool in his mouth. Didn’t give him enough numbing and he felt part of the procedure and now after a week and a half his mouth is killing him. Swollen and throbbing and they won’t even answer their phone and help us. He went in and they didn’t even give him medication to help. I’m furious and am on our way to our regular dentist for some help. Please do not give these people your business. Trust the bad reviews, they are her for a good reason

I’m giving harbour landing one more star. I feel the need to warn Unilocalers up front that Harbor Landing is offering Starbucks gift cards as a reward for a Unilocal review. To be fair it doesn’t say they must be 5 stars, but I doubt many would show off a 1 star review and ask for a gift card. So keep that in mind when you see a recent influx of good reviews. I do see a small victory in them acknowledging their reputation on Unilocal and looking to fix it. I’m open to finding out if the things I viewed as negative have changed or if they are just trying to buy reviews. I think Starbucks sucks so don’t worry about them buying my review! :)
Due to some unbelievable reasons, I’m back at harbor landing.
So I said I’m giving another star. Here’s why: despite what I feel are shady tactics to make money in excessive and unnecessary cleaning/​preventative work, I have to say that the doctors do good work. Dr. Stewart is a genuinely nice man. He has a level of compassion that is well above average. His assistant, who I wish I could remember her name, is also awesome. She has remembered my name, things about me, etc. and I don’t feel it’s forced. I think they are genuinely nice people. They have done great work in getting my broken tooth fixed up, and I am happy with the quality (although the price could be better… I’m $ 1100 in and I think I have another major payment coming).
So with that said, I think you have good quality dentists here who care for their patients. However I do still feel that they are in it for profit. I’m going to give them one more chance after my broken tooth is fixed up. If they start going into the cleaning routine like last time, I’ll be finding another dentist. If they stay with a more realistic routine, I may very well stay and update my review again.
The ball is in your court, harbour landing. If I feel like your practice has changed and that I’m not being taken for money, we will see more stars.

I don’t know understand why there are so many bad reviews. This place is great. I still dread the word «dentist», but they make it bearable. Their staff is super friendly and the place is clean. The Doctors are amazing and they know their stuff! I really like that. I waited a little longer than I would’ve liked to, but that is something I don’t mind. I love listening to some good tunes while I get my teeth cleaned as well. Thanks guys for making it a bearable experience! I’ll be back for my cleaning. Gotta have pearly whites! :D

Had a awesome experience. Staff was very helpful and answered all my questions. I would recommend all of my friends and family about this dental office!

WARNING THIS PLACE IS A RIP OFF!!! First time going to this place and they told me I needed a periodontal cleaning or a deep cleaning which i agreed with insurance it cost close to 500.00 my next scheduled cleaning with insurance shouldnt of cost anything but they told me it would cost another $ 45.00 with insurance I explained it should cost anything but they told me they wouldnt clean my teeth unless I paid they did the same exact thing to my roommate I wouldnt recommend going here they dont clean your teeth very well and they want to charge you more when you insurance should cover what they are supposed to do the whole experience wasn’t worth what I paid and what they wanted to charge dont fo here

I concur with all the one star reviews below. I only wish I had done my research and seen these reviews BEFORE I made this my dentist office, I have since changed.
The best advice I can give is run, run away fast and don’t look back!