Family Dentistry of Largo Randall L. Weisel, DDS, MPS Deceptive advertising practices, bait and switch tactics. Largo Florida

Since moving back to Florida I was in need of a new dentist and I had a few problems with my teeth that I wanted addressed. I received a postcard in the mail from Dr. Weisel of Family Dentistry of Largo. The "New Patient" special promised Cleaning, Exam & Xrays for $59. Let me specify that there were no disclaimers or small print stating that there were exceptions to the offer.

On or about 12/27/13 I called their office and explained that I had received the card in the mail with the $59 special but it was to expire at the end of 2013. She said it would not be a problem and they would honor the offer so I made an appointment and showed up a few minutes early on Jan. 6 with all the paperwork already filled out that I had downloaded from their Website.

It was almost 45 minutes before they finally brought me into the exam room. The assistant took Xrays and left the room. About 30 minutes later the doctor finally came in and introduced himself, then proceeded to examine my teeth. He then advised me what he felt was necessary to correct any dental problems I had. He also suggested I let him refer me to a specialist to look at one tooth to get another opinion before proceeding to do work on that tooth. He said he would draw up an estimate of costs. He spent about 15-20 minutes with me and then left. After another 10 minutes the assistant came in and told me that I would have to make another appointment for my cleaning. I told her that I was supposed to get the Xrays, cleaning, and exam in one visit. She apologized and said there was no one available to do the cleaning and I would have to come back. I told her I was not going to come back and they needed to do the cleaning today. She said she would be right back and left for about ten minutes. She returned and said that the doctor would do the cleaning but he would have to do an advanced cleaning plus a laser treatment. I asked what the cost was and she said she would have to check. She left again and it was another ten minutes before she returned saying she was still trying to get a price. Finally she came in with a form she wanted me to sign saying it was an estimate of the costs... somewhere around $250 (can't remember the exact price). I told her to just do the minimum cleaning, I didn't want the advanced cleaning or the laser treatment. She said the doctor would not do the minimum cleaning,.. it would have to be the whole deal.

I told her I was very dissatisfied and planned on leaving. She asked me to wait while they figured out what they could do. After another ten minutes of waiting, I got up and went to the front desk. The assistant and the receptionist were working at the computer putting a revised estimate together and presented it to me showing that they were going to take $19 off the price because I would not be getting the minimum cleaning but was to get the advanced cleaning instead. I told her I had been in the office as a new patient for over two hours and I had nothing to show for it. I did not get the cleaning, I had a brief conversation and exam by the dentist, and I had Xrays that were of no value to me because I had no plans to return because of the fraudulent experience.

Again, let me clearly state the the offer was for exam, cleaning and Xrays... no exceptions to that offer. She finally told me I did not have to pay anything, knowing fully well I had no intention of paying for this waste of over two hours of my time plus travel back and forth. It's a disgrace that professionals are taking advantage of people at a time when everyone is trying to make ends meet.