Shortly after Hollywood hopefuls trek into town in search of elusive fame and fortune, they may be in need of a little cosmetic work (if only to boost their confidence a tad in the audition line).
After all, it's not only tough to compete with triple threats (performers who dance, sing, and act) but a humilating experience to have to stand next to a pack of polished show-biz types with dazzling white teeth and mega-watt personalities.
Subsequently, there may be a need for a lot of "smiling" - and buttering up to the casting department - to land a competitive edge.
So, what is an individual to do if their pearly whites are not up to snuff?
Rustle up an appointment with a local dentist to discuss the options, of course!
For starters, a likely cadidate may go for a bit of tooth whitener, or a couple of artfully-placed beautifully-crafted crowns.
Unfortunately, locating a qualified dentist to pull the transformation off - at a reasonable price - may be a tough proposition to pull off.
In fact, in recent days it has come to my attention that consumers need to be wary of a posse of dentists in the Big Bad Orange who are sloppy, unprofessional, and inclined to rip-off young innocents (and oldsters, too).
Such is the case with chains like Western Dental - and independent clinics run by Dentists such as Dr. Rita Metrikin (DDS) who operates a fly-in-the-wall operation in the heart of the city of broken dreams (Hollywood) - in addition to the "Dental Group of Beverly Hills" located at 250 N. Robertson (Suite 423) in Beverly Hills (CA).
in fact, Western Dental has the scam down to a high art!
Once a subject alights in a chair, staff engage in a bold-faced effort to take advantage of their client at whatever cost.
For example, on the premise that much-needed dental work is required to maintain healthy gums and build a solid foundation for a handful of crowns, the dentist pitches an overhaul plan that sounds reasonable (but that is just the bait to land the sucker from the get-go).
But, what if the dental work is too pricey for the individual in question?
Western Dental proceeds to offer up an easy-pay-plan at alleged low-cost.
At this juncture, the illegal business practices commence.
Once the dental work has started, an employee saunters into the room to inform the patient that after running a credit check, it has been determined that a higher rate of interest is required on the loan (which will end up pushing the monthly payments through the roof).
Say what?
The patient may be a little taken aback - especially if they know their rights.
After all, a business is not legally allowed to run a credit check without a consumer's permission!
Ooops!
Western Dental has been caught red-handed, provided the customer is familiar with applicable State & Federal Laws, pertaining to the issues.
After-the-fact, the patient may also end up with teeth that are not "straight or perfect" because, after all, the disreputable outfit is rife with unprofessional dentists who lack the skills to deliver up the goods.
If a customer complains about the overall "look" of the finished product, the employees at Western will just scoff, in a deceitful effort to wiggle out of the dilemma.
"You don't want your teeth to look like chickletts, do you?"
They'll take the position that teeth that are too perfect are not natural-looking.
Bet 'ya, ten to 1, I know what the patient's response will be.
"Look, if I am spending all this money on crowns, I want them to be perfect."
Amen!
If no accord can be reached, and the patient storms out without paying the balance, Western Dental will report their client to a credit bureau and damage their rating at three of the major reporting bureaus.
The same kind of horrors await individuals who have the misfortune to step into Dr. Metrikin's office at 7315 Sunset Blvd in Hollywood.
If a patient determined from their insurance carrier before they sauntered into her office what co-pays apply, they'll waltz in for their appointment expecting to be treated fairly and honestly.
Wrong!
Dr. Rita Metrikin will try to "double-dip" and rip-off her clients at every turn.
For example, once initial preparations are performed on the first appointment, she'll try to collect "co-payments" that the consumer is not required to pay pursuant to the terms and conditions of their insurance policy.
If the patient is keen to the truth, and refuses to pay, Ms. Metrikin will stall dental work (even if there is an infection, an emergency need for an extraction, etc.).
The client may be forced to angrily stomp out of the clinic with unsightly gaps in their mouth because of her illegal (and deceptive) business practices which amount to fraud and theft.
Undoubtedly, Dr. Metrikin is part of a disreputable Russian contingent in the Los Angeles area, who prey on unsuspecting Americans.
It's time someone reported her to the Dental Association, and a network of Insurance Carriers, to prevent her from ripping-off consumers-at-large in the near or distant future!
Well, a consumer alert on the Tattler is the first best thing, eh?
http://www.thetattler.biz/
Dr. Rita Metrikin
