Vickers Erin - Frank C Pettinato Pa

We always have a good experience at any of the Pettinato's offices. My children have seen both daughters and the dad and have never had a problem. My 4 year old actually told said yesterday "I love this place!"

Posted 10/14/09 | Report Abuse

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We have used this Dentist for years.

Service was good, however the office staff mislead us regarding our insurance.

They decided Florida Healthy Kids did not pay enough, although they had a contract with FHK.

This was an abrupt decision. For several years they accepted our Florida Healthy Kids State Insurance.

Last month we received a bill for a cleaning, $206.00.

Even after presenting our insurance cards prior to the services and were assured "no Problem" .

FHK's changed our coverage to their CMS division that helps kids with disabilities. And is still considered part of Florida Healthy KIDS.

I called today to discuss this invoice. The office informed me they do not accept our insurance, although I gave the cards upfront and informed them of the change and was reassured no problem.

The office manager basically accused me of lying!

I am very organized and always update our information with doctors or dentists when there is a change.

THE OFFICE MANAGER STATED: "SINCE CMS INSURES CHILDREN THAT ARE NOT CONSIDERED NORMAL WE DO NOT ACCEPT THIS PORTION OF FHK INSURANCE AND I AN LIABLE FOR THE SERVICES. IN ADDITION, SHE ADDED; NO DISCOUNT COUNT PRICING (THE PRICE FHK'S WOULD PAY) SHE LAUGHED THINKING THIS WAS FUNNY.

I will let this one go to collection!

Posted 06/16/09 | Report Abuse

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I had a basic service done before moving. I chose this dental clinic because of good reviews. Unfortunately, this is the first and only dental clinic I've ever had a problem with. And it's really not the performance of the dentists, but overcharges.

The same basic services performed at a different clinic, I received a $200 bill from Dr. Pettinato's office. When I called to ask about the charges, I was told that I was responsible of knowing what my insurance covers, also that I should have asked not to get that specific service done, and she went on telling me of information about insurance companies she knew nothing about.

First of all, I specifically let them know over and over again of which services to perform on my kids because it was the service my insurance fully covered. In fact, I knew exactly what my insurance covered or else any individual with common sense would have opted not to get the service done, especially with the way the economy is right now (unless it's an absolute emergency).

So I called my insurance company, and although they have no control on how a business performs, as a regular human being, the insurance staff said, "It is common courtesy for a business to let a patient know of extra charges before performing the service, so that way, the patient would have an option." She also said the insurance company covered the same service, it's just the dentist office used a different term that caused one of the services to not be covered.

I couldn't have agreed with her more, as I studied Health Administration and know the loopholes and tricks the health care industry takes on. It's truly a shame that Dr. Pettinato's office practice these loopholes because I really thought I was getting good service.

So the insurance company told me of what could be done. I called the dental clinic back and they said they could not do anything for me.

I don't like doing business with dishonest people. Especially during these hard economic times, my family cannot afford to lose a dollar. We're just trying to make ends meet. I will not take my family to this dental clinic anymore. And to think, I have more than one child under 8 years old. The $200.00 that they overcharged me, will cost them way more than that. My children still have years and years to grow. Their teeth are going to need cleaning/pulling/checking/etc. That's thousands of dollars I will take to another dentist.

Posted 02/11/09 | Report Abuse

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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My son has been seeing them for years and I even drive many miles out of my way to take my son there. I told them that I wished I could have them for MY dentist too! :-)

Posted 11/12/08 | Report Abuse

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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I have taken my children to Dr. Pettinato (and now his children that have joined his practice) and have always been incredibly pleased. I found out that he has 8 children of his own and is obviously tuned in to them. My children are not afraid of the dentist and even enjoy going there. Over the last 12 years every child I have seen there has left unafraid and happy with the exception of a couple of children that were extremely badly behaved. Not scared, mind you, but the kind of child that rules the parent. I wouldn't want to work on an uncontrollable child with needles and sharp drills and instruments in such a tight spot. One parent was just all irate that her little prince was so out of control that they couldn't work on him safely, It's a pet peeve of mine. A five or 6 year old should not berate and kick the dentist or his parent. There are no excuses. We are moving out of state soon and will need to find another children's dentist. I am dreading trying to find another as good and comforting. We've been going there so long that they feel like family.
Bye Dr. P.,
Jenna N.

Posted 11/02/08 | Report Abuse

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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I must say this dentist and his family are truely the greatest. I have two daughters that have been with them since we move to Tampa in 1996, if my insurance changed and this happened often I wouldn't use the dental insurance if they didi not accept that plan. thay are wonderful with young children all the way up to young adults.

Posted 09/01/08 | Report Abuse

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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My 2 kids have been seeing Dr. Pettinato for 14 years and have never had a problem. The dentists have uniquely catered to small children by providing a non-threatening child friendly environment. I do highly recommend them to all.

Posted 03/26/08 | Report Abuse

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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I cannot believe the review on the 4 1/2 year old. I have never met a dr. more kind or gentle than Dr. Pettinato. My oldest son (now 14) has had severe dental problems since the age of 2. We were fortunate enough to find Dr. Pettinato when we move to Tampa 4 yrs. ago. They used gas instead of a needle to do his fillings and now he is not afraid to go to the dentist. As a matter of fact, our last visit for fillings, they had to use a needle and he didn't even notice. My son is excited to go to the dentist now and always talks about Dr. Pettinato's calm, soothing voice! I would highly recommend this dentist!

Posted 03/05/08 | Report Abuse

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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I brought my 4 1/2 yr old for his first dental visit. Other issues had prevented us from going until then. So I was really trying to make it a happy positive experience for him to get him on the right track. We were just there for a first visit and cleaning. The office was adorable and the Dental assistants were the best. So sweet. But Dr. Pettinato was very gruff and scared my little boy. He didn't even take one minute to try to relate with him. He was almost mean. So my little boy ended up with a bad feeling about going to the dentist. He is scared to death to go back, and we need to soon to get two cavities filled. Dr Pettinato told me he'd need to come back in 6 months at 5 to get them filled under general anesthesia, which I though was crazy. Who would put a child under anesthesia at that age when it is not necessary? The expereince up until seeing the actual dentist was really great. Once we saw the dentist it was blown.

Posted 03/04/08 | Report Abuse

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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This office is a clean and colorful place. The staff was amazing! They are very friendly and personable. My daughter loved the dental assistant! The staff answered all of our questions and listened to our concerns. They gave us excellent suggestions and advice. We had no problems getting an appointment. We are very satisfied with our daughter's dentist.

Posted 02/04/08 | Report Abuse

1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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My two boys love this place! The office is very clean, warm, and inviting to the children. Our first visit was to get cleanings. My kids couldn't stop talking about how much "FUN" the assistants were. When we went back to get fillings done, one of my boys was seen by Dr Teirney and the other was seen by Dr Pettinato Sr. One of my boys must have asked a billion questions and they were all answered with comforting words. After they were done the children were praised for their good behavior and even got to pick an extra toy out of the treasure box! Now I watch them brushing better just to make the dentist proud at their next check up. The only thing I find wrong with this office is they do not treat 30 yr olds!

Posted 11/26/07 | Report Abuse

1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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We had a pretty bad experience with my son recently. I had in the past loved this office. Dr. Frank Jr. has left the Dale Mabry office and is on his own. I would recommend him but the Dale Mabry office without him is scary. My son had some teeth taken out and it was horror show. This is not the first time we had teeth taken out, it is the first time without Dr. Frank Jr. I did make my concerns known at the office and I was brushed off. They absolutely did not care that he was feeling pain during and immediately after his teeth were taken. I don't think the Novocain had taken effect. They waited zero minutes after giving him the shots to remove his teeth. He was squirming in his chair and the assistant had to hold him down while Dr. Terry took his teeth. I would never take my kids back to this office

Posted 09/28/07 | Report Abuse

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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I saw this dentist when I was a kid and I think he is the reason I have no fear of dentists like my poor husband does. This guy is so gentle and caring.. I was never afraid to have my teeth worked on. The best was getting to pick a toy out of the treasure chest on the way out. I plan on taking my daughter to him when she grows a few more teeth. =)

Posted 11/29/05 | Report Abuse

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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Couldn't ask for a better children's dentist. My kids don't fear having their teeth worked on, because Dr Pettinato is so nice and so gentle. His office is fun for the kids, yet very clean and proffesional for the adults. His prices are average, but his service certainly is not.

PROS: Perfect for kids
CONS:

Posted 11/27/05 | Report Abuse

1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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Frank Pettinato is a good dentist that was quick to get the job done. Many times a visit can turn into a 3 hour nightmare but not here. I was in and out within an hour at the most. Even with the quick time i feel that the quality of work was not comprimised.

Thanks.

PROS: Great Service and Great Atmosphere
CONS:

Posted 08/29/05 | Report Abuse

1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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Dr. Pettinato and his daughter take really good care of my children and their teeth. I saw Dr. Pettinato when I was a child and trust him and his staff with my children. They have a kid friendly office,with little chairs and tv's in the exam areas. And as the children leave they can pick from a toy chest. They have video games in the waiting room and will see you after hours or holiday for emergencies.

Posted 07/26/05 | Report Abuse

1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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