Robert D Halbach DDS, PC – Addison Dental Group

Two years ago when I first went to Addison Dental Group, I loved it. They had given me an overview of costs associated with all the dental work I needed, and told me what they recommended as the most important. It broke down the total cost, estimated insurance payments, and my portion out of pocket. I loved that so much, I continued going to them and even recommended people looking for a new dentist to Dr. Halbach’s office.
Dr. Halbach himself is a nice man, he’s efficient and tries to make you feel comfortable. So for him personally, I would give a good review.
His office, however, is another story.
In May 2016, I went to his office due to tooth pain. He examined me, told me I needed two root canals. But since they were molars, he referred me to The Endodontic Group of Dallas. At that time, his office staff did not give me any information of costs.
My dental insurance has a feature on their website where you can select the dentist and the procedure (s) being performed and get a pricing estimate. I did this for both the endodontist and for Addison Dental Group and estimated my portion to be $ 390 for the endodontist (it was $ 387 total for my portion), and I estimated that my portion for the two crowns at Addison Dental to be around $ 500. I was prepared to pay that.
After my root canals, I contacted Addison Dental and scheduled my appointment for my crowns to be placed. I went in this morning, they took me back to do the procedure and they placed temporary crowns.
Afterwards, the front desk told me that the total cost was $ 2,661.00, of which my portion would be $ 1,442.50! I was astonished! This was not at all what I expected. They had never even given me a choice. I asked why they never went over costs with me, and the lady at the front desk herself even admitted, and I quote, «We should have done that this morning before you went back.» Right there they admitted their mistake.
I paid $ 800, because that was all that I had available on my Care Credit (which adds $ 67 a month to my monthly bills for the next year). The remaining balance was $ 642.50 and I was informed that they would not place the permanent crowns until that was paid.
First of all, had they gone over the costs associated with these procedures, I could have had the option to choose only one root canal and one crown. I could have had a say in what I could financially handle. But they did not. And now, they won’t finish the work even though I paid more than half of what was due. When I told the office manager that they made the mistake by not going over costs as they are supposed to, she just repeated the fact that they wouldn’t finish the work until the remaining $ 642.50 was paid or a payment plan was in place. I have already added almost $ 70 per month to my already tight budget. I have dental insurance that I pay premiums on bi-​weekly.
When I stated that even her employee admitted fault by not going over cost prior to putting me back in the chair, the office manager sneered at me. I told them I would have to contact an attorney (which irritates me as I’m not a «sue happy» person at all), she says «well, do what you have to do.»
After speaking to two separate attorneys, they both believe I have a case. And I will, as the office manager said, do what I have to do.
I once was a big fan of The Addison Dental Group, but I will never step foot in that office again and pray that my temporary crowns can last until I pay off the $ 800 care Credit for this debacle and my benefits renew in January!
They want money, and overcharge. And I’m not the only person this has happened to.

I have pretty good dental insurance. Dr. Halbach recommended and performed procedures on me which were not needed. As it turns out, the work had to be corrected by another periodontist. As a result, I advise to go to someone else who is most interest in patient care rather than creating revenue.

I’m surprised that there aren’t more reviews about Addison Dental Group. I began visiting this practice on recommendation from a friend several years ago and it is by far the best dentist office that I’ve ever been to.
The staff is professional and friendly. Appointments always begin on time. They also make sure that you understand what things cost and what the insurance company covers.
The hygienist, Jaclyn, is second to none. She is very thorough and gentle at the same time. She also has a very friendly and warm personality which would make anyone feel at ease.
Dr. Halbach also does a fantastic job. He also has a very warm and friendly personality.
I would highly recommend this practice to anyone.

As someone who is a little phobic of medical visits, this office hit it right out of the park as soon as I entered. Incredibly calming and friendly atmosphere, great professional staff, would answer all of my questions about how much things would cost me. Would definitely go again for future checkups.