The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection has filed a lawsuit against two dental practices in the city, alleging they targeted low-income patients with high-interest loans.
The lawsuit, which was reviewed by Becker’s, claims the practices — Canarsie Family Dentistry and New York Family Dental — took advantage of consumers once they were receiving treatment. They also frequently refused or failed to submit insurance claims in contravention of their advertisements, instead having patients apply for third-party medical payment products without adequately disclosing that the products were loans.
One patient who received care at Canarsie Family Dentistry said she signed for $17,000 in loans for procedures, ABC affiliate WABC reported July 28.
The lawsuit seeks restitution for the patients, the release said.
An attorney for Canarsie Family Dentistry shared the following statement with Becker’s: “Canarsie Family Dentistry vigorously denies these allegations and intends to show that it acted appropriately, legally, and always in the best interests of its patients. We look forward to defending this case on the merits.”
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