Please Read if Your Kids Are Patients of Kids Teeth, LLC

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Of course there are two sides to a story, but I would not compromise my child in this situation.
After reading the document, I was disgusted. If there was no truth to these allegations, why didn't Dr. Alalouf go for a hearing? I would fight tooth and nail if these allegations were not true! Of course, there are patients that will stand by him, but regardless there has to be truth to some of it. There are so many wonderful and honest perdiatric dentists in the area. I would switch practices and go to a dentist who truly cares about his patients and did not sell his morals to make more money. quote]

[Anonymous]

true you would think that a Dr of his reputation would "fight tooth and nail" but maybe the emotional toll as well as the financial toll was too much. A parent has to make their own judgement call but from personal experiences I have decided to keep my child exactly where they are, Kids Teeth. I do not feel as though my child is at risk, nor have I had a bad experience. We adore Dr. A and have never needed a cavity filled, one has been "watched" for two years now......but was told not to do anyhting because it was small. We are behind this wonderful practice 100%.

[Anonymous]

We have been taking our three children to Kids Teeth for 6 years or more. Our children absolutely love it there and have gotten nothing but the BEST care. I couldn't imagine a better practice and can't believe all of the allegations that are being spoken about. We will continue to bring our children there and believe in Dr. Alalouf and Dr. Medani 110%. On another note, I have grown up in this area and knew that people can be shallow, but the hatred that is going around this town about all of this is truly shocking and embarrasing. It is like the mafia. Dr. A is an amazing, honest, gentle doctor who I've seen give of himself and to the community on many occasions. He is not out for money. He is one of the most generous men I've met. Think twice before switching.

[Anonymous]

I was forwarded the order by a friend last week and have read and re-read the entire thing. I have been taking my 3 girls there for 5 years and was completely sickened by the whole thing. When my daughter was 3 he told us she had 2 cavities (no x-rays taken) and recommended filling them under general at Shady Grove. We trusted him and had no reason to doubt him, so we did it. After the procedure he told us "it's a good thing we did it this way, I filled 7 cavities." She was 3 and I was shocked, but again we trusted him and had no reason to think he was lying. I went to the office last week and requested their records. Conveniently, they left out the x-rays that he took while she was under, so I went back and requested them. I am going to have another dentist read them. I am quite sure they will find no decay. He's immoral and dangerous. The office staff is defending him--I couldn't keep my mouth shut while I was there--stating that he's a good man and that the dental board's report is "one-sided." I replied that it was a good thing that no child was severely injured or worse, killed. I hope that the word spreads and that his practice is forced to close. I was tired of paying for the waterfall and the video games anyway. Please share with friends and advise them to read the report for themselves.

[Anonymous]

In response to the last post. Did you specifically ask for ALL past films because I work at a general practice and usually when somone request records we only give them the most current films.... because the old ones are useless. I'm sorry if you feel hurt by this practice, but i am a dental hygienist and my kids go to Kids Teeth. From my experiences there they are the most caring, knowledgable practice I have been to. Dentistry in this area is very competative, and when a practice grows quickly, and is very popular like Kids Teeth... there, sadly, are other dentists who have a chip on their should... and if they know you are coming to them for a second opinion, from someone they dont like... they can very easily tell you what you want to hear. Your child is fine, he/she doesnt have anything... but a few months later, cavities appear! I have also read the report and would like to state that it is very one sided. Some of the cavities proposed you can't even see in an x-rays, because they are on the top surface of the tooth only. so how can the doctor who "reviewed" them (6 years later) say that they were not there.
My kids are staying at Kids Teeth, and as for "paying for the waterfall and video games" I am happy to do so... because my kids feel safe, loved, and welcomed there.

[Anonymous]

We have been taking our two sons to Dr. A since he was at Dr. Amy Light's office (would NOT go back). He has been absolutely wonderful and we are so sad about what is happening to him. When you work with the public, you always open yourself up to scrutiny. I am a lawyer and know all too often why innocent people settle. The review process is very damaging and have had to advise cleints to make some tough decisons. Dr. A has always been wonderful. Our son hated to go to the dnetist and Dr. A took his time with him, was gentle and caring. Now he asks how soon he can go back (of course the videos in the waiting room help and I appreicate that they are there). Dr. A found two cavities and we have been cautiously watching them for over two years. Additionally, last year my other son fell and hit his mouth. We called Dr. A (dinner time on a Saturday night). He reassured us and agreed to see us immediately (he was at a a family function and left right away, no hesitation). He calmed us down and treated my hysterical son ( I was not too calm either) and was just amazing! I was saddened a year ago when a friend went to another local dentist and she told me he (Dr. B) upon first exam of her daughter started to bad mouth Dr. A. She said this tirade was unsolicited by her and was surprised how unprofessional he was in his treatment of another fellow dentist. I really beleive that professional jealousies may be at work in this current situation and we will stay with Dr. A and Kids Teeth. Ultimately as a parent you must make your own independent review based on your actual experience with this practice.

[Anonymous]

Settling a case is one thing - agreeing to a suspension of license is completely different. I'm quite surprised so many parents will continue to use him. Scary!!

"Some of the cavities proposed you can't even see in an x-rays, because they are on the top surface of the tooth only. " If the "cavity" is on the top surface only, does it need to be filled? In a baby tooth, I would expect not unless somebody needs to make a boat or car payment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Settling a case is one thing - agreeing to a suspension of license is completely different. I'm quite surprised so many parents will continue to use him. Scary!!

"Some of the cavities proposed you can't even see in an x-rays, because they are on the top surface of the tooth only. " If the "cavity" is on the top surface only, does it need to be filled? In a baby tooth, I would expect not unless somebody needs to make a boat or car payment.

I completely agree. I'm shocked that people would continue to use the practice - or defend him. These are innocent children that he took advantage of.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have been taking our two sons to Dr. A since he was at Dr. Amy Light's office (would NOT go back). He has been absolutely wonderful and we are so sad about what is happening to him. When you work with the public, you always open yourself up to scrutiny. I am a lawyer and know all too often why innocent people settle. The review process is very damaging and have had to advise cleints to make some tough decisons. Dr. A has always been wonderful. Our son hated to go to the dnetist and Dr. A took his time with him, was gentle and caring. Now he asks how soon he can go back (of course the videos in the waiting room help and I appreicate that they are there). Dr. A found two cavities and we have been cautiously watching them for over two years. Additionally, last year my other son fell and hit his mouth. We called Dr. A (dinner time on a Saturday night). He reassured us and agreed to see us immediately (he was at a a family function and left right away, no hesitation). He calmed us down and treated my hysterical son ( I was not too calm either) and was just amazing! I was saddened a year ago when a friend went to another local dentist and she told me he (Dr. B) upon first exam of her daughter started to bad mouth Dr. A. She said this tirade was unsolicited by her and was surprised how unprofessional he was in his treatment of another fellow dentist. I really beleive that professional jealousies may be at work in this current situation and we will stay with Dr. A and Kids Teeth. Ultimately as a parent you must make your own independent review based on your actual experience with this practice.

You think that the fellow dentist was JEALOUS??? And that's why he was badmouthing his colleague?

[Anonymous]

Dr. Mark Barren in Montgomery Village!!!
Had taken my kids to 2 others and was not happy both times. We have now been in this practice for 7 years and I can confidently say that it is the
BEST pediatric dental practice EVER!! Great staff and NEVER any pain or discomfort. Never any unnecessary procedures - NEVER. Parents are invited back at each visit, shown xrays and updated about the kids dental health at each visit. Wish I could go there!

[Anonymous]

For anyone who thinks he is being treated unfairly and that there is no truth to the "allegations" I urge you to read the order. I felt that way until I read it with my own eyes. There is no way that many people independently made things up about him.

I had an appointment last week for a cleaning for my daughter and I decided to go and ask him about it. I asked him what he had to say about it and he was speechless. I expected he would have a prepared statement, but it seemed like he was totally caught off guard that I knew or that I would ask him. I wanted him to say that he stood by the decisions he made even though the review board disagreed. But he didn't. That sealed the deal for me, we are definitely switching. Yes, he always seems wonderful and yes, my daughter loves the practice. But people aren't always what they seem and I just don't see putting my child at risk or supporting his practice financially (which is what I would do if I saw the other dentist).

[Anonymous]

It's not at all 'scary' to think that many of us are choosing to remain with Kids Teeth. We have never experienced any problems there. Two of our three children have had cavities filled there, and each one was visible on x-ray. Dr. A has three children himself, and it is unfathomable to believe that he would unnessesarily sedate children, or fabricate dental problems just to make more money. He hardly needs to-- his practice does EXCEPTIONALLY well based on his reputation. He patients come from all over the state. We live an hour away, but make the drive because Dr. A is worth it! Just stepping into his waiting area, you can see why his practice appeals to all of us. Our kids are happy, and enjoy going to the dentist. His practice recently dropped our insurance carrier, so we pay more out of pocket than we used to, but we will not switch to anyone else. Dr. A is honest, thorough, cautious, and caring. He treats us with respect, he explains different courses of treatment and allows us to make decisions regarding our children's care. What is scary, is that people are rushing to judgement, particularly when they themselves have never experienced problems with Dr. A. It is a parents responsiblility to be involved in their child's care. If a dentist said our child needed a filling, we would ask the dentist to show us which tooth was in question, the x-ray, and also whether a filling was necessary or if there were other options. Blindly following advice without asking questions opens the door for people to feel mislead or taken advantage of later. Ask questions. Be informed. We do, and we are. That's why we have absolutely no hesitations in staying with Dr. A.

[Anonymous]

Has anyone checked out "Judys Book" on line? This is in response to "Sally M's" comment, that asks (to paraphrase...) Is Dr. A nice? Does he have a nice office? Do the kids like him? Yes, yes yes. But, did the kids really need the procedures that he performed?

Sally M would know whether they were necessary or not, and wouldn't have the least bit of a concern, if she had simply asked questions regarding the care of her child. It is our job as parents to become educated, active partners in their care. I agree with the above comment- we need to be informed so that we can respond intelligently when the accusations arise. Dr. A is a phenomenal, and honest dentist.

[Anonymous]

For the parents who are choosing to stick with Dr A: my question is have any of you read the order?

I was on the fence about switching practices (because we have always liked the practice) until I read the report. The report shows a pattern of problems with numerous patients. IMO, if you read the report, signed by Dr A, you could come to a couple of conclusions. (1) Dr A really did these things. (2) He didn't do these things and the numerous people who complained about him and each of the second-opinion dentists all had some ax to grind and that Dr A "settled" (including agreeing to a suspension) to avoid the expense and stress of going to a hearing. If there are other possibilities, I'd be interested in hearing them. To me, if it was just one or two patients that complained, I wouldn't be so concerned. It doesn't make sense to me that all of these patients (and all of the other consulting dentists) are wrong or biased. We don't have Dr A's story, apparently at his choice, given that the one parent who asked him didn't get any response.

Staying makes sense if you're in the #2 camp. But the only reason to stay under #1 is that you think the practice will be ultra-cautious with care going forward. I guess my point is, if you're considering staying with the practice, why wouldn't you at least read the report to get an understanding of what the allegations and evidence are?

[Anonymous]

I'm just baffled by this news. I took my 3yr old to Dr. Alalouf not only because our pediatrician recommended him, but he was by FAR the most recommended pediatric dentist on 2 different parenting listservs to which I subscribe. So, on the one hand, there are clearly a lot of very satisfied customers. However, 16 charges involving potentially unnecessary general anesthesia doesn't seem trivial to me. How can this just be unfairness on the part of the dental examiner's board? What would make Dr. Alalouf the target of such maliciousness?

I guess I can understand sticking by him if you are a parent who has been taking your child to Dr. Alalouf for years and years and have had nothing but good experiences. There is a good basis for trust there. But, having seen him only once (and it was a very good experience BTW), I don't know that I can stick with him given these allegations. Maybe Dr. Alalouf is innocent, but I really have no way of confirming that. Neither do I have access to the necessary information to make a truly informed decision, nor would I have the qualifications necessary to accurately review them. That said, my child comes before any loyalties to anyone else and there are plenty of other pediatric dentists out there who may be better than Dr. Alalouf and who haven't been suspended for recommending inappropriate procedures.

I know this is ridiculous and idle speculation, but I can't help but be curious...I wonder how many of the cases involving unnecessary procedures involved individuals with good dental insurance coverage and how many of the very happy, loyal patients also have good dental coverage?