For 12 years, 90 Day: The Single Life star Veronica Rodriguez trusted her dentist’s office. But when she recently walked in for a routine cleaning, everything felt off. From new, overly casual staff to questionable recommendations for additional treatments, the experience left her so frustrated that she walked out mid-appointment—and she wasn’t the only one. Many TikTok users are echoing Rodriguez’s story, revealing similar issues at their own dental offices.
The Day Everything Changed at the Dentist
Rodriguez, who frequently shares personal stories with her followers on TikTok, initially went in for her regular cleaning, expecting her usual dentist and familiar staff. But this time, as soon as she walked in, she sensed something was wrong. The front desk team was “new and different and young,” and her regular dentist wasn’t there. Even more awkward? Rodriguez heard one of the new staff members openly discussing a “hook up” from the previous weekend.
Adding to the discomfort, Rodriguez’s daughter was also in the office that day for her own cleaning. But unlike her daughter, who was seen by the familiar hygienist, Rodriguez was assigned a new hygienist who was adamant about conducting X-rays, despite Rodriguez having had them done just six months earlier.
The Deep Cleaning Debate
As her appointment continued, Rodriguez became increasingly uneasy. The new hygienist performed a prolonged examination, then suggested that Rodriguez should start coming in for cleanings every three to four months instead of her usual biannual visits. When Rodriguez expressed concerns about the costs—her insurance didn’t cover extra cleanings—the hygienist claimed this was “required by law,” implying Rodriguez had missed appointments in prior years.
For Rodriguez, this was a breaking point. “So what you’re saying is you guys didn’t do your job, right?” she fired back. “My job is to show up. My job is to put my butt in this chair [and] make the appointment. It’s y’all’s job to tell me what my teeth need. I’m not a dentist or a dental hygienist.”
The tension only increased when the hygienist suggested Rodriguez needed a “deep cleaning”—a costly procedure that many patients have become wary of due to questionable recommendations from certain dental offices.
Are Deep Cleanings Really Necessary?
Rodriguez’s experience has led many to question the necessity of deep cleanings and whether they’re just a way to pad dental bills. According to Moon Family Dental Care, deep cleanings, or scaling and root planing, are typically reserved for patients with advanced gum disease or substantial plaque buildup below the gum line. Some dental offices, it warns, use fear tactics to push these procedures.
Vox also highlights that while most dentists prioritize patient care, there are practices that may suggest unnecessary treatments simply for profit. With experiences like Rodriguez’s, patients may feel skeptical about whether they’re being told the truth or sold a service.
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Other Patients Chime In: “They’re All a Scam”
Rodriguez’s video, which has garnered over 161,900 views, quickly became a space for people to share their own dental horror stories. Comments flooded in, with one user claiming, “I worked in the dental field for 11 ½ years. They’re all a scam.” Another wrote, “I swear the dentist has become a money maker. It’s always something with them.”
One viewer recounted a similar experience from Albuquerque just a week prior, where she too felt pressured into unnecessary X-rays and shamed for questioning them. She eventually walked out, echoing Rodriguez’s own frustrations.
The Corporate Takeover Theory
Several commenters speculated that Rodriguez’s dentist might have sold their practice to a corporate chain, resulting in staff turnover and an emphasis on high-profit procedures. “Sounds like your dentist sold the practice to a corporate dental company!” one user suggested, while others agreed that corporate buyouts often lead to changes in patient care.
For patients, this shift can mean less personalized attention and more upselling of services. As one viewer noted, “It sounds like your dental practice got sold or bought out by a corporation and they’re cleaning house, so they’re treating you like a new patient.”
What To Do If You’re Facing a Similar Situation
Rodriguez ultimately left without completing her appointment, feeling both frustrated and betrayed. She attempted to speak with the office manager to express her concerns, but they were reportedly too busy to speak with her. To avoid situations like this, here are some steps you can take:
- Ask Questions: If a dental office recommends an unfamiliar procedure, ask why it’s necessary and whether it’s urgent. Don’t be afraid to ask if your insurance covers it.
- Seek a Second Opinion: If you’re told you need a costly procedure, consider visiting an independent dentist for another perspective.
- Research the Practice: If your longtime dentist suddenly changes staff or starts pushing extra services, it could be a sign of a corporate buyout. Research the office online and check for recent ownership changes or patient reviews.
- Stand Your Ground: As Rodriguez did, don’t hesitate to leave if you feel uncomfortable or pressured. It’s your health and your decision.
A New Dentist? Choose Wisely
For Rodriguez, finding a new dentist has become a priority. Many commenters recommended seeking out smaller, private practices known for patient-centered care. It’s clear that Rodriguez’s experience has struck a chord with others who feel similarly disappointed with the increasingly transactional nature of dental care.
While most dental practitioners are reputable and have their patients’ best interests at heart, the concerns raised in Rodriguez’s story reveal a broader issue. Patients should feel empowered to advocate for themselves, especially when it comes to procedures that may be more about profit than patient health.
