Medicare Advantage Dental Benefits in Suffern

The Truth About Dental Expenses and Medicare Advantage in Suffern

From the natural effects of age to years of neglect, there is no question that we are more likely to experience dental issues as we get older. Even though they are the portion of the population most likely to need dental services, seniors also have the fewest options when it comes to affordable dental benefits. Despite the lack of benefit options, seniors spent nearly $28 billion on dental services in 2016. The rate of dental spending among seniors increased faster than any other demographic. A study by the American Dental Association Health Policy Institute found that 6 million more seniors sought out dental services in 2016 than in 2006, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down.

Going without dental benefits in Suffern can negatively affect your oral health and create a significant financial burden if you should experience a dental emergency. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, approximately half of all seniors did not receive dental services during the past year, and 19% of those who did see a dentist ended up spending more than $1,000. The following are examples of what you might pay for common services and procedures without dental benefits in Suffern.

Checkups and Cleanings:

Basic exam–$50 to $100
Dental X-ray–$20 to $250
Standard cleaning–$70 to $200

Fillings:

Silver amalgam–$50 to $300
Composite–$90 to $450

Extractions:

Simple extraction–$75 to $450
Surgical extraction–$150 to $650
Wisdom tooth extraction–$75 to $3,000 based on the number and complexity of the extractions

Crowns:

The cost of a crown can range from $500 to $3,000 based on the type of material used.

Root Canals:

The cost of a root canal can range from $300 to $2,000 based on the location of the tooth and the complexity of the procedure.

Can Seniors Get Dental Benefits in Suffern?

Seniors are forced to look for alternatives for dental coverage once they turn 65 or leave the workforce. Most people get their dental coverage through employer-sponsored dental plans. This coverage automatically ends upon retirement. Upon turning 65, all seniors are covered by traditional Medicare, which typically does not cover any type of dental services. Medicare will only cover basic dental services under Part A hospital benefits when they are required for another covered procedure, such as clearance for a covered surgery. Currently, about 65% of seniors do not have dental benefits, and the percentage is increasing rapidly with the aging of the baby boom generation. Twenty-five percent of seniors receive dental coverage through Medicare Advantage plans, and approximately 10% purchase a dental plan through a private insurer.

What Are Medicare Advantage Plans?

You can expand your basic Medicare coverage by purchasing an optional Medicare Advantage supplement. These plans offer a range of benefits, including:

access to a network of qualified providers,
limits on out-of-pocket expenses, and
low deductibles.

These plans are offered by private insurers, such as Humana, Aetna, and UHC. This means that providers are reimbursed directly by the insurer rather than the federal government. It also means that you will receive a separate ID for your supplement in addition to the red, white, and blue one that you receive for your traditional Medicare. Most Medicare supplement plans include benefits for vision and hearing services, prescription medications, and some dental services. If you have extensive dental issues, a Medicare supplement may not provide enough coverage since benefits are normally limited to exams, cleanings, and routine X-rays. As of 2018, the average cost of a Medicare supplement was around $420 per year.

Is Standalone Dental Insurance Affordable?

According to Bankrate, you can expect to pay an average of $350 per year for a standalone dental insurance policy. This is slightly less than the average Medicare Advantage plan; however, you do not get the added hearing, vision, and prescription benefits. The majority of private dental insurance plans provide tiered coverage. For example, your annual dental exam may be covered at 100%, your filling at 80%, and a root canal at 50%. Most insurers allow customers to customize their dental insurance by offering various levels of coverage at different price points.

Basic Dental Plans:

Similar to Medicare supplements, an entry-level dental plan normally covers prophylactic services, including basic exams, routine cleanings, and diagnostic X-rays.

Mid-level Dental Plans:

For a slightly higher premium, you can purchase a mid-level plan that includes more benefits. In addition to the prophylactic services included in most basic dental plans, mid-level plans also include coverage for orthodontics, dentures, fillings, panoramic X-rays, emergency treatments, and inhalation anesthesia.

Premium Dental Plans:

Premium dental plans are designed for individuals with significant dental issues. The higher premium gives you access to coverage for advanced dental procedures, including:

Full or partial dentures
Inlays and onlays
Crown restorations
Oral surgery
Endodontic procedures
Periodontal procedures

When considering your insurance options, it is important to find a balance between your anticipated dental needs and your budget. For example, a premium plan may be overkill for someone in good oral health since they would be paying for benefits that they are unlikely to use.

What Are Dental Discount Plans?

If you are looking for a way to lower the cost of cleanings and other routine dental services, then a dental discount plan may be a viable option. These plans are sold by private companies, but they are not insurance. The company negotiates on behalf of members to secure discounted rates from participating providers. In exchange, you pay the plan provider a small enrollment and monthly membership fee. You know exactly what you will pay up front, and there are no claim forms to fill out. Although discount plans do not offer the comprehensive coverage found with traditional insurance, they can still lower the cost of common services, including:

Cleanings
Extractions
Dentures
Fillings
Restorations
X-rays
Exams
Root canals

DentRite^® and other discount plans also normally include discounts for other health and wellness services, such as vision, hearing, and prescription medications. Other reasons to consider a discount plan include:

Your acceptance is guaranteed regardless of your age or preexisting conditions.
You don’t have to worry about deductibles or additional fees.
You can change providers at any time.
There are no limits on the number of office visits.
There are no waiting periods before receiving your full benefits.
You can add family members to your plan.
You are able to use your benefits at any participating dentist.
You can cancel your membership within 30 days and receive a full refund minus a small processing fee.

Discount plans work well for individuals who are in relatively good oral health. A comprehensive dental plan may be your best bet if you anticipate needing major dental work.

Is It Possible to Finance Dental Care?

Many dental practices allow patients to pay for their treatment over time. One popular financing option, CareCredit, is accepted by more than 200,000 providers and health and wellness facilities across the country. Most medical credit providers offer both short-term and long-term financing ranging from two years up to five years depending on the amount being financed. There are a couple of factors to keep in mind when financing medical expenses:

Just like any other form of credit, you do have to meet credit qualification criteria.
You can expect to pay 15% to 20% interest, which can increase your final cost significantly.

Finally, you can often find information regarding dental care insurance options and discounts geared specifically for seniors through AARP and similar organizations.

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Ramapo Dental is wonderful. I have been coming here since I was a kid and now I take my kids (34 years in all). I live in Brookyn. And travel 1.5 hours to get here!!! Lonnie and Denise are wonderful hygienists, thorough, funny and warm — it’s hard for them to clean my teeth when I’m laughing so much. The front desk staff are always warm and friendly and make sure I make it to my…
Kelli K.
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My husband, 10 year old son and I have been patients of Ramapo Dental Care for quite a long time. We couldn’t be happier with Carol, our hygienist. She’s fantastic and always keeps our minds off what she’s doing! Dr. Gusmano is great and has never caused an “owie!” while taking a look in our mouths. I’d recommend Ramapo Dental to anyone who asks.
Teresa C.
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Why this isn’t your average Dental Practice… Growing up I had some pretty miserable experiences at the dentist, from shoddy work to work that didn’t need to be performed. I never liked going to the dentist, but over time it got worse and worse until it got to the point where my anxiety prevented me from going. My Mom knew I had not been to the dentist in years and when she found…
Elaine N.
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Everyone in this office was so nice! Everyone said hello and was smiling. My dentist Dr. Chinchetti was great. it was my first time there and I was so nervous but he took the time to explain things to me and it really made me feel like he genuinely cared about me. Carol was amazing. She is such a nice lady. She really made me feel very comfortable and she is so caring. Everyone is super kind and g…
Heather S.
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Yep, even getting a root canal I had a good time. Steve is a true professional in his field , no pain but great Elvis music n a few good laughs. I lost my fear of going to the dentist thx to him. He can never move away n if he does I have to move w him. So people, go see him, It will be the best decision u ever make.
Claudia F.
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Dr. Chichetti has been taking care of my dental needs for many years. I wouldn’t go to anyone else. He always looks for the most reasonable solution for your dental problems and NEVER takes a cookie cutter approach to your issues. He is thoughtful, extremely creative, caring and compassionate. The office staff and assistants are friendly, courteous and professional in every way.
Jaroslav W.
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I have been going to Ramapo Dental for over 30 years and have never had a bad experience. The staff is very friendly and the Dentists are dedicated to providing quality service,
Keith S.
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My family and I have been here for several years and always had a great experience. The staff are extremely friendly and accommodating, I always feel welcomed. They’re also very quick, efficient, and reliable. Definitely recommend!
Hyesoo K.
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Best dental care around! Super friendly, professional staff. Quick and painless appointments. Actually cared about my well being and followed up on how I was doing. Were able to give me an appointment within a week! Would recommend highly without hesitation.
Michael C.
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Lonnie and Dr. Chichetti are the best! And the front desk is wonderful and accommodating.
Lynette S.
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This place is fantastic! In fact, even after moving an hour away, our family decided it was worth it to us to make the trip to have them take care of our teeth because they are so nice and such a great job with caring for our teeth. This was was my daughter’s first cleaning, and she was a bit nervous, but I was so happy with how they make this a fun experience for her. She loved her first trip t…
Michelle J.
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Amazing office ! Kind,caring and professional! I Recommend this office to everyone.
Virginia K.
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This place is amazing! No long waits, super friendly too. I had a bad history with dentist not being able to numb me right before doing a filling. I went here and the Dr. I had made me feel comfortable and I did not feel a thing!!!!!
Infinity G.
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Great staff and service. Carol and Robyn are fantastic!
Evan P.
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Friendly staff, great dental care!
Angela R.
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I was in bad pain from a tooth that needed to be extracted. They gave me an appointment that day. The extraction was done very professionally although it was a difficult case and it healed beautifully. Thank You so much!!!!
Moses P.
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Friendly front desk staff and excellent care. I usually hate going to the dentist, but have no fear booking my next appointment.
Kathryn B.
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LOVE EVERYONE HERE. THEY’RE THE BEST!
Liisa W.
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In my favorite hygienist’s chair getting the full treatment! Always a great experience with Carol!! Thank you!
Scotty T.
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Professional and courteous office. Have been a patient for 8 years. I am very pleased with their work.
Charles M.
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A great dental practice and Carol is the best!!
John S.
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Awesome dental hygienists, wonderful front desk, including all staff
Joe L.
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Dr. Steven Chichetti and Dr. Gusmano are the best!!! Makes you feel comfortable, even with a root canal or an implant. The best!! The dental hygienists, dental assistants and the office staff are great also, so pleasant and helpful!!
Denise S.
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Great professional place & Dr Gusmano is amazing!!!
Charles B.
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I’ve been coming here for about 10 years now and it’s always been a pleasure going to the dentist. My hygienist Lonnie is amazing and both Drs. Gusmano and Chichetti are top notch. Robyn and the front desk staff are easily the best Dr’s office front desk staff I have ever dealt with. Amazing staff, friendly environment and modern equipment, you can’t go wrong with Ramapo De…
Matthew S.
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Amazing staff. I look forward to Coming in .
Patricia B.
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Carol is an absolutely wonderful hygienist. Everyone at Ramapo Dental Care takes such great care of their patients. I highly recommend this dental office to anyone!
Gopika U.
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I am a long term patient in this office and am continually impressed by the staff friendliness as well as the care and concern shown to patients. My hygienist, Claire, is the best! Always thorough and professional.
Joe M.
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Everyone in the office is very accommodating. It is easy to get an appointment even last minute. They run on schedule and I’ve never had to wait more than a couple minutes to be seen.
Shannon M.
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Carol was excellent. The staff was so professional from the moment I walked in to the moment I walked out everything was perfect.
Kristin P.
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Always very nice and on time with there schedule. Carol is the best !
Jason S.
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Everyone here is professional, welcoming and talented. I always know I will get the best of care.
Karen N.
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Both Dr. Steve and Carol are the best, they are family. Both my wife and I highly recommend the practice because of their excellent care, tremendous personalities and the friendly atmosphere that begins when you first arrive and as you leave the office..
Philip L.
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Been coming to Ramapo Dental for years. Always very accommodating, with a wonderful front desk. Make sure to ask for Lonnie or Denise!
Tim M.
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Always a great experience with Carol
Brian D.
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I’ve never been to the dentist and laughed! Lol Great experience
NuLa G.
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Love this office! Always treat me with care & attention :-)
Lyubov Y.
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Always receive excellent care, I have been a patient for years. Dr. Gusmano , Vika and Denise are the BEST!!!!
Genevieve K.
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Very Good
Maureen S.
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Wonderful folks five years here and counting
Nigel P.
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On time, technician did a fantastic & thorough job, very satisfied.
J.helena P.
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The office and the staff were very professional. Looking forward to my next cleaning.
Doreen S.
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I’ve been going here ever since I was a child and won’t go anywhere else. The office is clean and the staff is wonderful! I highly recommend coming here.
Reaprace84
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Another excellent visit. Very short wait and very professional job.
Anthony A.
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I went into the office a couple of days ago to get an impression done for my crowns. Before I arrived I felt anxious and had many concerns but when I arrived for my appointment I felt the anxious feelings go away. The staff sets a relaxed and welcoming tone, and I feel as if I’m treated like a family member. Dr. Gusmano is wonderful, he always answers any questions and concerns with a thorou…
Perry J.
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Best. Dentist. Ever.
Anthony A.
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Always a comfortable setting. Timely and professional. Love Denise, my hygienist.
Genevieve C.
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excellent
Marilyn B.
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Front desk staff was helpful and courteous. Denise is a superb hygienist
Josh G.
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On time, friendly, efficient, great cleaning.
Anonymous
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rapid response, excellent fix for problem! professionals!!!
IRA G.
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I have been going to ramapo dental care since I was a kid. All the people working there from: the front desk, hygienists ,and doctors are always super friendly and professional. Denise is my usual person for cleaning and makes it as enjoyable an experience as going to the dentist can be. 10-10 would recommend and always do for anyone I know that needs good care.
Yevgeniy Y.
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This dental office is by far THE BEST I’ve ever been. The entire staff is fantastic! Lonnie, Teri Dr. Steve, and Dr. Jim especially make my teeth and my visit perfect!
Rachel F.
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This is the only place i will go to the Dentist. I am a huge chicken when it comes to the dentist, but everyone is so friendly and Steven M. Chichetti, DDS is very reassuring and makes it very comfortable. Robert H. Friedman, DMD is also very good. The front desk staff is the best
Robert M.
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Denise, my hygenist does an excellent job always.
Denise P.
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I have always had a great visit. Love the staff, everyone is so caring.
Lynn K.
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Always great care Only place to get your dental needs taken care of.
Michael G.
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I always have an excellent experience at Ramapo Dental Care. They make me feel at home and we all know that is hard to do at a dentist office. I constantly look forward to my next visit and no longer fear or dread dentist appointments.
Daniela G.
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I had a great experience here. I am not a fan of the dentist at all but once I walked in the staff was so polite. I had to get my crown put back on and they were able to put it back with no pain at all. I would highly recommend this place.
KA L.
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My whole family has gone to Ramapo Dental in Suffern, NY for more than 2 decades… We love it their, the level of professionalism and customer service surpasses our expectations with every visit. We love Carol, she is the best!!!
Elvi I.
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Professional and friendly staff! Dr. Steven Chichetti is a gem
Nereida G.
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The best dental care you will find anywhere, together with the nicest people.
Hollis G.
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Thank you for taking care to my situation as a forener. Thank you for the service & explanation about what I have to do next.
Yacob G.
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I had called as a new patient with a tooth problem. They had no problem accepting me the next day without hesatation. My visit was terrific with my tooth problem being solved very quickly. As a result I have become a new patient of Ramapo Dental Care.
Anonymous
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Lonnie and the frost desk are simply the best!
Jake A.
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Great place! Love it!
Justin C.
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Ramapo Dental has a terrific staff at the front and I am always pleased with the care and treatment that I get there. They are very thorough and on time and caring. I am glad that they are my dentists.
Daniel K.
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It was the best dental experience I’ve ever had.
Mayra S.
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All of the staff are very friendly and welcoming, and at the same time very professional and organized. Coming here is always a pleasant experience, and I always leave knowing my teeth are in good care!
Kelly L.
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Dr,.Gusmano is the best! Caring, professional and expert.
Barbara U.
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Very professional and the cleanest dental place I have ever been
Marcela G.
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Consistently caring and through service. No long waits in the waiting room, pleasant and effective.
Peter M.
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Great dentists and staff members all so friendly! Do a great job cleaning teeth!
Michelle M.
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I’ve been going here for about ten years now. Always a pleasant experience. Carol is the best! I always make sure to schedule my semiannual cleanings with her!
Jake H.
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Great staff and dentists! Satisfied with how clean my teeth are now!
Michelle M.
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Great dentists and the cleanings are thorough
Rachel M.
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Staff was very nice made me feel comfortable
Leo V.
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I’ve been gong to this dentist for 12+years. The staff are super friendly and professional. Family oriented and long term carer. Highly recommended.
Ryan B.
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always a great experience when I am there – from the front desk, to the girls who help Dr. Chichetti and of course Dr. Chichetti himself..
Florence V.
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Very friendly professional staff. Everyone I know goes there.
John H.
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My family has been coming here for years. Great staff excellent doctors!! Thank you Ramapo Dental you guys are awesome!!!
Jack D.
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Absolutely fantastic dentists and staff. I used to be so afraid to go to the dentist, now it’s a breeze, wish I knew about these guys when I was a lot younger.
Tristan S.
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Dr Chichetti and his staff are wonderful. After not seeing a dentist in 10+ all the staff at Ramapo Dental Care made me feel comfortable and at ease from the moment I walked through the door. Every visit the staff takes time to answer all my questions, no matter how silly and takes the time to explain each procedure to me,making me feel completely comfortable and informed. I would highly recommend…
Melissa D.
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Carol is the reason my family comes to Ramapo Dental!! She is simply the best. She is professional, friendly and caring. Unfortunately my opinion is not the same for the dentist I saw. The dentist came in the room asked 2 questions, poked around my teeth for 30 seconds and left the room. My review is for Carol only!!!
Stacy H.
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The best dental office I’ve ever seen. Dr. Guzmano and Claire made me believe I might die with my own teeth (hopefully, that’s a long term prediction). Office stuff is very friendly and professional. I wholeheartedly recommend this office and people.
Sergey R.
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I love ramapo dental. They are professional, down to earth, friendly & very skilled. Love the whole staff, especially my bud Denise! My whole family comes here for the best pain free care.
Patty L.
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I have been going to Ramapo Dental since I was a child. They are absolutely wonderful. I recently had a routine cleaning done by Denise and examined by Dr. Gusmano. They are always so personable and professional as well as the rest of the staff. I look forward to bringing my son when he gets older. Highly recommend.
Cara L.
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My family has been seeing Dr. Gusmano at this practice for over 20 years. He is great, and the hygienists and office staff are always very pleasant, helpful, and professional. It’s nice to go to a medical office where everyone is friendly and remembers your name. Highly recommended!
Nicole P.
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Dr. Steve is one of a kind. He takes the time to sit with you and give you full details on the state of your mouth. It’s nice to be able to trust someone in the industry. The secretaries up front are very friendly and make you feel welcome the second you walk in the door. Thanks Ramapo Dental!
Chris C.
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Great dental experience with Dr Chichetti! Professional, warm, friendly and caring dentist & staff. I would highly recommend Dr Chichetti!
Laura N.
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I visited the office today for a cleaning and was blown away with the professionalism and efficiency that the staff as a whole displayed. Robin at the front desk greeting me with a warm welcome and Claire gave me a thorough and fast cleaning. I would recommend this office to anyone who wants to deal with a skilled and knowledgable staff. Fantastic service. A++
Perry J.
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Timely, competent and caring…all describe the care received at Ramapo Dental Care. Reception, no matter who you speak with, is right on the ball and very helpful. My teeth will have none other than Dr. Chichetti and Carol caring for them as they have done for many years. I am 76 and never lost a tooth yet. That should testify to excellent dental care.
Anonymous
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My visits to Ramapo Dental Care are always excellent, and this was no exception. Not that I like going to the dentist, but Carol does an excellent job of cleaning my teeth. I am very fussy about this, never having had a cavity but being told long ago that improper dental hygiene could nevertheless cause the loss of my teeth. Carol is friendly and efficient, and I trust her judgment completely. Dr.…
Cheryl A.
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Everyone is professional, but they make you feel as if you are a member of their family. The quality of dental care is excellent and I have never been in doubt of the treatment I’ve received.
Debra B.
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My family has been going to Ramapo Dental for many years now. I have always been extremely satisfied with the dental work we have received. The staff is always friendly and courteous. They are very accomodating to any changes in appointments. The administrative service is also wonderful with handling invoices/bills/insurance. I thank them all, and will be continuing my dental service with them for…
Mary G.
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I have been going to Ramapo Dental Care since I moved here in 2005, and I’ve been very happy with the care I’ve received. They never try to force treatments on me, preferring instead to look at my health as a whole. For instance, I have had numerous skin cancers on my face but never a cavity. X-rays are never pushed, but I am always asked. Our joint decision has been to skip them for n…
Cheryl A.
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