Metropolitan Oral And Maxillofacial Surgery Associates

Patients are facing urgent decisions following the unexpected closure of Metropolitan Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates, leaving many mid-treatment scrambling for alternative care.

The sudden shutdown of the practice, with multiple locations across the metropolitan area, has created a critical gap in specialized dental and surgical services. Hundreds of patients are now without their oral surgeons and facing uncertainty about their ongoing treatments.

Sudden Closure Leaves Patients Stranded

Metropolitan Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates, previously a prominent provider of specialized oral surgical services, abruptly ceased operations on October 26, 2023. The closure impacts patients across all locations, including the main office in downtown and satellite clinics in the surrounding suburbs.

No official explanation has been provided for the sudden shutdown, fueling speculation and anxiety among those affected. Patients report receiving minimal notice, often just a brief email or phone call informing them of cancelled appointments and the closure of the practice.

Who is Affected?

The closure directly affects hundreds of patients currently undergoing various treatments, ranging from routine tooth extractions to complex reconstructive surgeries.

Implants, corrective jaw surgery, and trauma-related facial reconstruction patients are particularly vulnerable, requiring immediate continuation of their care. The loss of access to their surgeons and treatment plans poses a significant risk to their oral and overall health.

What Services Were Provided?

Metropolitan Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates specialized in a comprehensive range of oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures. These included, but were not limited to, dental implants, wisdom teeth removal, corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery), facial trauma reconstruction, and treatment of oral pathology.

Where Were the Locations?

The practice operated multiple locations across the metropolitan area. This included a primary location in the downtown core and smaller satellite offices strategically placed in several suburban communities.

When Did the Closure Occur?

The official date of closure was October 26, 2023. Patients began receiving notifications of cancelled appointments and the permanent shutdown of the practice on or around this date.

How Can Patients Obtain Records?

Obtaining patient records is now a major concern for those affected. The process for accessing medical records from the closed practice remains unclear.

Patients are advised to contact the state dental board and their insurance providers for guidance on how to retrieve their files. Legal counsel suggests sending certified letters requesting copies of all medical records to the last known address of the practice.

Seeking Alternative Care

The immediate priority for affected patients is to secure alternative care. Area oral and maxillofacial surgeons are reportedly experiencing a surge in inquiries from former Metropolitan Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates patients.

However, scheduling delays and limited availability may present challenges in obtaining timely appointments. Patients are encouraged to contact multiple providers and explore all available options to ensure continuity of care.

Some local dental schools and hospitals are also stepping in to provide assistance to displaced patients. These institutions may offer temporary or ongoing care options, particularly for those with urgent medical needs.

"This is a very difficult situation for patients who were in the middle of treatment," says Dr. Emily Carter, a local oral surgeon not affiliated with the closed practice. "We are doing our best to accommodate new patients, but the sudden influx is creating a strain on resources."

Legal Ramifications?

The abrupt closure raises questions about potential legal ramifications. Patients who have prepaid for services that were not rendered may have grounds for legal action.

Consultation with an attorney is recommended to explore options for recovering funds. Consumer protection agencies are also investigating the circumstances surrounding the closure.

Next Steps

The state dental board is actively monitoring the situation and working to facilitate access to patient records and alternative care. An official statement is expected in the coming days outlining further steps and resources available to affected individuals.

Patients are urged to document all communication with the closed practice and to keep records of expenses incurred as a result of the shutdown. Continued vigilance and proactive engagement with relevant authorities will be crucial in navigating this challenging situation.