The Well-Being Group

Pros

• Dr. Torgerson has been my dentist for years.
• He and his staff are great.
• He's a great dentist; staff is great.

Cons

• The clinic billed as in-network when it was actually out-of-network.
• They failed to tell the patient that the insurance would not cover the upgrade they chose and did not offer a choice.
• They did not change gloves between patients or tasks, raising hygiene concerns.
• The assistant moved between rooms without changing gloves and helped chart in another room without changing gloves.
• The reviewer states they will never return.

Review

Dr. Torgerson has been a steady presence in my dental care for many years, and on balance my experience with him and his team has a lot of solid positives. Over the years, I've come to trust that he is a capable dentist who knows how to handle a wide range of dental needs. The patients and the care team themselves come across as genuinely caring, attentive, and skilled, and there's a clear sense that the practice values the comfort and satisfaction of those who walk through the door. The overall tone I've taken away is one of regard for Dr. Torgerson's clinical abilities and for the staff's intent to do right by patients. It's evident that the dentist's craftsmanship and the staff's demeanor can make visits feel productive and reassuring, even when things aren't perfect.

Where things get complicated is in the administrative and policy aspects of the experience. There was a notable issue with network status and billing that affected how I viewed the visit. I was initially told that the clinic was in-network, which set my expectations for cost and coverage. However, I later learned that I was billed as out-of-network, a mismatch that felt misleading and frustrating. The discrepancy between what I was told and what actually occurred created a financial surprise that tainted the otherwise positive sense I had about the care I received. This kind of billing ambiguity can leave patients feeling uncertain about what they'll owe and whether they were given accurate information up front.

Another significant concern centers on insurance coverage for upgrades. It wasn't communicated clearly that an upgrade would be pursued, and I didn't have a say in the matter. More troubling is the assertion that there was no straightforward notification when the insurance would not cover the upgrade that was chosen. The absence of transparency here makes it difficult to trust the decision-making process behind treatment plans and costs. In a practice I've trusted over many years, it's disheartening to feel that a clinical choice could proceed without a transparent discussion about coverage, alternatives, and patient consent. The feel of autonomy over such decisions seems diluted when upgrades appear to be selected by the office rather than guided by open patient input.

The hygiene and safety aspects of the visit added another layer of discomfort. I observed, and felt concerned by, the way gloves were handled during the process. There were moments when the assistant moved from room to room - taking me to the x-ray area and back - without changing gloves. There was also a shift from patient room to charting in another room while gloves remained the same. From a patient's perspective, these details matter for perceived cleanliness and infection control. While I can't claim to know the exact policies of the practice, these impressions left me uneasy about the basic hygiene steps I expect in a healthcare setting.

All of these experiences together culminate in a strong split in my overall assessment. On the one hand, I deeply respect and value Dr. Torgerson's skill as a dentist and the warmth and professionalism of the staff. The quality of dental care and the rapport with the team are clear strengths that have kept me coming back for years. On the other hand, the administrative transparency around network status and upgrade decisions, coupled with concerns about glove changes and general hygiene practices, created a sense of distrust that overshadowed the positives. It's difficult to reconcile the high level of clinical care with the disjointed experiences around costs and safety measures.

Ultimately, the contradictions in my experience led me to a decisive conclusion: I will not continue to return under these conditions. The professional capability and the friendly demeanor of the dentist and staff are not in dispute; they remain strong and admirable. Yet the issues surrounding insurance communications and potential hygiene lapses are too significant to overlook. The takeaway is that a patient can recognize and value expert care while also feeling let down by aspects of practice management and safety practices. If the clinic can address billing transparency, consent for upgrades, and stringent adherence to hygiene protocols, the overall experience could align with the high level of clinical care that Dr. Torgerson provides.

This part of Fresno, California, is a bustling and convenient neighborhood with a variety of amenities within close proximity. The area offers easy access to entertainment options such as Maya Cinemas Fresno 16 and a selection of cafes and restaurants including Dog House Grill, Taco Bell, and The Old Spaghetti Factory. Additionally, there are several places of worship nearby for spiritual support. Residents will find multiple pharmacy options for their healthcare needs, with hospitals like Saint Agnes Medical Center and Childrens Hospital Central California in the vicinity. This neighborhood is also home to various physician practices specializing in different medical fields, ensuring comprehensive healthcare services. Overall, this area provides convenient access to essential services making it a desirable location for senior living.

Theaters

• Maya Cinemas Fresno 16 (0.4 miles)

Cafes

• Collect Coffee Bar (0.5 miles)
• Kuppa Joy Coffee House (2.3 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.7 miles)

Restaurants

• Dog House Grill (0.6 miles)
• Taco Bell (0.8 miles)
• McDonald's (1 miles)
• The Old Spaghetti Factory (1 miles)
• Denny's (1 miles)
• McDonald's (1.3 miles)
• Long John Silver's (1.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Paul Newman Center (1 miles)
• First Church Of God (2.4 miles)
• New Harvest Church (2.5 miles)
• Free Grace Church (2.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (1.2 miles)
• The Medicine Shop (1.5 miles)
• Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• Walgreens (1.6 miles)
• The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• Save Mart Supermarkets (1.6 miles)
• Cedar Pharmacy & Medical Supplies (1.7 miles)

Physicians

• Peters and Kroeker, Obstetrics and Gynecology (1.6 miles)
• Fresno Dermatology Specialists (1.6 miles)
• Saint Agnes Wound, Ostomy and Hyperbaric Center (1.6 miles)
• Community Medical Providers Medical Group (1.6 miles)
• California Rheumatology & Wellness (1.6 miles)
• Center For Bone and Joint Surgery (1.6 miles)
• Shebelut Richard C MD - Omni Womens Health Medical Group (1.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Sante Health Systems (1.7 miles)
• Saint Agnes Medical Center (1.9 miles)
• Childrens Hospital Central California (2.3 miles)
• Kaiser Permanante (2.9 miles)

Parks

• Railroad Park (2.4 miles)