ME
Michael Elbaz
Mar 22, 2026
TL;DR: The new ownership kept the practice name and patient data, but entirely voided warranties on previous dental work. They charge exorbitant, out-of-network prices and operate with a strict profit-first mentality. Save your money and go elsewhere.
I am sharing my experience to warn both returning and prospective patients about the current business practices at Stephens Dentistry.
Four years ago, I had a crown placed at this office for almost $2000. Recently, the crown prematurely cracked and failed. When I contacted the office to have it addressed, I was informed that because the practice is under "new ownership," any previous warranty is completely void. They strategically kept the practice's established name, reputation, and all patient records (down to using the same email address!) to maintain business continuity, but legally shielded themselves from any accountability or warranties on previous dental work.
Their idea of a "goodwill gesture" was a mere 10% discount on a replacement crown, bringing the cost to over $1,800. This is absolutely exorbitant and roughly twice the price of what other dentists in the Evanston area charge for equivalent or better work. When you pay top dollar for dental work, you expect exceptional quality and accountability for their work, but Stephens Dentistry offers neither.
To anticipate the practice's likely response to this review: in addition to bluntly stating they voided all past liabilities due to the ownership change, they will probably also claim they cannot honor the warranty because I haven't been back for regular cleanings at their specific practice over the last four years. I have maintained my dental hygiene, just not with them. Why? Because Stephens Dentistry is out-of-network for basically all insurances and outrageously expensive. The previous management once admitted to me their fees were intentionally set at the 85th percentile of local practices, and it is abundantly clear the new ownership operates with the exact same "cash cow" mindset.
In a university town like Evanston, operating with such an unscrupulous, profit-first mentality is deeply disappointing. If you are a long-term patient, be aware that your past warranties mean absolutely nothing to the new owners. If you are a new patient, be prepared for highly inflated pricing. I have decided to take my business elsewhere and strongly advise others to do the same.