Well, unfortunately, because it is your insurance, it would be your obligation to determine if you had coverage and how much. Oftentimes, the dentist may not be in the position to obtain that information on your behalf.
You could certainly file a complaint against him with the dental/medical board in California but you would need to substantiate your position with documentation to be successful. Do you have witnesses, emails and/or letters from your dentist indicating you still had $1,000.00 left?