I am a new patient, and this review is for a deep cleaning by Michelle, full X-rays by Felipe (sp?), and general exam by Dr. Kholdarov. Full disclosure, Michelle unearthed my participation on Yelp! right away ("So, how did you find us?"), and, after I volunteered how happy I was after my cleaning, the front desk handed me a flyer worth $20 for a review on Yelp! However, I have no problem laying out the real deal, regardless. So here it is. At length, apparently.
My first and overall impression of Dr. Hantaverk's practice is that the dentist is actively doing his best to grow a business. Staff mention additional services regularly (but don't push) and frequently suggest various promotional discounts. Also, a lot of details have been seen to, like pleasant appointment scheduling and a lovely waiting room.
Now for the services themselves. First off, I'm a wee anxious about dental visits, and I had not been for one in literally ten years. Michelle has a very steady hand and, I believe, did a very good job cleaning my teeth. It was a "full debridement," took maybe 45 minutes, finished with a baking soda stain removal, and cost $237. My teeth were gleaming when all was said and done. When I first met her, Michelle seemed to be having a so-so day, but I tried my best to become her best friend, because, like I said, I'm anxious as it is. She was real, and I came to like and trust her.
For my second visit, I got the new customer special $49 for X-rays and general exam. Felipe took my X-rays, was very likeable and, I think, did his job just fine. I hate that little card you have to bite down on - the corners dig into your palate and mouth floor - and wish dentistry would redesign those.
Dr. Kholdarov also performed his exam just fine, I think, and talked to me patiently about my teeth. He advised one or two fillings, at $215 and $315, and indicated another tooth to watch. He also "recommended I consider" extracting my wisdom teeth. Best I could understand, because one contained one of my cavities and another creates a nook, the way it is positioned next to the next molar. To me, these don't seem compelling reasons, neither to undergo the risks of surgery, nor to hack out bits of my skeletal system. I've been taking care of that nook for fifteen years! :) Dr. Kholdarov was quite sweet and made a clear effort to be sure I was satisfied. He had a bit of a (nervous?) smile on throughout much of our consultation, which I found odd - I don't find dental issues all that delightful! But no biggie. Overall, he seems young and, particularly in the absence of patient recommendations, I'm not sure he'd be my choice for anything complicated. But he did instill in me confidence that he knew his derriere from his elbow and could do any common service at least, very well.
After my general exam, Crystal, who is effective and super pleasant at the front desk, sat down with me to explain the dentist's recommended treatment plan for me, the costs, an annual membership option, and potential savings. There was very little eye contact, numbers flying all over the place, and a lot of hair tossing. Apparently, there would have been some advantage if I signed up on the spot. But honestly, I really couldn't follow. She did give me some papers to review though, and, hey, it was beautiful hair.
My appointments took a little over and under an hour. For one, there was no wait, and for the other, five minutes. I did receive an odd call 30 minutes before one appointment, asking if I could "come now." I explained I actually was departing for my appointment at the moment, but still would only be there in about 30 minutes.
And finally, a word from the etiquette nanny. About disparity in forms of address. I know this is very commonplace, but it bunches my granny knickers. The dentist introduced himself as Dr. Kholdarov and then, in his next breath, addressed me by first name. It seems, too, that all the dentists in the office are called by title and last name, while the rest of the staff are called by first name. People need to know, form of address is not about relative status (all too often incorrectly guessed anyway). It's about formality and familiarity. Formality of occasion or environment, and familiarity of relationship. One day when I grow up, I will have the presence and self-possession to immediately and kindly correct such gaffes.
I don't think any more could possibly be said about two visits to a dentist. Over and out. read more