Finding the Dental Clinic is a teeny bit tricky; Although the address is the same as the Hospital's…read more'Admitting' lobby, the Dental Clinic is located immediately across the street from the entry to the hospital's Admitting.
Once I figured *that* out, it was time to park.
Pfft... Yeah. Good luck with THAT one...
The parking garage down the block on 10th Avenue (Maimonides Medical Center Parking) is for staff, only(!!), so don't even try to sneak in there (trust me, I tried and failed, miserably). However... There's a small Valet lot located on 10th avenue [GPS Address: 4724 10th Avenue, (I *think*)] unaffiliated with the hospital. It's $20 up front, cash or charge, and because you're paying upfront, the whole idea of having the hospital validate your parking for you? Yeaaah... No.
Entryway looks like you're in the wrong building. It's very commercial/industrial; Looks like anyone other than staff should not be in there. Elevator up to the second floor, turn right, down to the end of the hallway and you're in the waiting room. There are three rows of (stiff, uncomfortable) seats; Perhaps 15-20 seats, total. The ladies at the front window were very friendly. All of my information was in the computer so I had nothing to 'fill out'. I simply signed my name, handed over my insurance and license, then had a seat.
Now, this is important: The Dental Clinic runs on a 'First Come, First Serve' basis. Although this sounds gut-wrenching, there are so many Dentists available at one time to see patients, that the wait is *not* that awful.
I waited approximately 20 minutes and got called back by a Technician to take a Panoramic X-Ray of my teeth. The Panoramic X-Ray is *THE* way to go. I didn't have to bite down on those gum-bleeding, lead apron "plates" in a half-dozen different directions. Then, I went back to the waiting room for about 10 more minutes, until I was called into an exam room.
The Tech led me down to an exam room that holds two patients, split by a 3/4 wall-like partition. I had complete privacy. No TV, chair was not facing the window (I was facing the wall & door), no wall art; They really should consider flipping those chairs around to face the window. Even if I was staring at the sun gleaming off brick buildings, it would have been nicer than staring at a wall.
Then I met the assigned Dentist. He did not introduce himself to me; I have no idea what his name was. Frankly, I think he was nervous. I noticed that he was wearing a Yamaka; I love the Jews and for reasons of superstition, I prefer Jewish Doctors in any field of Medicine. However, due to his evident nervousness, I realized then, that the clinic is used to train resident's. ... That's when my "Oh Sh*t-O-Meter" started flailing in the RED ZONE. Supervising Dental Surgeon or not; I'm going to have an (only) lightly-experienced dentist futzing around in my face. Lawd have Mercy.
He was very respectful, well-spoken and pleasant to interact with. I was there to have stitches taken out and was super sore; He was very gentle and quick to ask "Am I hurting you?"
He questioned something and reached out to a peer for their opinion. The peer-resident looked in my face and advised to reach out to the Supervising Surgeon. Supervising Surgeon swiftly arrived at my chair-side, took a peek, thumbs-up'ed everyone and dashed into the night.
After my procedure, I didn't need to make a follow up appointment or anything, but *then* would be the time to make the appointment if you did need a follow up.
My first impression of the Clinic was, honestly, horrible. The hospital needs to put money into refurbishing that Clinic, pronto. The waiting room had, not dirty, but stained laminate tiles, the decór is non-existent; There is NO decór. It looks like you're having dental work done at 'Big Willie's Gas 'n Grits' .
However, they completed the work, and completed it very well. The front desk was organized; far from chaotic. Their system of having a fast turnover was seamless.
I, personally, am uncomfortable to begin with at a Dentist's office, so the atmosphere of their office is actually very important to me (attractive atmosphere = reduction in Janine's anxiety, unattractive atmosphere = increase in Janine's anxiety). Due to their rough (non-existent)decór, I will not be returning unless it is an absolute emergency. However, if dentophobia is something you do NOT suffer with, feel free to laugh at me while making your way to the Maimonides Dental Clinic.