*MY REVIEW GET REMOVED BY GOOGLE FOR UNKOWN REASON SO I'M GOING TO REPOST MY ORIGINAL GOOGLE REVIEW HERE*
I feel truly disappointed with my recent visit at A2 orthodontics for new patient consultation. I'm just getting back from their office and writing this review in front of my desk almost with tears. I feel so disrespected, even a little racism (not sure if it's because of my Asian face). I don't know if my situation is an exception as I see other people's reviews always mentioning their friendly staff. I want to share my experience just for your reference.
Throughout the entire consultation, the coordinator's attitude towards me made me always wonder if I did anything wrong. She always with a straight face and seemed not willing to talk to me. She didn't explain to me what we're going to do or why we're doing that during the process, and spoke to me in a spiteful tone without additional words (e.g. sit here, turn right). I tried to start small talk - want to make the atmosphere a little relaxed but failed. But I understand and respect that different people have different personalities and ways of working. However, I am also doubting the professionalism of the coordinator:
- She didn't wear gloves while putting stuff in/out of my mouth. I see technicians always wear gloves during this type of process from my previous experience, I'd doubt the professionalism of not wearing gloves during such process epically during the COVID.
- She didn't provide a protective vest before taking the x-ray. I was always asked to wear a protective vest for x-ray either at my general dental clinics or any other orthodontic clinics I visited previously. As she didn't explain anything to me before/during/after taking the x-ray, at the moment she stepped out of the room I didn't realize she was actually about to start the machine, or I would be 100% sure to ask for a protective vest or something like that. It really made me feel uncomfortable and unsafe!
- She didn't allow me to have any consultation with other doctors before or after, or they'll charge a $100 consultation fee as for a second opinion. She explained if they spend 1 hour with me and I finally go with another clinic, it will be a loss to them.
When I pointed out it's not the same as their marketing content advertised on website, she told me it's a new policy just taken action this month in a harsh and impatient tone. She also indicated the full evaluation they offer will always be charged in any clinic. I explained to her about my previous consultation experiences, clinics all did photos and x-rays. Besides, they also did the 3D scanning, sent me all photos/models, a detailed document including diagnosis & treatment recommendations for my reference at no cost. Then she stopped talking, left me hanging there and checked the webpage. Then she told me they'll not charge me this time but will only offer a "small" appointment. Then she left without any more explanation with a straight face, left me hanging there again. I can't think of anything I did wrong to hurt her, I feel I shouldn't deserve to be treated this way.
It's totally fine if you charge those who have consultations with other clinics before but you should advertise it on your website, or send me a heads up if you recently change your policy. It doesn't make sense to market as free and inform patients they'll be charged during the on-site session and threaten patients if they don't pay then they won't be provided with the standard consultation as marketed. I hope you could understand this is a procedure will permanently affect one's rest of life. Every patient has different visions of beauty, and different orthodontists have different plans on both how to improve facial profile & dental health. The consultation is kind of a two-way interview for both patients and orthodontists. It's really hard to make such an important decision without getting enough information.
The front desk lady was very friendly and welcoming, and Dr. Pinzon was very kind and professional too. However I dare not to go back again. read more