I have hesitated for almost two years to write this review. But my recent experience with Dr Brown compelled me to share it. For over 20 years I was a happy patient of the previous owner of this practice, Dr Christina Mason. I receive wonderful care from her and her staff, especially the dental hygienist, Noreen. Recommendations for care were appropriate, work was done to high standards. During early years of the pandemic, Dr Mason did an amazing job of creating a safe space for her patients.
Like many who really liked Dr Mason, I was apprehensive when she sold her practice to Dr Brown. But, she stayed on for a while and that reassured me. On November 14, 2022, I had an appointment with Dr Brown to have a gold on-lay removed and the tooth prepped for a crown. I immediately noticed a difference in my treatment. Dr Mason was known for gentle dentistry. That concept seemed to elude Dr Brown. He grabbed my cheek rather roughly and shook it vigorously while injecting an anesthetic.
The next morning, I awoke to a huge bruise in the area where he grasped my cheek. It was dark and very purple. I called the office and they asked me to come back which I did. To my surprise, Dr Brown's reaction was not kind or caring. He said something like, "Oh, that doesn't happen often." His staff was more sympathetic. Several of them who had known me as a patient for years crowded into the exam room to look at the bruise. They all expressed concern.
As I recall he did attach the permanent crown that day or soon after. Well, that was a disaster...it obviously was poorly set and caused me jaw pain. When I returned to have the crown fixed, thankfully Dr Mason was in the office and she took one look at it and immediately began making adjustments! I was thinking I should find another dentist, but I know that in selling a dental practice it is important to maintain patient revenue for a period of time and I think the world of Dr Mason.
So, back to my regular cleanings. I had made a point from the outset of the office reopening that I am at high risk of any respiratory infections due to a life-long medical condition. And overall, the dental hygienist, took my concerns seriously. There was always an air purifier running in the treatment area and we worked it out so I was able to leave on my mask as long as possible.
BIG CHANGE! On my last visit, in August, I walked into the room and noticed the air purifier was not running. I bent down to turn it on and Noreen said, "It isn't working. We need new filters and they haven't arrived yet." I was perturbed because the air purifier to me is the minimum that a dentist's office needs to do to prevent viral transmission. I explained that I could not unmask so would have to reschedule.
We went to the front desk to reschedule. Noreen and I agreed that I would bring my own air purifier to the next visit in case hers was still not working. I wasn't really happy and I sensed that the change from gentle and caring dentistry was now complete. But, Noreen has been very efficient over the years, and finding a good hygienist is not easy, so I decided to make the best of it.
Two or three weeks later, I received a letter from Dr Brown ending our relationship. As someone who takes care of her teeth and who received excellent care for years from Dr Mason, I find this whole situation very sad. I wish that she had sold to someone who could maintain the quality she achieved. What also saddens me, is that my dear husband died before the ugly black bruise on my face faded. His last view of me was not the pretty wife he had cherished. read more
